Attention girls with hooded eyes – I’m part of the gang too! I know just how frustrating it is when applying makeup, especially if you’re a tutorial girl and the influencer shows you a technique and when you trying to replicate it, you look like you got into a bar brawl with your makeup kit. It’s a legit pet peeve.
But, worry not! We’ve got a few hacks up our sleeve that make application of makeup for hooded eyes way easier. You can master application techniques that make your eyelids look smokin’ hot without the extra square footage (YKWIM). And if that doesn’t make you feel better, remember that personalities like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lawrence, Taylor Swift, and even Megan Fox have been rocking sexy makeup on hooded eyes. What do they know that we don’t? We investigate.
Eye See You, Hood!
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Hooded eyes aren’t one single type. A few may have a very prominent fold of excess skin covering the upper eyelid, and a few may have a portion covered, but not too much (just enough to come in the way of eyeliner pencils) and for others, it could mean there’s practically no eyelid space to play around with. And it just means that you are going to have to be specific about your searches, even within the ‘makeup for hooded eyes’ space.;
It takes a lot of heartache, pain and effort to make simple eyeliner show up on hooded lids.
It’s challenging – but not impossible. The crispest eyeliner could get smudged in one fell swoop and may be hidden within your eyelid folds very easily if not applied properly.
Most of us have gotten used to applying eye makeup while still making it work for us, but for those of us still struggling to find their footing and common ground with content creators, here are a few tricks and tips to help you along the way. The most important thing to keep in mind, whether with the eyeshadow you use or the eyeliner you apply, is to highlight the definition on and around your lids.
1. Eye Primers Aren’t Half Bad
To counteract the smudging and smearing of your recently applied makeup, pocket a tried and tested eye primer to be used before eyeliner/shadow application. Plus, you will need even the subtlest of pigments in your eye makeup to pop, and a primer could be the best way to do that.
2. Cream Is Unbeatable
A creamy liner will always be preferable over liquid eyeliners to create wings for hooded eyes. This way, when you open your eyes after carefully creating your wing, it doesn’t instantly smudge and ruin your whole look. Also, by using a thin and precise applicator brush, you can control exactly how much product is used, and in which direction.
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3. Hooded Eyes Need Expert Blending
Use easy to blend and mix shadows in complementary shades (this doesn’t go only for hooded lid girls). Here’s a pro tip for when you’re applying makeup on hooded eyes. Blend upwards while keeping your eyes open (not closed) to find your natural crease easily. Preferablly, use lighter colours near the corners of your inner eye and darker colours on the outer ends of your lid. Use a silver/silver gold speck right at your inner corners to highlight the blend into the bridge of your nose.
4. Brow Me Good
For girls with hooded lids, our eyebrows is where the emphasis game is at. So it’s important to pay an equal amount of attention to them. Or dare I say, maybe give them a little extra love too. Using a lighter colour underneath with upward brush strokes helps put your brow bone in the spotlight, and with brows being highlighted in recent makeup trends, it makes it all the more easier for us to experiment. e.l.f. Cosmetic’s Wow Brow Gel can be used in upward strokes to create the much-coveted ‘bushy brow’ look.
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5. Up & Up & Up
Since heavy hooded eyes can often be confused with droopy lids, makeup for hooded eyes needs the rest of the base products etc to do some heavy lifting. A strategically placed blush, highlighter and concealer can make a big difference to your overall look. Long contours and subtle lifting is recommended for people with hooded lids.
6. Bigger The Better
Want your eyes to do the talking? Amp up the drama and bring the conversation to your eyes with white or light eyeliners or kohls. Use M.A.C. Cosmetic’s Crayon Kajal Eye Liner in the shade of Gone Blanc (a stunning white that makes your eyes pop).
7. Tend To The Under Eye
Here’s something else you didn’t know about makeup for hooded eyes. When applying and blending your eyeshadow, use a little bit of the lighter shade (blending into dark kohls at the outer corners for a night out) on your lower lid and give your lower lashes several heavy coats of mascara. This adds definition to your eyes and works well to make them appear bigger.
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8. Invest In Waterproof Products
I mean, it’s not even a question, but I just had to mention it. Waterproof products and ones that dry up relatively quickly should be your best friend. Whether liners, or mascaras, you never know when one is going to smudge away. Just make sure to invest in a good cleansing oil or balm to gently remove waterproof makeup products.
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