Let’s be honest for a sec — hooded eyes can be a little tricky when it comes to makeup. You follow that tutorial, blend like your life depends on it, and… poof, your eyeshadow disappears the second you open your eyes. 😩 Been there. But don’t worry — hooded eyes are not a curse. In fact, when you know the right tricks, they’re downright stunning.
Whether your goal is to make your eyes look bigger, brighter, and more awake, or you’re just tired of your eyeliner smudging into oblivion, I’ve got you covered. As someone who’s spent way too many hours experimenting (and accidentally stabbing my eyelid with mascara), I’m here to share the ultimate hooded eye makeup tips that actually work.
So grab your favorite palette, a mirror, and maybe a snack — because this is about to get good. 👏

💡 1. Know Your Shape First
Before anything else, you’ve got to understand your eye shape. Hooded eyes usually have a little extra skin that folds over the crease, which makes the lid area look smaller. This doesn’t mean you can’t rock bold eyeshadow looks — you just need to adjust the placement a bit.
Here’s a quick way to check: look straight into the mirror. If your crease isn’t visible when your eyes are open, congrats — you’ve got hooded eyes (and amazing potential for sultry, mysterious makeup looks).
🎨 2. Prime Like You Mean It
If there’s one non-negotiable for hooded eyes, it’s eyeshadow primer. Because let’s face it — the crease loves to eat makeup.
Why it matters:
- It keeps your shadow in place all day (no more smudgy lids).
- It prevents that dreaded “half-gone” eyeshadow look.
- It brightens your lid and makes colors pop.
Apply a thin layer of primer, blend it out evenly, and set it lightly with a skin-toned shadow or translucent powder. Your eyeshadow will last hours longer, even on hot days.
🌫️ 3. Create a “Fake” Crease
Ever wondered why your beautifully blended crease disappears? That’s because it’s hiding under your lid. The trick? Draw a new crease slightly above your natural one.
Use a matte medium-toned shade (like soft brown or taupe) and apply it just above your real crease — basically on your bone. This gives the illusion of a bigger lid space and makes your eyes look instantly more open.
Blend it well, but keep the shape lifted — almost like a soft “cat-eye” effect.
Trust me, once you get this down, it’s a total game-changer.
✨ 4. Shimmer — But Be Strategic
Shimmer is your friend, but only when placed correctly. For hooded eyes, you want to highlight areas that catch the light naturally — not the parts that fold.
Apply shimmer to:
- The center of the lid (for a pop of dimension).
- The inner corner (to brighten your eyes).
- Right under the brow bone (for lift).
Avoid heavy shimmer directly in the crease — it can emphasize the hood instead of hiding it.
And for the love of glitter, don’t use chunky sparkle unless you want it migrating all over your face by noon. 😅

