Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes: The Guide to Perfect Liner Every Time

Hooded eyes are a common eye shape where the upper eyelid has an excess of skin that partially or fully covers the lash line, creating a “hooded” appearance. This can make eyeliner application more challenging as the lid space is smaller, and traditional eyeliner techniques may not always work as expected. For many people with hooded eyes, eyeliner tends to smudge, fade, or disappear into the hood, creating frustration when trying to achieve a defined, polished look.

However, mastering the right eyeliner techniques for hooded eyes can help enhance their natural beauty, making your eyes appear larger, lifted, and more defined. With the right products and techniques, anyone with hooded eyes can achieve a wide variety of stunning eyeliner looks—from simple everyday styles to bold, dramatic statements. The key lies in understanding the shape of your eyelids, choosing the right eyeliner formulas, and using strategies that prevent smudging while emphasizing your eyes’ natural contours.

This guide will provide step-by-step tutorials, product recommendations, and tips for creating flawless eyeliner looks that suit hooded eyes. Whether you’re new to makeup or simply looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide will help you achieve the perfect eyeliner look every time.

Table of Contents

1. Eyeliner Techniques for Hooded Eyes

When it comes to hooded eyes, there’s no one-size-fits-all eyeliner method. Several eyeliner techniques can enhance your eye shape, creating a beautiful, defined look without smudging or disappearing under the lid. Let’s break down the most effective techniques.

Winged Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

Winged eyeliner is often seen as a classic, but for hooded eyes, it requires a slightly modified approach to achieve that stunning lifted look.

Step-by-step:
1. Start by applying eyeliner as close to the upper lash line as possible.
2. When drawing the wing, angle it upwards, following the natural curve of your lower lash line.
3. Keep the wing short and close to the lash line, as too thick of a wing can make the hood more pronounced.
4. Ensure that the line is even and symmetrical on both eyes.

Product Recommendation: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner is perfect for winged looks as it’s long-lasting, smudge-proof, and easy to apply with a precise, angled brush.

Reverse Cat-Eye for Hooded Eyes

This dramatic style can open up hooded eyes, making them appear larger and more lifted.

Step-by-step:
1. Start by lining your lower lash line with a bold eyeliner. This creates a “reverse” effect, drawing attention to the lower part of your eyes.
2. Create a wing at the outer corner, extending the eyeliner slightly upward.
3. Add mascara to the top lashes to balance the look.

Product Recommendation: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil offers smooth application for a soft yet bold reverse cat-eye effect.

Smudged Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

A soft, smudged eyeliner look is perfect for a more natural, grunge-inspired style. This technique avoids any harsh lines and gives the eyes a sultry, smoky vibe.

Step-by-step:
1. Apply eyeliner along the upper lash line, creating a thick line.
2. Use a smudging tool or a cotton swab to blur the line, creating a soft, diffused look.
3. For added drama, smudge a little along the lower lash line as well.

Product Recommendation: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner is perfect for a smudged eyeliner look, with its creamy texture and long-lasting formula.

Tightlining for Hooded Eyes

Tightlining is a technique where eyeliner is applied to the upper waterline. This makes your lashes look fuller without taking up lid space, which is crucial for hooded eyes.

Step-by-step:
1. Use a waterproof eyeliner pencil or gel.
2. Gently lift your eyelid and apply the liner to the waterline, staying as close to the lash line as possible.
3. This will add subtle definition without creating heaviness on the lid.

Product Recommendation: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is perfect for tightlining since its waterproof formula ensures no smudging throughout the day.

2. Eyeliner for Different Eye Shapes with Hoods

Understanding how to adapt your eyeliner style to your unique eye shape can make a huge difference in how the final look turns out. Here are the best techniques for specific eye shapes.

Eyeliner for Hooded Almond Eyes

Almond-shaped eyes have a natural symmetry that allows for versatility in eyeliner styles. For hooded almond eyes, winged eyeliner or a soft cat-eye work wonders.

