The makeup rules you learned in your twenties and thirties don't always apply later in life, and that’s perfectly okay. As our features evolve, so should our techniques. For those with hooded eyes, this is especially true. A misplaced shadow or a heavy liner can unintentionally make eyes appear smaller. The good news is that a few simple adjustments can completely transform your look. This step-by-step routine is designed to be your go-to resource for eye makeup for over 60 hooded eyes, teaching you how to create lift, definition, and brightness with confidence and ease.

Key Takeaways

• Work Above Your Natural Crease: To ensure your eyeshadow is always visible, apply your contour shade just above your natural crease while looking straight ahead. This placement trick creates depth and gives the entire eye area a more lifted appearance.
• Make Primer a Non-Negotiable Step: A quality eye primer is essential for preventing makeup from creasing, smudging, or transferring into the fold of the eye. Apply it from your lash line to your brow bone to create a smooth canvas that holds color in place all day.
• Tightline for Subtle Definition: Instead of drawing a thick line that can shrink your visible lid space, apply a soft eyeliner directly into your upper waterline. This technique makes your lashes look fuller and defines your eyes beautifully without taking up precious room.

What Are Hooded Eyes?

First things first, let's get clear on what hooded eyes actually are. Simply put, it’s an eye shape where a fold of skin from the brow bone hangs down over the eyelid, partially or sometimes fully covering it. You might have been born with this beautiful eye shape, or you may have noticed it developing over time as skin naturally matures. It’s an incredibly common feature that gives the eyes a captivating, deep-set appearance, and it’s something to embrace, not hide. The key is learning the right techniques to make your eyes pop.

While this eye shape is gorgeous, it does come with a unique set of makeup considerations. Because the mobile lid (the part that moves) is less visible, eyeshadow can seem to disappear when your eyes are open. Eyeliner can smudge, and intricate looks can get lost under the fold. But don't worry—these are common hurdles with simple solutions. Understanding this unique shape is the first step to creating an eye makeup look that feels fresh, open, and completely you. It’s not about fighting your features, but learning how to work with them to highlight your natural beauty. With a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can define your eyes, create the illusion of more space, and ensure your hard work stays put all day.

How Your Eye Shape Changes Over Time

As the years go by, you might notice subtle shifts in your appearance, and the delicate skin around your eyes is often one of the first places to show it. The skin naturally loses some of its firmness, which can cause the skin below the brow bone to relax and drape a bit more over the eyelid. This can make the eyes appear smaller and sometimes a little more tired than you feel. The crease you once used as a guide for your eyeshadow might become less defined or disappear entirely under the hood. This is a completely normal part of the aging process, but it does mean the makeup techniques that worked for you in the past might need a little refresh.

Common Makeup Challenges with Hooded Eyes

Applying makeup to hooded eyes can feel like a bit of a puzzle at first. One of the most common frustrations is eyeshadow that seems to vanish or crease the moment you open your eyes. This happens because the folded skin touches the lid, causing pigments to smudge or transfer. Similarly, a perfectly drawn line of eyeliner can smudge or disappear under the hood. The key is to adjust your technique and choose the right products. Using a good eye primer becomes essential, as it creates a base for makeup to cling to. Opting for long-wearing or waterproof formulas will also help your look stay put all day long.

Applying Makeup on Mature Skin

For mature skin, beautiful makeup application starts with great skin prep. The skin around our eyes is thin and delicate, so it needs a little extra care. Before you even think about reaching for eyeshadow, start with a hydrating moisturizer and a nourishing eye cream. Give them a minute to fully absorb into the skin. This step plumps the skin and creates a smoother surface. Next, and this is non-negotiable, apply a primer. Don’t just dab it on your eyelid; smooth it all the way up to your brow bone and a little past the outer corner. A primer works wonders to fill in fine lines and gives your makeup something to grip, preventing it from creasing or fading. If you're unsure where to start, a virtual beauty consultation can offer personalized tips for your skin.

Your Makeup Toolkit for Hooded Eyes

Having the right products and tools on hand makes all the difference. When you’re working with hooded eyes, your goal is to create dimension and lift while ensuring your look stays put all day. A few key items in your makeup bag will help you achieve a beautiful, defined eye look with ease. Think of this as your curated collection of essentials for making your eyes the star of the show.