🖊️ 5. Eyeliner: Keep It Thin and Lifted
If eyeliner has been your arch-nemesis, you’re not alone. Hooded eyes and thick eyeliner just… don’t mix. The key is keeping it thin and angled upward.
Try this instead:
- Use a fine-tip pencil or felt liner to draw a super-thin line along your upper lash line.
- Extend it slightly upward at the outer corner — think mini wing, not dramatic cat-eye.
- If you want definition without harsh lines, smudge your liner with a dark eyeshadow.
And here’s the pro move: tightline your upper lash line (apply liner between your lashes). It gives you definition without eating up lid space.
Bonus tip: Use waterproof formulas. Hooded eyes = natural humidity. 😉
💫 6. Lift Those Lashes, Babe
If you do nothing else, curl your lashes. It’s the simplest way to instantly open up your eyes and make them look bigger and more awake.
For maximum lift:
- Use a heated lash curler or warm your regular one with a hairdryer for a few seconds.
- Curl from the base upward in gentle pulses.
- Apply lengthening mascara, focusing on the center and outer lashes.
Avoid heavy, clumpy mascara — it can weigh down your lashes and hide your lid space.
Pro tip: Try tubing mascara — it won’t smudge, flake, or melt onto your upper lid (thank me later).
7. Go Easy on the Lower Lash Line
Too much darkness on the lower lash line can drag your eyes down and make them look smaller (and no one wants “I haven’t slept in 3 days” energy).
Instead:
- Use a light brown or taupe shadow for soft definition.
- Keep the darkest color on the outer third of your eye.
- Add a nude or white eyeliner to your lower waterline for that “bright and awake” effect.
It’s subtle, but wow does it make a difference.
💄 8. Highlight the Right Spots
Highlighting isn’t just for cheekbones — a little well-placed light can transform hooded eyes.
Where to highlight:
- Inner corners → makes your eyes look wider apart.
- Center of the lid → adds dimension and brightness.
- Brow bone → creates lift.
Stick to soft champagne or pearl tones — they’re universally flattering and less harsh than pure white.
🌈 9. Blend Up, Not Out
Here’s a simple but powerful rule: blend upward, not outward.
When you blend eyeshadow straight across, it can make hooded eyes look droopy. Instead, angle your brush slightly up toward your temple.
This gives your eyes an instant “lifted” effect — no Botox required. 😉
🧠 10. Concealer Magic: Brighten and Lift
You might not think of concealer as part of your eye makeup routine, but it’s your secret weapon.
- Apply a light-reflecting concealer in the inner corner and under the eye.
- Blend it slightly upward toward the temples for an instant lifted look.
- Set it lightly with powder so it doesn’t crease.
Boom. You’ve just created the illusion of eight hours of sleep and a mini facelift — all in two minutes.
🌟 11. Keep Brows Clean and Lifted
Never underestimate how much your eyebrows frame your eyes. For hooded eyes, a lifted, well-groomed brow makes a massive difference.
Try this:
- Brush your brows upward with a clear or tinted gel.
- Keep the arch slightly higher to create lift.
- Avoid super-thick, flat brows — they can make your eyes look heavier.
A little brow lamination (or DIY soap brows) can go a long way in opening up your entire eye area.

🎭 12. Try the “Halo Eye” Trick
Want your eyes to look huge? Try a halo eye — it’s basically a light shade in the center surrounded by darker shades on the edges.
Here’s the step-by-step:
- Apply a medium shade in your crease (above the natural one).
- Add a darker shade to the inner and outer corners.
- Pop a shimmer or metallic shade in the center of your lid.
Blend gently, and voila — you’ve got depth, brightness, and dimension.
It’s flattering on literally everyone (and looks way fancier than it actually is).
🧴 13. Less Is More for Hooded Eyes
One of the biggest mistakes people make? Overloading the lid with product. The more you pile on, the faster it creases.
Stick to thin layers of shadow and blend as you go. It’ll last longer, look cleaner, and feel lighter.
Also, remember: your eyes already have a natural depth — your job is to enhance it, not bury it under 12 layers of eyeshadow. 😉
💋 14. Pair It with the Right Lip
If you’ve nailed your eye makeup, balance it out with a complementary lip.
- For daytime: Try a nude or soft pink gloss to keep things fresh and natural.
- For nighttime: Go bold — think berry, red, or even a deep plum.
This contrast keeps your overall look balanced and sophisticated.
💬 My Go-To Hooded Eye Combo
Okay, personal favorite time:
- Matte taupe shadow as a crease shade (placed higher).
- Soft champagne shimmer on the lid.
- Thin winged liner.
- Tubing mascara.
- Nude pencil on the waterline.
It’s simple, flattering, and works for literally any occasion — brunch, date night, or that 9 AM meeting you’re barely awake for. ☕
💖 Final Thoughts: It’s All About Confidence
Here’s the truth — hooded eyes are gorgeous. They’re mysterious, expressive, and totally unique. The “tricks” aren’t about changing how your eyes look — they’re about enhancing what’s already there.
So experiment, have fun, and remember: makeup isn’t a rulebook — it’s a playground. Whether you go for soft neutrals or full-on glitter glam, own it.
And next time someone says hooded eyes are “hard to work with,” just smile, bat your perfectly lifted lashes, and say — “Not if you know what you’re doing.” 😉