Hooded Eye Makeup: 9 Eye-Popping Steps for Stunning Eyes

Hooded eyes are absolutely gorgeous, and with the right techniques, you can make them truly pop! If you've been struggling with your eye makeup, don't worry—it's all about using the proper approach. Follow these 9 steps to enhance your beautiful hooded eyes and create looks that last all day.

Step 1: Prime Your Lids

Always start with an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth, crease-proof base. This is crucial for hooded eyes since the skin tends to cause makeup transfer and creasing.

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: Milani Eyeshadow Primer - Lightweight, crease-proof formula that's a best-seller with 8,000+ monthly purchases and prevents creasing all day

Step 2: Be Strategic with Shadows

Mix shimmery and matte shadows for dimension. Apply shimmery shades to the center of your lid, inner corner, and under the brow bone to brighten and open up your eyes. Use matte colors in the crease to create depth. Avoid shimmer on the hooded part of your eyelid, as it can accentuate the hood.

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: Julep Eyeshadow 101 Stick - The most popular eyeshadow on Amazon with 113,000+ units sold, waterproof cream-to-powder formula that's perfect for hooded eyes

Step 3: Create a Fake Crease

Since your natural crease may be hidden, create a "fake crease" slightly above where your lid folds. Use a matte transition shade and blend it where you want your crease to appear when your eyes are open. This technique is a game-changer for hooded eyes!

Pro Tip: Apply your crease color with your eyes open so you can see exactly where it should go for maximum impact.

Step 4: Blend, Blend, Blend

Seamless blending is absolutely crucial for hooded eyes. Use a fluffy blending brush to soften any harsh lines and create a smooth gradient effect. The more you blend, the more professional your look will appear.

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: BS-MALL Makeup Brush Set - The most popular makeup brush set on Amazon with a 16-piece collection including essential blending brushes for seamless hooded eye looks

Step 5: Create a Subtle Wing

Winged eyeliner works wonderfully for hooded eyes when done right! Direct your wing upward and outward to create a lifted, awake appearance. Keep the liner thin along your lash line and focus the thickness on the outer wing only.

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner - Ultra-pigmented, waterproof eyeliner in Black that's the top-selling liner for creating perfect wings on hooded eyes

Step 6: Skip Heavy Lower Liner

Avoid applying heavy eyeliner to your lower lash line, as this can make your eyes look smaller. Instead, opt for a soft, smudged line or skip lower liner entirely. If you do line the bottom, use a pencil brush to smudge it for a softer effect.

Pro Tip: Use a nude or white eyeliner on your lower waterline to brighten and open up your eyes!

Step 7: Curl and Amplify Your Lashes

Curling your lashes makes a huge difference in opening up hooded eyes. Follow with a volumizing mascara on both upper and lower lashes. Consider tightlining your upper waterline to make lashes appear thicker.

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara - The #1 selling mascara under $5 with dramatic volumizing results that open up hooded eyes

Step 8: Define and Highlight Your Brows

Well-groomed brows are even more important with hooded eyes. Fill them in with short, hair-like strokes and keep the inner portion lighter. Use a highlighter or light concealer under your brow bone to create lift and make your eyes appear more open.

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - The most popular eyebrow pencil with ultra-fine tip for precise, natural-looking hair-like strokes

Step 9: Experiment with False Lashes

The right false lashes can be a game-changer for hooded eyes! Choose lashes with longer length in the center to lift and open the eye, or opt for half lashes that are longer at the ends to elongate your eyes. Avoid heavy, droopy styles.

#1 Amazon Best-Seller: Ardell Wispies - The most popular false lashes on Amazon, perfect for hooded eyes with medium volume and natural flutter that lifts and opens the eye

Pro Tips for Hooded Eyes Success

• Always apply eyeshadow with your eyes open so you can see where colors will actually show

• Less is more on the lid - focus color and drama above the crease

• Set your eye makeup with a setting spray to prevent transfer to your brow bone

• Use waterproof formulas to avoid smudging throughout the day

• Highlight strategically - inner corners and brow bones to create lift

• Practice makes perfect - hooded eye techniques take time to master!