The Best Primers and Bases

Think of an eye primer as the foundation for your entire look. For mature skin, where the eyelid can be thin or have more texture, a primer is non-negotiable. It creates a smooth, even canvas that helps shadow glide on without skipping and prevents it from creasing or fading into the fold of the eye. You can use a dedicated eye primer or a cream eyeshadow that matches your skin tone. Apply a thin layer all over your lid, from the lash line up to the brow bone. This simple step grips onto your eyeshadow, keeping the color vibrant and perfectly in place from morning to night.

Eyeshadows: Formulas and Colors that Flatter

When choosing eyeshadows, formula and finish are everything. Matte or satin finishes are your best friends because they absorb light and create the illusion of depth, which helps contour the eye area. Shimmery shadows can sometimes highlight texture, so it’s best to use them sparingly, perhaps just a touch on the inner corner or brow bone. Start with a light, neutral matte shade all over the lid. Then, to create a visible crease, apply a deeper matte color slightly above your natural crease. This technique ensures the contour is visible when your eyes are open, making them appear larger and more defined.

Eyeliners and Mascaras for Definition

Eyeliner can feel tricky with hooded eyes because thick lines can easily disappear or make the lid space look smaller. The secret is a technique called tightlining—applying a soft eyeliner pencil to the upper waterline, right at the base of your lashes. This defines the eye and makes your lashes look fuller without taking up any precious lid space. For mascara, choose a formula that focuses on lengthening and separating your lashes. A couple of thin coats will lift and open up the eyes beautifully. Avoid heavy, clumpy formulas that can weigh down your lashes and cast shadows.

The Right Brushes for the Job

The right tools will make your application precise and effortless. You don’t need a huge collection, just a few key brushes. First, a small, slightly tapered blending brush is perfect for applying shadow into your new, higher crease. Its size gives you control to place the color exactly where you want it. Next, a clean, fluffy blending brush is essential for softening any harsh edges and creating a seamless gradient of color. Finally, a small, flat brush or a pencil brush is great for smudging liner along the lash line or applying a pop of highlight to the inner corner of the eye.

Your Step-by-Step Makeup Routine

Ready to create a beautiful eye look that works with your features, not against them? This routine is designed to open up and define hooded eyes, giving you a fresh, lifted appearance that feels completely natural. We’ll walk through each part of the process, from creating the perfect canvas to adding those final, eye-framing touches. The goal is to enhance your unique beauty with techniques that are simple to master and make a noticeable difference. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Prep and Prime the Eye Area

A flawless look starts with a well-prepped canvas. Before you even think about makeup, apply your favorite moisturizer and eye cream, giving them a moment to fully absorb into your skin. Next comes the most important step for lasting, crease-free color: primer. An eye primer does more than just hold your shadow in place; it creates a smooth surface that helps colors appear more vibrant. Apply a thin layer not just on your eyelid, but all the way up to your brow bone and a little past the outer corner. This creates a uniform base and prevents oils from breaking down your makeup throughout the day.

Step 2: Define Your Eyes with Shadow

When it comes to hooded eyes, shadow placement is everything. Start with a light, matte eyeshadow from your favorite palette. Sweep this color across your entire eyelid and up toward the brow bone. This initial step brightens the area and acts as a base. Now for the key technique: creating a new crease. With your eyes open and looking straight into the mirror, use a slightly darker matte shade to define an arc just above your natural crease. This ensures the color is visible and creates the illusion of depth, making your eyes appear larger and more open. Our collection of eye makeup has the perfect satin and matte shades for this.

Step 3: Master Your Eyeliner

Eyeliner can feel tricky with hooded eyes, as it can easily disappear or take up precious lid space. The secret is a technique called tightlining. Instead of drawing a line on top of your lashes, gently apply a soft pencil liner directly into your upper waterline and between the roots of your lashes. This defines your eye shape beautifully without closing it off. For a softer look, you can use a small brush to smudge the liner slightly. If you prefer a more defined line, trace over the smudged pencil with a liquid liner, keeping the line thin and close to your lashes.

