What's The Best Way To Apply Eyeshadow For Hooded Eyes?

In order to achieve a flawless and flattering eyeshadow application, it is crucial to understand the unique challenges and characteristics of hooded eyes. These eye shapes, characterized by a prominent brow bone and a natural folding of the eyelid, require a specific technique to enhance their beauty. By strategically placing and blending eyeshadow shades, you can create the illusion of depth and dimension, opening up the eyes for a mesmerizing effect. This article will guide you through the best approach to applying eyeshadow for hooded eyes, offering valuable tips and techniques to help you achieve stunning results.

Table of Contents

Understanding Hooded Eyes

What are hooded eyes?

Hooded eyes refer to a specific eye shape where the upper eyelid droops or covers a significant portion of the eyelid when the eyes are open. This can make it more challenging to apply eyeshadow evenly and achieve certain eye makeup looks. Hooded eyes are often characterized by a lack of visible crease and a smaller eyelid space.

How to identify if you have hooded eyes

To determine if you have hooded eyes, you can follow these simple steps:

Look in a mirror straight ahead with your eyes open.
Check if the crease on your eyelid is visible or hidden. If the crease is not visible or partially concealed by the skin when your eyes are open, you likely have hooded eyes.
Observe if your brow bone appears less prominent due to the folds of excess skin covering the eyelid.
Notice if applying traditional eyeshadow techniques results in your eyeshadow smudging or transferring onto the upper lid.

If you experience any of these characteristics, it is likely that you have hooded eyes.

Challenges faced while applying eyeshadow on hooded eyes

Individuals with hooded eyes often face unique challenges when it comes to applying eyeshadow. The main challenges include:

Limited lid space: Hooded eyes have a smaller visible eyelid area, making it difficult to create intricate eyeshadow looks or effectively show off certain shades.
Smudging and transfer: Due to the excess skin on the upper eyelid, eyeshadow may smudge or transfer onto the hooded area, resulting in a less defined and polished look.
Difficulty creating a visible crease: Hooded eyes typically lack a defined crease, making it challenging to create dimension and depth when applying eyeshadow.
Uneven blending: Blending can be more challenging on hooded eyes, as the drooping skin can interfere with achieving a seamless transition of colors.

Understanding these challenges will help you better prepare and adapt your eyeshadow application techniques to suit your hooded eyes.

Prepping Your Hooded Eyes

Eye primer for hooded eyes

Using an eye primer specifically designed for hooded eyes is crucial to ensure long-lasting eyeshadow and prevent creasing. Look for a primer that provides a grippy base to hold onto the eyeshadow and minimize smudging and transferring.

Setting your eye primer

After applying the eye primer, it’s essential to set it with a translucent powder or a neutral eyeshadow shade. This step helps to create a smooth and even surface for the eyeshadow application and prevents creasing throughout the day.

Taping technique for creating a clean canvas

To create a clean canvas for your eyeshadow, try the taping technique. Apply a small piece of tape at an angle from the outer corner of your eye to the tail of your eyebrow. This technique creates a sharp line and a precise edge for your eyeshadow, helping to enhance the shape of your hooded eyes.

Choosing the Right Eyeshadow

Matte vs. shimmery eyeshadows for hooded eyes

When it comes to choosing eyeshadows for hooded eyes, matte shades are often preferred over shimmery ones. Matte eyeshadows do not reflect light as much as shimmers, which can help create a more defined crease and prevent the lid area from appearing too heavy or overemphasized.

Color selection tips for hooded eyes

When selecting eyeshadow colors for hooded eyes, it’s essential to consider your eye color and skin tone. Generally, neutral tones, earthy shades, and soft pastels work well for hooded eyes as they add subtle dimension without overpowering the eyelid. Jewel tones and darker shades can also create a dramatic look when applied strategically.

Best eyeshadow textures for hooded eyes

For hooded eyes, it is recommended to use eyeshadows with a smooth and blendable texture. Avoid chunky glitter or overly powdery formulas as they can emphasize the uneven texture of the hooded lid. Opt for velvety or satin finishes, as they provide a seamless application and blend effortlessly on the eyelid.

Tools and Techniques for Application

Brushes suitable for hooded eyes

Choosing the right brushes for hooded eyes can greatly impact the outcome of your eyeshadow application. Here are some brush types that work well:

Tapered blending brush: This versatile brush is perfect for blending and diffusing colors in the crease and outer corner of the eye.
Flat shader brush: Ideal for packing color onto the lid and creating intense pigment payoff.
Small angled brush: Useful for precisely applying eyeshadow along the lower lash line or for creating a subtle winged eyeliner effect.

