Hooded eyes, characterized by a fold of skin that partially or fully covers the eyelid when the eye is open, can sometimes make the eyes appear smaller or less defined. However, with the right makeup techniques, you can create the illusion of lifted, more open eyes. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and practical advice on how to use concealer and eyeshadow to achieve an eyelift effect for hooded eyes.
Understanding Hooded Eyes
Before diving into the techniques, it’s important to understand what hooded eyes are and how they differ from other eye shapes. Hooded eyes have a natural fold that can overshadow the eyelid, making it challenging to apply makeup in a way that remains visible and effective.
Key Characteristics of Hooded Eyes
- Natural Fold: The skin from the brow bone hangs down and partially covers the eyelid.
- Smaller Lid Space: The visible part of the eyelid can be quite small when the eyes are open.
- Potential for Smudging: Makeup on the lid can transfer or smudge due to the overlapping skin.
Essential Tools and Products
To perfect the eyelift look for hooded eyes, you’ll need a few key tools and products:
- Eyeshadow Primer: Helps to keep the makeup in place and prevents smudging.
- Matte and Shimmery Eyeshadows: Use a mix of matte and shimmer shades to create depth and dimension.
- Eyeliner: Preferably in pencil or gel form for tightlining.
- Concealer: For brightening the under-eye area and defining the eye shape.
- False Lashes: Individual lashes or half lashes for lifting the outer corners.
- Blending Brushes: Essential for seamless blending.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting Hooded Eyes with Makeup
Step 1: Prime Your Eyelids
Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids. This will help your makeup stay in place and prevent it from creasing.
Personal Anecdote: I used to struggle with eyeshadow smudging until I discovered the magic of a good primer. Now, my makeup stays put all day, even on my hooded eyes.
Step 2: Apply a Base Eyeshadow
Use a light, matte eyeshadow as your base. Apply it all over the lid and up to the brow bone to create a smooth canvas.
Step 3: Create a Fake Crease
Wayne Goss, a renowned makeup artist, suggests: “For hooded eyes, focus on creating the illusion of space. Use a matte shade slightly darker than your skin tone to carve out a crease above your natural one, then blend a lighter shade on the lid” (Wayne Goss YouTube Channel).
- Choose a Matte Shade: Select a matte eyeshadow that is slightly darker than your skin tone.
- Apply Above the Natural Crease: Using a blending brush, apply this shade slightly above your natural crease. This creates the illusion of a higher crease.
- Blend Well: Blend the shadow upwards towards the brow bone, ensuring there are no harsh lines.
Step 4: Highlight the Lid
Use a lighter, shimmery shade on the eyelid to make your eyes appear more open.
Nikki DeRoest, a makeup artist, advises: “Shimmery eyeshadows can be your best friend when it comes to hooded eyes. Use them strategically on the center of your lid and brow bone to create lift and dimension” (Violet Grey).
- Apply to the Center: Apply the shimmery shade to the center of your lid.
- Highlight the Brow Bone: Add a touch of shimmer to the brow bone to lift the entire eye area.
Step 5: Define the Lash Line
Bobbi Brown, makeup artist and founder, recommends: “Avoid heavy eyeliner on your upper lash line if you have hooded eyes. It can make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, tightline your upper waterline and flick a thin line outwards at the outer corner” (Bobbi Brown Cosmetics).
- Tightline: Use a pencil or gel liner to tightline your upper waterline. This makes your lashes look fuller without taking up lid space.
- Thin Line: Draw a thin line along your upper lash line, extending it slightly outward for a subtle wing.
Step 6: Brighten the Under-Eye Area
Apply concealer to the under-eye area to brighten and lift your eyes.
- Choose the Right Shade: Select a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.
- Apply and Blend: Apply the concealer in a triangle shape under your eyes and blend it out with a damp beauty sponge.
Step 7: Add False Lashes
Patrick Ta, a celebrity makeup artist, suggests: “Fake lashes are a great way to open up hooded eyes. Opt for individual lashes or a half lash on the outer corners to lift and elongate the eye shape” (Patrick Ta Beauty).
- Individual or Half Lashes: Use individual lashes or half lashes on the outer corners of your eyes.
- Apply Carefully: Apply the lashes with a small amount of lash glue and use tweezers for precision.
Personal Anecdote: I was always hesitant about using false lashes until I tried individual lashes on the outer corners. They make my eyes look lifted and more open without feeling heavy.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting the Look
Blend, Blend, Blend
Blending is key to achieving a seamless and natural look. Use soft, circular motions with your brush to blend eyeshadows.
Use Light Layers
Apply products in light layers to build intensity gradually. This prevents your makeup from looking heavy or cakey.
Highlight the Inner Corners
Adding a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear brighter and more awake.
Avoid Heavy Lower Liner
Heavy eyeliner on the lower lash line can make your eyes look smaller. Instead, use a light hand and focus on the outer third of the lower lash line.
The Psychological Impact of Well-Applied Eye Makeup
Eye makeup can significantly influence how others perceive us and how we feel about ourselves. A study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that well-applied eye makeup, including techniques for hooded eyes, can enhance perceived attractiveness and make individuals appear younger (2018).
Boosting Confidence
Applying makeup in a way that enhances your natural features can boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your skin.
Expressing Individuality
Makeup allows for personal expression and creativity. Experimenting with different techniques and colors can help you discover what makes you feel best.
Unique Study: The Journal of Aesthetic Nursing provides a comprehensive guide for makeup artists on enhancing hooded eyes, detailing techniques for creating a lifted and open eye look (2020).
Conclusion
Mastering the art of lifting hooded eyes with makeup can transform your look and boost your confidence. By following these steps and incorporating expert tips, you can create the illusion of more open, lifted eyes that highlight your natural beauty.
As Wayne Goss suggests, “For hooded eyes, focus on creating the illusion of space. Use a matte shade slightly darker than your skin tone to carve out a crease above your natural one, then blend a lighter shade on the lid” (Wayne Goss YouTube Channel).
Whether you’re new to makeup or a seasoned pro, these techniques can help you achieve a flawless, lifted look for hooded eyes. Experiment with different products and styles to find what works best for you. Happy makeup-ing!
