When you have hooded eyes, you know that eyeliner can be a pain. If you wear a thick line, you wonโt be able to see your gorgeous eyeshadow. Hooded eyelids make it easy for the makeup to transfer from the eyelid to the piece of skin above your eye as well. Just because you have hooded eyelids doesnโt mean that you canโt have amazing eye makeup! These eyeliner tips for hooded eyes will guarantee that you look gorgeous every day.
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1. Start With a Pencil
If youโre new to eyeliner, begin with a pencil. These are easier to control. It helps to practice to make sure that youโve got the perfect technique for applying eyeliner for hooded eyes.

2. Transfer Free Products Are a Must
When picking the best eyeliner for hooded eyes, you need to find one that is transfer free. That means that it wonโt transfer from your eyelid to the hood when you open your eyes. Some pencils are transfer free, but you want to read reviews to make sure before buying them.
Urban Decay 24 hour Glide On Eyeliner is highly recommended if youโre looking for the perfect pencil. Most liquid products are more likely to be transfer free. Wet N Wild liquid eyeliner is an awesome drugstore brand that you need to try if youโre searching for an eyeliner for hooded eyes.
3. Apply Thicker Liner to the Outside Corner
When you have hooded eyes, the main problem is that your look is gone once you open your eyes. You can counteract that with a little bit of extra liner or eyeshadow on the outer corner of your eyelid. This gives the illusion that itโs on your entire lid, and everyone will still be able to see your glam makeup.
4. Use White or Nude Liner on Your Bottom Lid
When you apply black liner around your eye, it can easily make your eye appear more narrow. Those with hooded eyes want to open their eyes more. White and nude liners are designed to make your eyes look brighter and more open.
5. Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes Needs to be Applied on the Waterline
For most eye shapes, itโs recommended not to apply liner too close to your eye. However, itโs not going to hurt. If you have hooded eyelids, this is a necessity. The main problem is that you have less space on your eyelid to work with, so you need to use your lash line to ensure that your hard work is still visible.
6. Put it on the Outer โ of your Eyelid
An application that places liner over your entire top lid can make your eyes appear smaller. That is why itโs recommended that people with hooded eyelids only apply it to the outer portion of their upper lid. This is particularly helpful if you enjoy wearing dark colors, like black or burgundy.
7. Keep Your Eyes Closed After Application

Liquid liner is always a popular choice among people that have hooded eyelids because it doesnโt transfer as much, and most of these donโt smudge easily. However, it can take quite a bit to dry. Make sure that you keep your eyes closed until it is completely dry to avoid ruining your look. For a fast drying eyeliner for hooded eyes, check out Roller Liner Eyeliner by Benefit (available at Sephora in a mini version.) Itโs under $20 and dries in under one minute.
8. Raise Your Eyebrows During Application
Getting your eye in the perfect position for application is a bit more challenging if you have hooded eyelids. Thatโs because you need to move the hood out of the way, and keep it out of the way until it is dry. Raising your eyebrows will help keep the skin taut during application to make it a tiny bit easier.
9. Try Gel Liner for Wings
If liquid liners work out well for you, consider gel. You can achieve a wing with the smooth look that liquid eyeliners provide without the hassle. Gel liners come in a pencil, making them that much easier to apply.
10. Avoid Wings That Point Down
The primary goal is to open your eyes more. A downwards wing is going to do the opposite. While these wings are gorgeous, they tend to make the eyes appear as though they are more closed. This is great for people with round eyes, but not the best idea if you have hooded eyelids.
11. Elongated Wings are Your Best Friend
Thereโs nothing worse than perfecting your wing only to open your eye and realize that itโs hidden because you have hooded eyelids. Just because you have hooded eyes doesnโt mean that you canโt rock the winged look! Simply stretch the wing out so that it extends beyond your eyelid for a dramatic flair that you can show off all day long.

12. Use an Eyelid Primer
Eyelid primer is designed to help your makeup last longer. The right eye primer, like Stuck On You Eyeshadow Primer, can easily prevent creasing. This makeup product is a must have if you have hooded eyelids.
13. Pick Up an Eyeliner Brush
These brushes are designed to give you more control over where your liner goes. This can be helpful in everyoneโs life, but itโs especially helpful for those with hooded eyelids. An eyeliner brush allows you to carefully place a tiny amount of eyeliner in the ideal spot. It is an easier technique than trying to navigate liquid or pencil.
14. Consider Colors
Black is the most popular choice, but that doesnโt mean that itโs the best choice for everyone. If you have hooded eyelids, your eyes appear more closed due to the hood. Black can add to that effect. Instead, consider trying plum, burgundy, or a beautiful brown. Colors can open your eyes while simultaneously making you look more stylish.
15. Use Light Colors in the Corners
To make your eyes appear both brighter and wider, put lighter colors towards the corners of your eyes. This can be light-colored eyeliner (donโt forget to blend), highlighter, or eyeshadow. This technique will instantly make your eyes appear more open.
16. Try Different Products and Techniques
There are hundreds of products on the market. Youโll also come across quite a few different techniques. Thatโs because what works for one person doesnโt necessarily work for another person. Thankfully, there are no rules to make up. Take your time, and try different things to find out what works for you and your eye shape.
17. Practice Makes Perfect
No one watches one YouTube video and knows how to do makeup perfectly! Donโt get discouraged and give up. Instead, itโs important to understand that practice makes perfect! Get some makeup remover wipes, clear your Saturday afternoon, and then have some fun playing with your eyeliner. As you practice, youโll learn which technique works for you, and which type of eyeliner you prefer.
In Conclusion
Learning how to apply eyeliner for hooded eyes can be a bit of a challenge. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it! Instead, keep in mind these tips and break out your favorite eyeliner for a few practice sessions for a flawless, Instagram worth look. Check out this article for more eyeliner tips!
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