Tip: Start the eyeliner slightly thinner at the inner corner and gradually build it up toward the outer corner. Extend the wing outward for a more dramatic, lifted look.

Eyeliner for Hooded, Round Eyes

Round eyes benefit from eyeliner styles that elongate them. A sharp wing or tightlining can help create a more oval or almond-shaped appearance.

Tip: Create a wing that extends beyond the outer corner, lifting the outer corner of the eyes. You can also try a smoked-out liner along the upper lash line to soften the look.

Eyeliner for Hooded Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes don’t have a visible crease, so eyeliner should be bold enough to create definition above the lid. A thick, dramatic line or a double-winged eyeliner look works great here.

Tip: Make sure to apply the eyeliner along the entire lash line, including the lower lash line if desired, for a more dramatic effect.

Eyeliner for Hooded, Small Eyes

To make small eyes appear bigger, avoid heavy liner along the waterline. Stick to tightlining and subtle winged eyeliner to define the eyes without overwhelming them.

Tip: A thin, sharp eyeliner look with a little flick at the outer corner will enhance the eyes without closing them off.

3. Eyeliner for Different Age Groups

The techniques and products you use may change depending on your age, as skin elasticity and eyelid folds evolve. Here’s how to tailor your eyeliner for different age groups.

Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes Over 50

As we age, skin around the eyes becomes looser, and the hood can become more pronounced. The key here is to avoid heavy, thick eyeliner that may accentuate drooping lids.

Tip: Focus on creating soft, thin lines close to the lash line. Skip the dramatic wings and opt for tightlining to give the eyes definition without drawing attention to sagging skin.

Product Recommendation: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes is ideal for a natural, thin line that’s easy to control and won’t tug on delicate skin.

Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes Over 40

At this age, the skin begins to lose some elasticity, which can cause the eyeliner to smudge more easily. Choose products that offer longer wear and a softer application.

Tip: Use gel or pencil liners for a more flexible, blendable look. A soft-winged eyeliner that doesn’t extend too far is perfect for lifting the eye shape.

Product Recommendation: L’Oréal Infallible Gel Eyeliner offers great control and long-lasting power, perfect for hooded eyes that need a bit more staying power.

4. Creative and Fun Eyeliner Ideas for Hooded Eyes

Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, it’s time to experiment with some creative eyeliner styles that make your eyes pop.

Graphic Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

Graphic eyeliner is all about bold lines and geometric shapes that make a statement. Try experimenting with double wings, sharp angles, and contrasting colors.

Tip: For hooded eyes, avoid lines that are too close to the crease. Instead, draw graphic shapes above the crease to ensure they’re visible when your eyes are open.

Product Recommendation: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner is ideal for creating bold, sharp lines that stay put all day.

Colored Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

Brightly colored eyeliner is a fun way to add a pop of personality to your look. Try shades like blue, purple, or green to create contrast against your eyelid.

Tip: Use a contrasting color to your eye color for an eye-catching effect. For example, green eyeliner will make brown eyes pop, while purple eyeliner will enhance green eyes.

Product Recommendation: NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Liner is available in a variety of bold shades and offers long-lasting wear.

5. Tips and Tricks for Perfect Eyeliner on Hooded Eyes

Here are a few extra tricks to ensure your eyeliner looks flawless all day long:

Set with Powder: After applying eyeliner, use a matching eyeshadow to set the eyeliner and prevent smudging.
Use Tape for Precise Wings: Apply a piece of tape to the outer corner of your eye to guide your wing. This ensures clean lines and symmetry.
Go Waterproof: If you have oily skin or are prone to smudging, opt for waterproof formulas. These liners are more resistant to smudging, making them ideal for hooded eyes.

Conclusion

Mastering eyeliner for hooded eyes takes practice, but with the right techniques and products, you can enhance your eye shape and create stunning looks. Whether you prefer soft and subtle or bold and graphic, there’s an eyeliner style for every occasion. Explore different products, experiment with new techniques, and most importantly, have fun with your makeup!

By following these tips and using the recommended products, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect eyeliner for your hooded eyes every time.

Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Liner Every Time