Step 4: Frame Your Eyes with Lashes and Brows

Your lashes and brows are the finishing touches that frame your eyes and complete the look. Always start by curling your eyelashes, holding the curler for about 10 seconds to create a lasting lift. This simple step instantly makes your eyes look more awake. Follow up with a lengthening mascara, like our Enviable Lash Mascara, focusing the application on the root of the lashes and wiggling the wand upwards. Don’t forget your brows! A well-groomed brow helps lift the entire eye area. Brush them upwards and fill in any sparse areas with a brow product, extending the tail slightly outwards rather than downwards to maintain that lifted effect.

Pro Techniques for a Flawless Finish

Once you have your tools and your routine down, you can start playing with application techniques. With hooded eyes, the goal is to create the illusion of more lid space and a natural lift. It’s not about changing your eye shape, but rather enhancing it with some clever placement and blending. These professional tricks are small adjustments that make a big impact, helping your eyes look more open, defined, and bright.

Create a Natural Lift

Your eyebrows are the frame for your eyes, and a well-defined brow can provide an instant lift. Start by brushing your eyebrow hairs upward to open up the space. Then, use a soft powder or pencil to fill in any sparse areas, focusing on creating a gentle arch. The most important part of this technique is the tail of your brow; make sure it extends slightly upwards rather than curving down. This simple trick guides the eye upward, creating a more lifted and youthful appearance for the entire eye area. Using a matte eyeshadow that matches your hair color can give you a soft, natural-looking fill.

Work Above the Crease for Visibility

A common frustration with hooded eyes is that eyeshadow applied in the natural crease disappears the moment you open your eyes. The solution is to create a new, higher crease. With your eyes open and looking straight into the mirror, identify the area just above your natural crease where the color will actually be visible. This is your new canvas. Apply your transition and contour shades here, blending the color upwards toward your brow bone. This technique ensures your beautiful eyeshadow work remains visible, adding depth and dimension that opens up your eyes.

Place Color Strategically

To create that new crease, you’ll want to be precise with your color placement. Using a firm, smaller eyeshadow brush, sweep a medium-toned matte shade in a curved arc just above your natural crease line. Think of it as drawing a new socket line that’s visible when your eyes are open. This strategic placement adds depth right where you need it, helping to visually push back the "hooded" part of the lid. For personalized guidance on where to place color for your specific eye shape, a virtual beauty consultation can offer tailored advice and product recommendations.

Blend for a Softer Look

Blending is the final, crucial step to ensure your eye makeup looks seamless and professional. Harsh lines can make eyes appear smaller, so the goal is a soft, diffused finish. After placing your deeper shade in the new, higher crease, take a clean, fluffy blending brush and use gentle circular and windshield-wiper motions to soften the edges. Always blend upwards and outwards to continue that lifting effect. This technique melts the colors together beautifully, creating a polished look. A touch of a light, shimmery eyeshadow shade on the center of the lid can also add a pop of light and make your eyes look brighter.

Advanced Tips to Try Next

Once you feel confident with the basics, you can start playing with a few more techniques to really make your eyes pop. These tips are simple but deliver a big impact, helping you define your eyes, adapt popular styles for your unique eye shape, and ensure your look stays put from morning to night. Think of these as the next level in your makeup routine—small adjustments that create a polished, professional finish and give you even more control over your final look.

Tightlining for Fuller-Looking Lashes

If you want the definition of eyeliner without sacrificing precious lid space, tightlining is your new best friend. This technique involves applying liner directly to your upper waterline and between the roots of your lashes. It creates the illusion of a darker, fuller lash line and makes your eyes stand out in a subtle, natural way. For the best results, gently lift your upper lid and trace a soft, waterproof pencil like our Enve-Liner in Noir along the base of your lashes. This simple step adds incredible definition and helps your lashes appear fuller all day long.

