Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively and Nicole Kidman - if you were born with hooded eyes you’re in good company. Here’s how to make the most of them with makeup
My gorgeous mum has hooded eyes, and she’s always on the hunt (Hunter by name…) for that elusive liner that doesn’t smudge when she opens her eyes or a shadow that can actually be seen when her eye crease is hidden.
It’s certainly a challenge, and so far the only product to really pass muster is Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof , £21. It’s a dream for tightlining (more on that later) and doesn’t stray from its designated path - a key credential for anyone with heavy lids.
One eyeliner does not a solution make, however; there’s so much more you can do to enhance your eye shape. This column is dedicated to mother dearest and all others with hood eyes around the globe; go forth and smise. That’s smile with your eyes, a term coined by supermodel Tyra Banks - look closely and you’ll realise that many a model is blessed with hooded eyes - Claudia Schiffer and Adriana Lima to name but a few. They’re anything but a flaw; they’re a feature to celebrate. Here’s how…
Wear your waterproofs
Hooded eye issue number one is smudged eye makeup. You draw an artful swoosh, pristine kitten flick or graphic line and two seconds later you blink and it’s transferred onto your brow bone. It’s just not on. Sidestep smudge-gate by choosing high-quality water, sweat and tear-proof formulas. Consult this gallery for long-lasting makeup big guns , and don’t forget to arm yourself with a bulletproof mascara too. Spiders' legs lurking above the eye might be edgy, but sometimes you want to wear mascara in the conventional fashion like your generously lidded peers. A budge proof, quick drying formula and a dab of cleanser to clean up mistakes make all the difference.
Be well primed
Makeup primer is never a bad idea, but for the hooded of eye, it’s essential. A decent primer will anchor your liner and shadow to your lid while limiting creasing, preventing eye makeup migration and helping you to maintain looks that would otherwise prove tricky and flighty. You can’t go wrong with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion , £17. Make it part of your routine when wearing eye makeup and your eye shape won’t pose nearly as much of a challenge.
Lighten up
Dark, block-like colour over the entire lid is rarely flattering on any eye shape, but those with hooded eyes should bear in mind that heavy handed application with shady hues is likely to make your eyes look smaller and your lids more sleepy. Opt for a subtle ‘highlighting’ shade in the inner corners to make your eyes look wider and brighter, and dab a smidgen of the same shade under the brow bone to create definition. Don’t think that you have to shirk smokey shades altogether; just tailor your application method to your eye shape…
Whisper, don’t shout...
A hazy wash of colour, rather than angular shading, will suit you down to the ground, so ensure that you buff on shadow with a generously sized fluffy brush. Legendary makeup artist Lisa Eldridge is of the opinion that we should all probably be using bigger, softer brushes to apply our eye makeup and achieve a more subtle, blended finish, but this is especially true where hooded eyes are concerned. MAC 213 Fluff Brush , £17, is your makeup magic wand in this case.
When it comes to colouring in, keep darker shades to the outer edges of the upper lid, making sure to blend above the crease (but not up to the brow - 80s throwback) so that the shadow can be seen when you’ve got your eyes open. Trace a little of the darker shadow under the lower lashline too, but go easy, as thick, opaque colour on the lower lid can make the eyes look a bit ‘moley’. A soft and gentle approach on the shadow front is the way forward, not to mention the fact that it’ll actually bring your eyes forward in the most flattering way possible. A versatile, shade-graduated eyeshadow palette will make light work of blending colour- treat yourself to Hourglass Modernist Palette , £50.40, if you’re feeling flash. It’s practically a work of art, and will ensure that your eye makeup is quite the masterpiece too.
Always look on the bright side…
Well, sometimes. If your eyes are hooded, chances are you can pull off brighter looks more than most, as vivid colour and ‘standout’ makeup won’t look too obvious or try-hard, as you’ll only see the full picture when you blink. Add multi-dimensional drama with Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow , £21. The jewel-like, metallic shadows have been favourites of mine since their launch a few years back. Apply wet or dry depending on exactly how intense you’re feeling.
Hold the line
Heavy liner is likely to be a bit of a waste of time and effort if you’re in the hooded eye camp; it either smudges or can make your eyes look a bit ‘bedroomy’, but in a tired rather than titillating sense. Instead, rejoice in the fact that, as long as you trace liner as close to the lashline as possible, you can get away with a bit of a shaky, wonky line. No one will see it, but you’ll have delicious definition when you open your eyes. This is tightlining at its finest - minimal effort, maximum effect. Widen eyes even more with a slick of Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n’ Kohl in Eye Cheat , £19, on the bottom inner lash rim. The nude hue will bring out the whites of your eyes and make you look more awake. Speaking of which…
Just a curl
Look alive and give lashes a squeeze with a good quality curler before applying mascara- it’ll give eyes that are sometimes hidden in the shadows a lift. Shiseido Eyelash Curler , £17, gets into even very tight spots (painlessly) to create a feline fan of lashes.
Keep it high brow
Frame your strong eye shape with groomed, full brows. This is especially helpful when your eyes have become hooded over time, as thicker brows make your eye area look more youthful. Glossier Boy Brow , £14, is fluffs up your natural assets and etches on volume if you happen to be lacking it.
Erase exhaustion
Often hooded eyes can make you look tired, even if you’re getting your recommended eight hours and feeling and looking pretty bushy tailed otherwise. Brighten up the eye area with a fatigue fighting concealer such as the beautifully buttery C larins Instant Concealer , £18.70. It’s designed to counteract dark circles and will disguise shadows, whether naturally created by your eye shape or the result of slight eye makeup fallout. Either way, it’s brilliant.
Do you have hooded eyes and struggle with eye makeup, or do you have any other recommendations? I’d love to hear from you- comment below or tweet me @AnnaMaryHunter