Blending techniques for hooded eyelids

Proper blending is essential for a seamless eyeshadow look on hooded eyes. Here are two techniques that can help achieve a flawless blend:

Windshield wiper motion: Use a fluffy blending brush to sweep back and forth in a windshield wiper motion along the crease to create a soft transition of colors.
Circular motion: Blend the edges of the eyeshadow using small circular motions to seamlessly merge the colors and soften any harsh lines.

Cut crease method for emphasizing the eyelid

The cut crease technique can be particularly effective for emphasizing the eyelid on hooded eyes. To achieve this look:

Apply a matte eyeshadow slightly darker than your skin tone to the crease area.
Use a small, flat brush to apply a lighter, shimmery shade on the center of the eyelid, just below the crease.
Blend the edges of the two shades to create a seamless transition, and carefully define the crease with a clean brush.

Mastering these tools and techniques will enable you to create precise and professionally blended eyeshadow looks on hooded eyes.

Creating Dimension and Depth

Transition shade for hooded eyes

Using a transition shade is essential to create dimension and depth on hooded eyes. Choose a matte eyeshadow shade that is slightly darker than your skin tone and apply it to the crease area. This shade acts as a buffer between your skin and the deeper shades, helping to blend and soften the overall look.

Outer V technique for adding dimension

The outer V technique is a great way to add dimension to hooded eyes. To achieve this:

With a small, angled brush, apply a deeper shade to the outer corner of the eye and blend towards the crease.
Use the same shade to softly line the outer half of the lower lash line, connecting it to the outer corner of the upper lid.
Blend the edges with a clean brush for a seamless finish.

Applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line

When applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line of hooded eyes, it’s important to keep it soft and smudgy. Use a pencil brush to apply a complementary color, slightly lighter than the shade on the upper lid. This will help create a balanced look and prevent the eyes from appearing top-heavy.

Avoiding Smudging and Transferring

Preventing transfer to the hooded area

To prevent eyeshadow transfer onto the hooded area, there are a few strategies you can employ:

Use an eyeshadow primer and set it with powder to create a barrier between the eyeshadow and the skin.
Avoid applying too much product on the mobile lid to minimize the chances of transfer.
Opt for long-lasting and waterproof eyeshadows that are less likely to smudge or transfer throughout the day.

Avoiding smudging on the upper lid

To avoid smudging on the upper lid, try the following techniques:

Focus your eyeshadow application on the visible part of the lid and avoid extending it too close to the crease.
Use an eyeliner or tightlining technique to define the upper lash line instead of smudging eyeshadow in that area.
Consider using an eyeshadow primer specifically formulated to control oil and reduce smudging.

Setting spray for long-lasting eyeshadow

Applying a setting spray after completing your eyeshadow look can help lock it in place and increase its longevity. Look for a setting spray that specifically mentions its ability to prevent smudging and transferring. Lightly mist the spray over your closed eyes, holding it at a distance to avoid disrupting your perfectly applied eyeshadow.

Dealing with Eye Creases

Eye priming for minimizing creasing

To minimize creasing on hooded eyes, proper eye priming is key. Make sure to use an eyeshadow primer that specifically addresses creasing and extends the longevity of your eyeshadow. Apply a thin layer of primer onto the entire eyelid, focusing on the areas prone to creasing, and blend it in with your finger or a brush.

Choosing eyeshadow formulas that reduce creasing

Opting for eyeshadows that have a satin or velvet finish can help reduce creasing on hooded eyes. These formulas tend to adhere better to the skin and create a more seamless look. Avoid overly creamy or greasy eyeshadows, as they can slide and contribute to creasing.

Blotting technique for minimizing creases

If you notice creasing throughout the day, a blotting technique can help minimize the appearance. Using a clean fingertip or a small brush, gently press and smooth the creased area to redistribute the eyeshadow and create a more even surface. Be careful not to rub or drag the eyeshadow, as it may cause further smudging or disruption.

Eyeliner Tips for Hooded Eyes

Winged eyeliner technique for hooded eyes

Creating a winged eyeliner look on hooded eyes requires some adjustments to suit the eye shape. Follow these steps for a flattering wing:

Start by drawing a thin line as close to the upper lash line as possible, gradually building thickness towards the outer corner.
Extend the line slightly past the outer corner of the eye, angling it slightly upward to lift the eye.
Connect the wing to the upper lash line, creating a triangular shape.
Make sure the wing is visible even when the eyes are open.

