Makeup for Hooded Eyes: Techniques That Really Work 0 9

We have gathered proven tricks from experts, inspired by the makeup artists of Dior and Chanel, that emphasize natural beauty. Ready for a transformation?

1. Start with a primer. The base is key to longevity. Apply a clear or nude primer all over the eyelid, including the crease. It will prevent eyeshadow from creasing and make the makeup even. Choose a base with a matte finish: this will visually lift the eyelid. Without a primer, eyeshadows can 'disappear' after a couple of hours. 'I love using a clean foundation concealer that is 1-2 shades lighter right on the inner lid and upper lid to mask the hooding,' shares makeup artist Dionne Phillips.

2. Blending upwards is your main technique. A classic for hooded eyes: apply a light matte shade all over the movable eyelid, and a dark shade above the crease, blending upwards. This creates the illusion of an open gaze. Start with cream or beige, then move to chocolate or gray. Avoid shimmer in the crease—it accentuates the hooding. 'I usually recommend applying a darker shade slightly above the crease, sweeping it outward to create the illusion of a higher, lifted eyelid,' advises renowned makeup artist Lauren Shea.

3. The 'cut crease' technique is a lifesaver for evening makeup. Apply a light shade on the eyelid, and with a dark pencil or eyeshadow, draw a line above the natural crease. Blend softly, adding highlighter under the brow. This will visually lift the eyelid. Perfect for smoky eyes without heaviness. 'No' to heavy eyeliner or thick eyeshadow on the eyelid: they hide space and make the eyes appear more closed.

4. Clever eyeliner. Classic wings can 'disappear,' so draw them with your eyes open: start from the middle of the eyelid, sweep upwards, and thicken towards the outer corner. Use gel eyeliner or pencil—they are long-lasting. An alternative: shadow for a softer wing. This adds definition without hiding the eyelid. 'You don’t need to line the entire eyelid: just the upper and lower lash lines, plus curling the lashes—this really opens up hooded eyes,' shares the secret of famous makeup artist Jenna Christina.

5. Light accents inside. A beige or nude pencil on the waterline of the lower eyelid will open up the gaze. Avoid white—it looks unnatural; better to use a nude shade. Add light eyeshadow to the inner corner for brightness. This trick works even with minimal makeup, making the eyes appear larger.

6. Eyebrows are the frame for the eyes. Define your eyebrows clearly, but don’t extend the tail too much—this will balance the proportions. Use a pencil or powder for a natural look, lifting the arch. Well-groomed eyebrows will distract from the hooded eyelid and make the gaze open.

7. Creamy textures for longevity. Cream eyeshadows or pencils as a base are perfect for hooded eyes. They don’t crease and blend easily. Apply with your finger, set with powder eyeshadow. In 2026, the trend is for matte finishes.

8. Contouring the crease. Think about space: apply eyeshadow above the actual crease, creating a 'fake' one. Use a matte bronzer or gray for depth. Add highlighter on the brow bone—this will make the gaze fresh and open. 'Avoid bright and reflective eyeshadows on the prominent part of the eyelid, such as above the crease or brow bone, as this will accentuate the hooding,' recommends Jamie Combs, a makeup artist for Dior.

These tricks will turn a feature into an advantage—your gaze will shine! The perfect look—from daytime to evening—is ready without extra effort.