5 Of The Best Tips For Applying Eyeshadow To Hooded Eyes

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If you have hooded eyes (that's when skin from the eye socket covers — either fully or partially — the eyelid) and have struggled to apply eyeshadow in a flattering way, you're in the right place. Putting shadow on hooded lids can be incredibly difficult and fiddly, as they don't leave a lot of space to work with. But don't let that stop you from creating the eye makeup look of your dreams.

"Instead of following traditional eyeshadow maps, the goal is to place your transition and depth shades slightly above your natural crease so they're still visible when your eyes open," professional makeup artist Amber Reneé exclusively tells Women.com. "Once you understand your eye shape, you can create everything from soft everyday looks to dramatic glam." So, to help you better understand your eyes and how to compliment them with eyeshadow, Reneé exclusively shared some of the very best tips in her arsenal with us.

Not to prime is a crime! And Amber Reneé exclusively tells us that's no different prior to applying eyeshadow on hooded eyes. "Hooded lids create more friction because the skin folds over itself," she explains. "A quality eyeshadow primer helps prevent creasing, fading, and transfer while making your eyeshadow appear more vibrant," she adds. Creasing in particular will draw more attention to your hooded eyes, so take some time to look over our key tips to prevent eyeshadow creasing.

Finding the perfect primer may take some trial and error, but focus on your specific needs to find the right one. If you have oily lids, try the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Primer, which is designed to combat oily skin. If you have more mature skin and want something to help minimize the look of fine lines, reach for the Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Check the packaging on your product for specific user instructions, but, as a general rule of thumb, apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry eyelids using your fingers or a small, flat brush. Then wait around 30 seconds for it to dry before applying your next eye product.

It may feel most natural to apply eyeshadow to your crease with your peepers closed. But, just like when applying eyeliner to hooded eyes, it's much more productive to keep them open and look straight ahead (not down!) into a mirror. "This ensures your shadow remains visible when your eyes are open instead of disappearing into the fold," Amber Reneé exclusively explains. This will also give you the best idea of how your eyeshadow will look to other people when your gorgeous eyes are open all day. "These small adjustments make a huge difference on hooded eyes," Reneé notes.

To give yourself the best chance of flattering shadow, try applying your makeup in a bathroom or bedroom with a large, wall-mounted mirror that you can look straight into. If that's not available, try the Foldable Full Length Travel Mirror from SAFEE MRROR or the LPHUMEX Foldable Full Length Dance Mirror. Both can be hung on a wall or door and adjusted to your height, so you won't have to contort your body or sit uncomfortably to get the best view of your lids.

Many makeup tutorials suggest creating a crease (aka placing a darker eyeshadow just above the lid to define the natural hollow) directly onto the natural line of your eye socket. But on hooded eyes, try taking it a little higher. "Extending your transition and deeper shades just above the fold creates the illusion of more lid space and helps the eyes appear more open," Amber Reneé exclusively explains to Women, noting this is also the best way to ensure your handiwork isn't hidden by the hooded skin.

Practice getting the right placement when you're hanging out at home and have some time to spare. That way, you won't feel rushed and can have fun experimenting. Then, once you've worked out what works for your eyes, the sky's the limit with eyeshadow. 

To aid your journey getting to know your eyes, get your hands on a varied eyeshadow brush set so you know you have all the tools you need. BK Beauty's Brush Set For Hooded Eyes contains five brushes, including a blender brush and a defined crease brush. ENZO KEN's Natural Pony Hair Eye Shadow Brush Set contains seven brushes, including a small eyeshadow brush to make precise application above your fold easier.

Even if you're going for a dramatic eye look, don't fall into the trap of rushing through your makeup routine and applying a single, heavy layer of shadow. Instead, Amber Reneé recommends applying multiple light layers and taking your time to blend them out thoroughly. That way, you can build up the product to get the desired effect in a more flattering, natural looking way. "Applying too much product at once can make hooded eyes look heavy and muddy," Reneé explains — and that will only draw more attention to your hoods. "Building color with thin, well-blended layers creates more definition while keeping the eye lifted and polished," she adds.

A blending brush that does its job is crucial for creating that diffused, soft look. Try the e.l.f. Fluffy Eye Blender Brush or the NYX Pro Blending Brush. These larger, fluffier brushes can gently apply eyeshadow above the crease or used to blend out any existing product.

Shimmery eyeshadow can instantly elevate your makeup. It's perfect for adding some shine for a fun night out or anytime you want to look your most glam. If you have hooded eyes though, avoid taking the light-catching product all the way up to to the hooded area. "Apply your shimmer on the center of the lid or inner portion of the eye. [This will add] brightness without emphasizing the hood," Amber Reneé tells us, exclusively.

One of the best ways to keep your shimmer shadow where you want it is to apply it with a precise flat brush and start close to the lash line. Try the Profusion Cosmetics Flat Shader Eyeshadow Brush or the Piccasso 239 Eyeshadow Brush. Much like other shadows, building up the shimmer in layers will stop it looking harsh or overdone. Eyeshadow isn't the only way to keep your hooded eyes looking their best, though. If you're looking for more general tips and tricks for applying makeup to hooded eyes (including how your brows and contouring can play a part), we've got you covered there too.