Doing eye makeup with my hooded eyes have been a bigger struggle than I’d like to admit. For years, I thought the problem lay in the products I used rather than my application and placement. After learning more about my eye shape, I played around with the angles I went about applying my liner and payed extra attention to what worked best for the look I wanted to create. But when it came to determining the best eyeliner pens and pencils for the job, I was at a loss. The differences between the tools I wanted to use seemed minimal, with some formulas standing out to me more than others.
With the help of celebrity makeup artists Mila Thomas and Ash K Holm (Ipsy’s newest chief makeup artist), I’ve put together an edit of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes to make your hunt for the perfect pen or pencil that much easier. With the right products and a little bit of patience, it’s easier to apply eyeliner for hooded eyes than you may think. Keep reading to learn their go-to tips, tricks, and favorite eyeliners for hooded eyes.
With the help of celebrity makeup artists Mila Thomas and Ash K Holm (Ipsy’s newest chief makeup artist), I’ve put together an edit of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes to make your hunt for the perfect pen or pencil that much easier. With the right products and a little bit of patience, it’s easier to apply eyeliner for hooded eyes than you may think. Keep reading to learn their go-to tips, tricks, and favorite eyeliners for hooded eyes.
What Are Hooded Eyes?
Determining the shape of your eye can give you a better idea of how to go about doing your makeup in an effective way. Hooded eyes are the extra layer of skin that droops slightly over the crease, making the eyes appear smaller than they actually are. “This can create many challenges when using eyeliner due to limited lid space and smudging or transferring due to the folding of the upper lid,” Holm explains.
Before we dive into the dos and don’ts of creating your eyeliner look with a pen or pencil, let’s talk shopping. “When shopping for eyeliner for hooded eyes, look for products that offer long-lasting results and a fine tip for precision. The formula should dry quickly to minimize transfer to the upper lid,” Thomas explains. The last thing you want is for your eyeliner to smudge, shift, or transfer during the day, resulting in an eye look that’s the farthest from your original goal. No matter the formula, one quick way to test your eyeliner is by giving it a quick swipe on the back of the hand, allowing the product to dry, and then running a finger over it.
How and Where Should Eyeliner Be Applied?
Now, for the tricky part. According to Thomas, there’s a trick to pulling it off. “For the best results on hooded eyes, apply eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible for fuller-looking lashes,” Thomas says. “Concentrate on the outer part of the upper lash line to elongate the eyes, avoiding thick lines that can reduce lid space. Winged eyeliner is also a great option to help lift and define the eyes.” If you struggle to control the placement of your hand while holding the eyeliner pen or pencil, try placing your elbow on a flat surface as an anchor. That way, you can sharpen or smudged your eyeliner look to your heart’s content.
While applying your eyeliner, be sure to move in quick, smooth motions and check its placement. If there’s any tugging or pulling on the skin, your line may be interrupted and give a choppy appearance. “When applying winged liner, it’s important to sculpt the wing with the eyes open and looking straight into the mirror,” says Holm. “This ensures that the wing follows the natural shape of the eye and appears symmetrical when the eyes are open.”
Below, take a look at the best beauty editor– and makeup artist–approved eyeliners for hooded eyes, accompanied by glowing customer reviews.
