How To Make False Lashes Work For Hooded Eyes

Folks with hooded eyes sometimes need to be a little more thoughtful about their eye makeup. That's because, this eye shape — where an additional flap of skin folds over the upper eyelid — doesn't have the same straightforward crease that features in so many beauty tutorials. If this is your natural shape, or whether your eyes have changed due to age, you don't need to skip fun and playful things like fake eyelashes altogether; there are just a few small tweaks to get the same effect.

The most important step is choosing the right set of false lashes. "Always go for styles with a thin band as these are more flexible and easier to use," says celebrity makeup artist Caroline Hernandez. "The thicker bands are harder to manipulate, tend to spring back out into a straight line, and glue can catch your skin as they try to straighten back out, making a mess." Alternatively, skip strip lashes altogether, and use individual lashes that can be applied at the outer corner of the eye without mess.

If you're still finding yourself frustrated, Hernandez recommends applying falsies from below the lash line instead, like these Lashify Gossamer Eyelash Extensions. "Clusters or strips cut into segments can be glued to the underside of your upper natural lashes and can look even more natural and seamless than the traditional way of applying lashes," she explains. "This technique can be very helpful because it bypasses the upper lid fold, making application easier."

Even though the extra fold of skin can make it a bit more tricky to apply false lashes to hooded eyes, it can be well worth the effort. In fact, many makeup artists consider them to be one of the best tips and tricks for applying makeup to hooded eyes since falsies can help make your eyes look more open. This is extra true if you're worried about a drooped or sagging shape, which is why adding fake lashes is a great eye makeup tip to give older women a wide awake appearance. "Lashes can create an instant lifted look to the entire eye," explains celebrity makeup artist Caroline Hernandez. "Using a lash style that extends even slightly over the fold can really draw the focal point upward, opening the eye area up."

Many internet users with less prominent eye creases have admitted they swear by fake lashes to create a sense of shape and dimension in their beauty looks. "Falsies look BOMB," wrote one Reddit user. "It will seriously change your entire face more than anything else." If you really love the look of fake lashes and are sick of messing with daily applications, you can get similar effect from a lash lift. Alternatively, you can get lash extensions, just make sure you know the risks first.