Adapt Your Winged Eyeliner

A classic winged liner can be tricky with hooded eyes, as the fold of skin can hide or distort the flick. The secret is to create a softer, lifted wing instead. Using a pencil liner, draw a short line on only the outer third of your top lash line. Then, take a small smudger brush and gently blend the liner upwards and outwards toward the tail of your brow. This softens the look and creates a subtle lift that flatters your eye shape without creating harsh lines that can get lost when your eyes are open.

Get the Most from Cream Products

Cream-based products are fantastic for mature skin because they blend seamlessly and are less likely to settle into fine lines. Starting your eye makeup with a cream eyeshadow base that matches your skin tone can make a world of difference. It works to smooth out any uneven texture, fill in fine lines, and create a perfect canvas that prevents creasing later on. Our Cream Blush in Peachy is a versatile product that can be lightly swept over the lids to create a smooth, uniform base before you apply powder shadows, helping your entire look appear more youthful and blended.

Set Your Look to Last All Day

To keep your eye makeup looking fresh from your morning coffee to your evening plans, proper prep is key. Always start with a good moisturizer and eye cream, giving them a few minutes to fully absorb before you begin. Next, an eye primer is essential. Don’t just apply it to your eyelid; sweep it all the way up to your brow bone and slightly past the outer corner of your eye. This creates a smooth, grippy surface for your makeup to adhere to, preventing smudging, creasing, and transferring throughout the day and ensuring your beautiful work lasts.

Solve Common Makeup Hurdles

Even with the best techniques, you might run into a few common issues when applying makeup to hooded eyes. From creasing eyeshadow to lashes that don’t seem to pop, these hurdles can be frustrating. But don’t worry—they’re all solvable. With a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can get a smooth, long-lasting look you love. Let’s walk through some of the most frequent challenges and how to handle them with confidence.

Stop Makeup from Creasing and Transferring

There’s nothing more annoying than perfecting your eyeshadow only to have it crease or smudge onto your brow bone moments later. The secret to preventing this is a good primer. As skin matures, the eyelid can become thinner, and a primer creates a smooth canvas for makeup to glide over. It gives your eyeshadow something to grip, which helps it stay put all day without creasing or fading. You can use a dedicated eye primer or find a cream shadow that does double duty, creating a flawless base for any powder shadows you layer on top. Using a quality eye makeup base is the first step toward a look that lasts.

Apply Makeup Over Fine Lines

Applying makeup over fine lines requires a gentle touch and the right products. The goal is to smooth the area, not pack it with heavy makeup that can settle and draw more attention to texture. Start with a cream eyeshadow base, which works beautifully to even out skin texture and fill in fine lines. This creates a much smoother surface to work on. When choosing colors, it’s often best to steer clear of heavy shimmers or glitters directly on areas with more texture, as they can catch the light in a way that accentuates lines. Instead, stick to matte or soft satin finishes for a more flattering effect.

Make Thinning Lashes Look Fuller

As we age, our lashes can become thinner and less dense. A few simple tricks can make a world of difference. First, always curl your lashes before applying mascara. Use an eyelash curler and apply gentle pressure, holding for about 10 to 15 seconds to create a beautiful, lasting lift. This simple step instantly opens up the eyes. When you reach for mascara, choose a formula that focuses on length. The Enviable Lash Mascara is perfect for this, as it defines and extends without clumping. Apply it in thin, even coats to build length naturally, making your lashes look fuller and more defined.

Remove Makeup Gently

Taking off your makeup at the end of the day should be a soothing ritual, not a struggle. The skin around your eyes is incredibly delicate, so gentleness is key. Use a makeup remover designed for sensitive skin to dissolve mascara and eyeshadow without harsh rubbing or pulling. If you often experience watery eyes, try to avoid lining your inner waterline, as this can sometimes cause irritation. After applying your makeup, you can dust a very thin layer of translucent powder under your eyes to help keep everything in place. For more personalized tips, a virtual beauty consultation can help you refine your routine.

Final Tips for Lasting Success

Once you’ve mastered the techniques, keeping your look fresh and flawless is all about having a few final tricks up your sleeve. From choosing the right products to knowing what to avoid, these tips will help ensure your eye makeup looks incredible from morning to night. Think of this as your go-to guide for long-term success, helping you feel confident and beautiful every single day.

