With every eye shape comes a range of artistry techniques to enhance what makes them unique, and today we’re talking hooded eyes. Read on for a few of our favorite tips to make hooded eyes pop, from eyeshadow essentials to eyeliner placement.
1. Prime for Perfection
We love to start prepping with a high-quality eyeshadow primer. It locks in color, prevents fading, and creates a smooth base that ensures your makeup stays flawless all day.
2. Lift Your Crease
Since the natural crease may not be visible, create depth by choosing a matte eyeshadow a few shades darker than your skin tone and blending slightly above your natural fold. Blending is key—soft, seamless strokes will lift and open the eyes. Contouring above the crease also adds definition and balance.
3. Glow in All the Right Places
Light-reflecting formulas will illuminate your eyes. Apply a shimmery or satin-finish shadow to the center of the lid and the inner corner for a brightening effect. This subtle glow adds dimension and draws attention to your eyes.
4. Master the Art of Eyeliner
Play up your natural eye shape with eyeliner. A thin, precise line along the upper lash line adds definition without overpowering. For a winged look, start your flick at the outer third of your eye and angle it upward to create a lifting effect.
5. Show Your Lashes Some Love
Lashes can instantly open up hooded eyes. Start with a good curl—an eyelash curler lifts and awakens the eyes. Follow with a lengthening mascara to enhance the effect. If you wear falsies, choose lashes longer in the center rather than the outer corners.
6. Brighten the Brow Bone
A subtle highlight under the arch of your brow is another way to create that lifted effect. Use a soft, light-reflecting highlighter shade and blend well for a natural finish. This placement subtly draws the attention upward.
7. Keep Your Eyes Open
A key mistake? Closing your eyes during application. Keep them open and look straight ahead to see where the eyeshadow will sit when your eyes are relaxed. This ensures that your crease definition and lid colors remain visible when your eyes are open.
8. Balance with the Lower Lash Line
Don’t forget the lower lash line. A soft sweep of neutral shadow helps to balance your look by enhancing definition. A slightly deeper shade on the outer third of the eye adds dimension and a lifted effect.
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