Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Hacks for Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes are beautiful, sultry, and incredibly common—but they do need a slightly different approach when it comes to makeup. If you’ve ever felt like your eyeshadow disappears or your eyeliner vanishes when your eyes are open, these simple hacks will change the game.

1. Prime Is Non-Negotiable

Hooded lids tend to crease more, so a good eye primer is essential. Apply a thin layer and set lightly with a neutral shadow. This creates a smooth base and helps your eyeshadow stay visible and crease-free all day.

2. Look Straight Ahead When Blending

Instead of blending with your eyes closed, keep them open and relaxed. Place your transition shade slightly above your natural crease so the colour is still visible when your eyes are open. This lifts the eye and avoids the “hidden shadow” effect.

3. Keep the Lid Light, the Depth Higher

Use lighter or satin shades on the mobile lid to reflect light and make the eye appear more open. Add depth with matte shades just above the crease, blending upwards rather than outwards. Avoid heavy dark colours directly on the lid—they can make hooded eyes look smaller.

4. Rethink Eyeliner Placement

Thick eyeliner can overwhelm hooded eyes. Instead, go for a thin line close to the lash line. Tightlining the upper waterline is a game-changer—it gives definition without taking up lid space.

5. Try the “Bat Wing” Liner

For winged liner lovers, the bat wing technique is perfect. Draw the wing with your eyes open, following the natural fold of your lid, then connect it back to the lash line. This keeps the wing sharp and visible even when your eyes are open.

6. Mascara Is Your Best Friend

Focus mascara on the outer lashes to lift and elongate the eye. Curling your lashes beforehand makes a huge difference, opening up the eye instantly.

Hooded eyes don’t need fixing—just the right techniques to enhance their shape. With these small tweaks, your eyeshadow and liner will finally be seen, stay put, and look effortlessly lifted.