Choose the Right Formulas for Your Skin

The secret to makeup that lasts and looks smooth starts with what you put on before the color. As we get older, the skin on our eyelids can become thinner, so proper prep is key. Always start with a good moisturizer and eye cream, letting them fully absorb before you begin. Next, an eye primer is non-negotiable. It creates a smooth canvas, preventing your eyeshadow from creasing, smearing, or fading throughout the day. Apply your primer not just on the eyelid itself, but all the way up to your brow bone and a little past the outer corner of your eye to ensure a seamless application.

Find Your Perfect Color Palette

When it comes to hooded eyes, your color choices can make a huge difference. For a fresh, bright-eyed look, lean into lighter, neutral shades—think soft lattes, warm taupes, and creamy beiges. These hues create an illusion of space and light, which can make your eyes appear more open and lifted. A great starting point is to sweep a light, non-shimmery eyeshadow all over your lid and up toward your brow bone. Dark, heavy colors can sometimes make hooded eyes appear smaller, so save those for adding soft definition closer to the lash line.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

It’s easy to fall into old habits, but a few small adjustments can completely change your results. A frequent mistake is applying shadow in your natural crease, where it will disappear the moment you open your eyes. Instead, create a new, higher crease just above your natural one. Also, be mindful of where you place dark colors; keeping them too low can pull the eye down. Finally, while a little shimmer can be beautiful, try to avoid applying it to areas with more texture, as it can draw attention to fine lines. Stick to matte or satin finishes on the hood of the eye for the smoothest look.

Touch Up Your Look on the Go

Even the most perfectly applied makeup can need a little refresh. If you notice any harsh lines, use a clean Q-tip to gently soften the edges of your eyeshadow for a more diffused, blended finish. If your eyes tend to water, it’s best to avoid lining the inner waterline. But if you love that defined look, opt for a waterproof pencil and keep the line very close to your lashes rather than right against your eyeball. For a quick pick-me-up, a fresh coat of a hydrating lip gloss can brighten your entire face and complement your beautiful eye makeup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the single most important step for making my eye makeup last on hooded eyes? Without a doubt, it's using an eye primer. Think of it as the essential foundation for your entire look. A good primer creates a smooth, uniform surface that prevents your eyeshadow from creasing, smudging, or transferring onto the skin above. It gives the pigment something to hold onto, ensuring your hard work stays vibrant and in place all day long. Be sure to apply it from your lash line all the way up to your brow bone for the best results.

Can I still wear shimmery eyeshadows with hooded eyes? Of course! The key is to be strategic with where you place them. Since shimmer reflects light and can sometimes emphasize texture, it's best to avoid applying it all over the hooded part of your lid. Instead, use matte or satin shades to create your shape and definition. Then, add a touch of a light, shimmery shadow right on the center of your mobile lid or on the inner corner of your eye. This creates a beautiful pop of light that makes your eyes look brighter and more open.

My eyeliner always smudges or disappears. Is there a better way to apply it? This is such a common frustration, but there's a simple fix. Instead of drawing a thick line on top of your eyelid, which can easily get lost or transfer, try a technique called tightlining. Use a soft pencil to apply color directly to your upper waterline, right between the roots of your lashes. This defines your eyes and makes your lash line look fuller without taking up any visible lid space, giving you all the definition with none of the smudging.

How do I apply eyeshadow so it doesn't vanish when my eyes are open? The trick is to create a new crease that's visible above your natural one. With your eyes open and looking straight ahead into a mirror, use a medium-toned matte shadow to apply color in an arc just above where your eyelid naturally folds. By placing the contour here, you ensure the definition is always visible, which creates the illusion of depth and makes your eyes appear larger and more open.

Besides makeup, what else can I do to make my eyes look more lifted? Pay attention to your eyebrows. Your brows frame your entire eye area, and a well-shaped brow can create an instant lift. When filling them in, focus on creating a soft arch and make sure the tail of your brow extends outwards or slightly upwards, rather than curving down. Brushing the hairs upward with a spoolie also helps open up the space. This simple adjustment can make a surprising difference in creating a more awake and lifted appearance.