Eye Makeup for Hooded Eyes: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Hooded eyes can make applying makeup a bit tricky, especially when your eyeshadow disappears into the crease. But with a few simple tips, you can create eye looks that stay visible and flattering. Whether you’re new to makeup or just need guidance for your eye shape, these beginner-friendly tips will help you enhance and lift your hooded eyes with ease.

13 Hooded Eyes Makeup Tips for Beginners That Work

1. Always Look Straight Into the Mirror

Why it matters: Looking down stretches the skin and distorts your application.

Tip: Apply eye makeup while looking straight into a mirror to see exactly where the makeup sits when your eyes are open. This ensures your colors appear above the crease—even when your eyes are relaxed.

2. Lift the Brow with a Matte Highlight

Why it matters: A subtle lift can transform your eye shape.

Tip: Apply a matte (not frosted) highlight or concealer just under the arch of your brow. It not only brightens the area but gives the illusion of a higher brow and more lifted eyes. Try a lightweight concealer like Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer.

3. Brighten the Outer Corner with Concealer

Why it matters: Hooded eyes and aging can cause the outer corners to sink.

Tip: Add a touch of concealer from the outer lower lash line angled up toward your temples. Blend softly to lift and brighten that area.

4. Highlight the Center of the Lid

Why it matters: Hooded lids often hide the center of your eyelid.

Tip: Apply a lighter concealer or matte eyeshadow directly to the center of the lid (and over the fold, if needed). This brightens and creates the illusion of a larger lid space.

5. Use Light Eyeshadow to Set and Enhance

Why it matters: Light tones reflect more and open up your eyes.

Tip: Use a bone, nude, pale pink, or light peach shadow to set your concealer. Keep most of the pigment in the center, then blend out softly.

6. Contour Slightly Above the Crease

Why it matters: Hooded lids often need an artificial crease.

Tip: Use a matte bronzer or soft brown eyeshadow just above your natural crease—never on the lid itself. This creates depth and the illusion of a larger mobile lid.

7. Frame the Lower Lash Line

Why it matters: Hooded eyes tend to look smaller.

Tip: Use a soft brown eyeliner or eyeshadow from the outer corner halfway in on the lower lash line. Smudge it gently for a soft, lifted definition.

8. Keep Eyeliner Low and Soft

Why it matters: Harsh liner eats up lid space.

Tip: Stick to soft brown powder or pencil liners and avoid thick top liners. Extend the outer corner slightly upward from the lower lash line for lift without bulk.

9. Use Flesh-Toned Pencil in the Waterline

Why it matters: It makes the whites of your eyes appear larger.

Tip: Apply a nude, peach, or flesh-toned pencil (not stark white) to the lower waterline. This brightens without looking too dramatic.

10. Tightline the Upper Waterline

Why it matters: Adds fullness to lashes without taking up lid space.

Tip: Use a waterproof black or brown pencil to line underneath the upper lashes. This gives the appearance of fuller lashes while preserving your lid real estate.

11. Prime and Stretch Your Lashes

Why it matters: Big lashes open up hooded eyes.

Tip: Use an eyelash primer like MAC’s white lash base before mascara. Then apply black mascara while looking down into a mirror and lifting your brows to avoid smudging.

12. Use Downward Mirror Angles for Mascara

Why it matters: Hooded lids easily smudge.

Tip: Look down into a mirror when applying mascara. This stretches the skin and helps prevent product from hitting your eyelid fold.

13. Deepen Outer Corners for Evening Looks

Why it matters: It adds drama without crowding the lid.

Tip: For a nighttime version, deepen the outer corner with a darker brown or black eyeshadow. Focus on the outer third of the eye to add smokiness and dimension without taking up lid space.

Do’s and Don’ts for Hooded Eye Makeup

Do’s	Why It Works	Don’ts	What Goes Wrong
Do look straight into a mirror while applying makeup.	Ensures placement of shadows is visible even when eyes are open.	Don’t apply makeup while looking down.	The makeup gets hidden in the crease once the eyes are open.
Do apply a matte highlight or concealer just under the arch of the brow.	Lifts and defines the brow area, helping the eye look more open.	Don’t use shimmery highlights on crepey skin.	Shimmer emphasizes texture and fine lines.
Do apply concealer at the outer corner of the eye, angled upward.	Visually lifts drooping outer corners and adds brightness.	Don’t blend concealer too far out or downwards.	Can drag the eyes down and emphasize sagging.
Do lighten the center of the mobile lid with concealer or light matte eyeshadow.	Creates an illusion of larger lid space and draws attention.	Don’t use dark colors on the center of the mobile lid.	Dark shades make the lid appear smaller and more recessed.
Do apply the crease color above the natural crease.	Simulates a lifted crease for hooded or hidden lids.	Don’t apply crease color directly into your natural fold.	It gets lost under the hood and is no longer visible when the eyes are open.
Do use matte or soft shimmer eyeshadows on the mobile lid.	Helps define the lid without enhancing texture.	Don’t use heavy shimmer or glitter if you have texture or deep folds.	Shimmer can exaggerate hooded or wrinkled lids.
Do use soft brown eyeliner on the lower lash line.	Helps make eyes look bigger and more defined without harsh lines.	Don’t use black liner on both top and bottom waterlines.	Makes eyes look smaller and more closed off.
Do apply eyeliner on the upper waterline (tightline).	Makes lashes look fuller without taking up lid space.	Don’t apply thick eyeliner on the top lash line.	It can make eyes look heavy and reduce visible lid space.
Do elongate the outer corner of the eye with soft shadow.	Lifts and lengthens the eye without needing winged liner.	Don’t create high or thick eyeliner wings.	Wings may transfer or look uneven due to folds.
Do use flesh-toned or nude liner in the lower waterline.	Opens the eyes and gives a refreshed look.	Don’t use bright white liner.	Looks unnatural and stark, especially in photos.
Do curl lashes and use a lash primer before mascara.	Enhances lashes without relying on falsies.	Don’t skip curling if lashes are straight or droop.	Lashes can press against hooded lids, making a mess.
Do apply mascara while looking down into a mirror.	Prevents smudging mascara on hooded or folded lids.	Don’t look straight ahead when applying top mascara.	Increases the risk of smudging on the upper lid.
Do deepen the outer V with a darker shadow for nighttime.	Adds drama without compromising lid space.	Don’t bring a dark shadow across the entire lid.	Makes eyes appear smaller and heavier.

Final Thoughts

Mastering makeup for hooded eyes doesn’t have to be intimidating. These beginner-friendly tips will help you lift, define, and enhance your eye shape beautifully—whether you’re going for a soft daytime glow or a dramatic evening look. Always remember, the key is maximizing visible lid space and working with your unique eye shape, not against it.