Hooded eyes are a unique and beautiful feature, but they can present challenges when it comes to makeup application. Understanding how to work with your eye shape is key to creating a flattering and polished look. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential techniques for mastering hooded eye makeup.
Understanding Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes are characterized by excess skin that folds over the crease, partially or completely covering the eyelid. This can make it difficult to see the eyelid fully when the eyes are open. However, hooded eyes come in many different shapes, and with the right techniques, they can be accentuated beautifully.
The goal when doing makeup for hooded eyes is to create depth and make the eyes appear more open and lifted. By focusing on highlighting your natural features and using specific techniques, you can enhance your eye shape in a way that looks stunning.
Preparing the Eyes for Makeup
Before you start applying makeup, it’s important to prepare the eyes to ensure that the makeup stays in place and lasts longer. Here are a few steps to follow:
Cleanse the Skin: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any oils or dirt. This helps create a fresh base for makeup application.
Apply Eye Cream: Use an eye cream to hydrate the skin around the eyes. This helps to minimize puffiness and smooth out any fine lines. It’s especially useful for hooded eyes, where the skin can sometimes appear more textured.
Prime the Eyelids: Apply an eyeshadow primer to the lids. This step is crucial for hooded eyes because the extra skin can cause makeup to crease. A primer helps create a smooth surface and prevents your eyeshadow from fading.
Set with Powder: Set the primer with a light dusting of translucent powder to keep it in place.
Choosing the Right Eyeshadow
The right eyeshadow can make a world of difference when it comes to hooded eyes. Dark shades are not always your best friend, as they can make the eyes appear smaller. Instead, opt for shades that will create depth and highlight the eyes.
Matte Shadows: Matte eyeshadows work best for creating depth and shaping the eyelid. Avoid using too many shimmery shadows, as they can make the eyes look heavy.
Light Shades: Light shades, such as beige, ivory, or soft pink, can be used to highlight the inner corners of the eyes or the brow bone, opening up the eye area.
Mid-Tone Shades: Soft browns, taupes, and dusty roses are great for creating dimension on the lid and in the crease.
Dark Shades: Dark shades, such as deep brown or charcoal, can be used in the outer corner to add depth. These should be applied sparingly, as too much dark color can make the eyes look more hooded.
Shimmery Shades: A little shimmer on the lid can be used to catch the light, but avoid placing shimmer on the crease or above it, as this can make the eyes appear droopy.
Step-by-Step Hooded Eye Makeup Application
Step 1: Apply a Transition Shade
Start by applying a transition shade to your eyelids. This is a light or medium matte shadow that will help create a seamless blend between the darker and lighter shades. A soft brown or neutral shade works well.
Use a fluffy blending brush to sweep this shade into your crease. Focus on blending it upward, beyond the natural crease, to create the illusion of a more lifted eye.
Step 2: Define the Crease
To further define the crease, use a medium-toned matte shade. This shade should be slightly darker than your transition color, such as a warm brown or taupe.
Apply this color with a smaller, more precise brush to the natural crease line, and then blend it upwards and outward. For hooded eyes, the crease area is often hidden, so it’s important to apply this color higher than the natural crease to make it more visible when your eyes are open.
Step 3: Deepen the Outer Corner
To create depth and dimension, apply a darker shade to the outer corner of the eye. Use a deep brown, charcoal, or even a plum shade. Use a small, angled brush to apply this shade along the lash line and into the outer crease. Blend the color upwards and outwards to create a winged shape.
This will help to lift the eye and create the appearance of a larger, more open eyelid.
Step 4: Highlight the Inner Corner and Brow Bone
To open up the eyes, apply a light, shimmery shade to the inner corner of the eyes. This will brighten up the area and make the eyes appear more awake.
Next, apply a matte or shimmery highlight under the brow bone to lift and highlight the arch of the brows. This step will create contrast and add a lifted effect to the eyes.
Step 5: Apply Eyeliner
Eyeliner can be tricky for hooded eyes, but when applied correctly, it can accentuate your eye shape beautifully.
Tightlining: Tightlining refers to applying eyeliner to the upper waterline. This technique fills in the gaps between your lashes, making them appear thicker and fuller. It also helps define the eyes without taking up valuable lid space.
Upper Lash Line: When applying eyeliner to the upper lash line, use a gel or liquid liner with a fine tip. For a natural look, keep the eyeliner thin and close to the lash line. If you want a more dramatic look, you can wing it slightly, but make sure the wing is lifted and not pointing downward.
Lower Lash Line: Avoid heavy eyeliner on the lower lash line, as this can make the eyes appear smaller. Instead, apply a thin line of eyeliner or eyeshadow close to the lower lashes. You can smudge it out slightly for a softer look.
Step 6: Curl Your Lashes
Curling your lashes is a crucial step for hooded eyes. Because the eyelid folds over, the lashes can sometimes hide the eyes. By curling them, you open up the eyes and make them appear bigger and brighter.
Use a high-quality eyelash curler to curl your lashes at the base, and hold for a few seconds. This helps to lift the lashes and gives them a more dramatic appearance.
Step 7: Apply Mascara
Mascara is a must for hooded eyes, as it lifts the lashes and makes the eyes appear more open. Use a volumizing mascara to add fullness to the lashes.
Apply mascara to both the top and bottom lashes. For a more dramatic effect, use multiple coats on the upper lashes to create length and volume. Be sure to coat the outer lashes for a lifted look.
Step 8: Optional False Lashes
If you want even more drama, you can apply false lashes to further open up the eyes. Choose lashes that are more fluttery and longer on the outer corners to enhance the lifted effect. Make sure the lashes are not too thick, as this can weigh down the eyes.
Tips for Hooded Eye Makeup
Avoid Too Much Dark Eyeshadow: Dark eyeshadows can make the eyes appear smaller, so use them sparingly. Instead, focus on lighter, neutral shades to create depth.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is key when working with hooded eyes. The goal is to create a seamless gradient of color that makes the eyes appear larger and more open. Spend time blending your shadows to avoid harsh lines.
Use Matte Eyeshadows in the Crease: Matte shadows work best in the crease because they add depth without creating shine or making the eyes appear heavier.
Use Waterproof Products: Hooded eyes are more prone to smudging and creasing. Opt for waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadows to ensure your makeup stays intact throughout the day.
Create a Lifted Look with Winged Liner: A subtle wing can lift the eyes and create the illusion of a larger eyelid. Make sure the wing is angled upward to avoid dragging the eyes down.
Experiment with Different Shapes: Everyone’s hooded eyes are different, so experiment with various eyeshadow shapes to find what works best for you. Some people prefer a rounded shape, while others like a more elongated or winged look.
Consider Using Tape: If you’re struggling with creating a clean wing or sharp edges, you can use tape along the outer corner of your eye to guide your eyeshadow application.
Conclusion
Hooded eyes may present some challenges, but with the right techniques, they can be transformed into a stunning feature. By focusing on creating depth, defining the crease, and using the right shadows and eyeliner, you can enhance your eyes and make them appear more open and lifted.
Remember to experiment and find what works best for your unique eye shape. With practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful, flattering makeup looks that make your hooded eyes the star of the show.
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