Tightlining for hooded eyes

Tightlining, also known as invisible eyeliner, is a great technique for adding definition without overpowering the hooded eyes. To tightline:

Gently lift your upper eyelid and, using a soft pencil eyeliner, apply the liner as close to the upper waterline as possible.
Start from the outer corner and work your way towards the inner corner, taking care to avoid poking or tugging the delicate eye area.
This technique creates the illusion of fuller lashes and adds subtle depth to the eyes.

Applying eyeliner on the waterline

When applying eyeliner on the waterline of hooded eyes, it’s important to consider the potential transfer. Opt for waterproof and long-lasting formulas to minimize smudging and ensure longevity. Apply the eyeliner along the lower waterline, avoiding the inner corner to prevent a closed-off eye appearance.

Lash and Mascara Techniques

Curling and lifting hooded eyelashes

Curling and lifting hooded eyelashes can open up the eyes and create a more awake and defined look. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Use an eyelash curler specifically designed for hooded eyes, with a slight curve that fits the shape of your eyelid.
Position the curler as close to the base of the lashes as possible, gently squeeze and hold for a few seconds.
Move the curler closer to the lash tips, curling again to create a lifted effect.
Follow with your favorite mascara to enhance the curl and add volume.

Mascara application for hooded eyes

When applying mascara to hooded eyes, it’s crucial to focus on the outer lashes and avoid clumping the lashes together. Here’s how to achieve a voluminous yet natural look:

Hold the mascara wand horizontally and wiggle it from the root to the tip of the lashes.
Concentrate on coating the outer lashes, which will help create a lifted effect and open up the eye.
Brush through the lashes with a clean mascara wand or a lash comb to separate and remove any clumps.

False eyelash options for hooded eyes

False eyelashes can be a game-changer for hooded eyes, adding drama and enhancing the eye shape. Consider these false eyelash options:

Individual lashes: Apply individual lashes to the outer corner of the eye to create a winged effect and lift.
Half lashes: These smaller lash strips focus on the outer half of the lash line, giving a lifted appearance without overwhelming the hooded eye.
Wispy lashes: Opt for wispy lashes that are longer at the outer edges to add length and create a flattering cat-eye effect.
Curled lashes: Look for false lashes that have a natural curl or curl them yourself before application to match the curve of hooded eyes.

Fixing Common Mistakes

Correcting patchy eyeshadow application

If you notice patchy eyeshadow application on your hooded eyes, there are steps you can take to fix it:

Use a clean blending brush to blend the edges of the patchy area and soften any harsh lines.
Apply a transition shade or a similar color to the patchy area, building up the intensity gradually until it blends seamlessly with the rest of your eyeshadow.
If necessary, use a clean brush to pat a small amount of concealer onto the patchy area and blend it out, then reapply the eyeshadow.

Cleaning up fallout under the eyes

Fallout can be a common issue when applying eyeshadow on hooded eyes. To clean up fallout effectively:

Use a clean fluffy brush or a makeup sponge to gently sweep away any eyeshadow fallout from under the eyes.
Alternatively, you can lightly press a piece of sticky tape onto the affected area to lift off the fallout without disturbing the rest of your makeup.
After cleaning up the fallout, use a small amount of concealer or foundation to even out the area and set it with powder.

Blending techniques to fix harsh lines

Harsh lines can occur during the eyeshadow application process on hooded eyes. The key to fixing them is seamless blending:

Use a clean blending brush and a transition shade to gently blend over the harsh lines, softening the edges.
Take your time and be patient, using small circular motions to create a smooth gradient and blend the colors together.
If necessary, reintroduce the transition shade or a similar color to redefine the area and blend it again.

By employing these techniques, you can effectively fix common mistakes and achieve a polished eyeshadow look on hooded eyes.

In conclusion, understanding hooded eyes and adapting your eyeshadow application techniques accordingly is essential for achieving a flattering and long-lasting result. By prepping your hooded eyes, choosing the right eyeshadow, utilizing appropriate tools and techniques, creating dimension and depth, preventing smudging, dealing with creasing, mastering eyeliner tips, enhancing your lashes, and fixing common mistakes, you can overcome the challenges associated with hooded eyes and create stunning eye makeup looks. With practice and the right knowledge, you can embrace and enhance your unique eye shape with confidence.