Eye-opening make-up tricks for hooded eyes
Hooded eyes can pose some make-up challenges, as the eyelid is obscured. But these make-up dos and don’ts will bring out the best in your eyes.
What do A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift and Emma Stone all have in common?
Aside from being genetically blessed and famous, a closer look at their peepers reveals they all have naturally hooded eyes.
Contrary to myths about this natural eye shape, hooded eyes can indeed wear eye make-up, according to Sydney make-up artist Heidi Scarlett King.
“Every eye shape can wear make-up, but each eye shape requires a different approach,” Heidi says.
“So if you have hooded eyes, it’s about understanding complementary make-up and techniques.”
What are hooded eyes?
“Hooded eyes refer to when the brow and tissue of the eyelid hangs down from the brow bone and overlaps the mobile eyelid (the eye part that moves when you blink), making this usually visible space hidden,” Perth make-up artist Christina Rodio explains.
She says hooded eyes are either “something we’re born with or something that develops over time due to ageing when the eye recedes into the socket”.
She says to tell if you have them, simply look at your eyes in the mirror.
“If you can’t see your natural crease or eyelid when the eyes are open, you likely have hooded eyes.”
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What make-up works best with hooded eyes?
Because the eyelid won’t be visible and may even be difficult to access, you may need to rethink what make-up you put on your eyelid.
“Make-up looks with a lot of detail on the mobile eyelid probably won’t work with hooded eyes,” Heidi says.
“However, any look that includes a cut crease (eyeshadow technique) is going to be flattering and create depth and definition.”
Christina recommends applying your eye make-up while keeping your eyes open as much as possible “so you can see exactly how the make-up will set and appear”.
The make-up experts suggest choosing make-up products for hooded eyes wisely.
“You want to avoid smudging or creasing, so look for long-wear or waterproof formulas,” Christina says.
“Remember, when the eye is open, very soft or smudgy products may transfer on to the brow bone due to the fold within the eyelid.”
They also have strong ideas on what shades should be avoided on hooded eyelids.
“Steer clear of any frosty, shimmery colours that will reflect light and magnify the area,” Heidi suggests.
Christina recommends avoiding anything too dark as it can make the eyes appear “heavy or droopy”.
“Stick with lighter shades,” she says.
How to create a fake eye crease
When you have hooded eyes, your natural eye crease is not visible when you look in the mirror.
Faking a defined eye crease should be the cornerstone of any make-up look for hooded eyelids, according to both experts.
“To recreate a crease on the eyelids, use a matte creamy pencil in a C shape to give the illusion of eye contouring,” Heidi suggests.
“Then add a few mid-matte shadow shades around this area, using a small, flat, round tip brush for precision.”
From there, Christina suggests adding eyeliner using “the tightline approach – where you draw eyeliner inside the lash line along the waterline”.
“This liner technique will deepen the lash line without having to apply product directly on to the mobile eyelid.”
Finally, Christina suggests adding the finishing touch of a lightweight lengthening mascara followed by a highlighter pressed on to the eye and brow bone.
“Together, this creates an eye-opening and lifting effect,” she says.
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- Why lash extensions are out of favour and what to do instead
- Is your make-up ageing you? Beauty tips for mature skin
- Want to dazzle? Try the crystal make-up trend
- How to rock the lavender chrome make-up trend
Written by Sharon Hunt.
