Eyeliner Techniques for Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes feature a fold of skin that hangs over the crease, often obscuring the lash line when the eye is at rest. Traditional application techniques frequently result in the pigment transferring onto the upper lid or disappearing entirely into the fold.

The objective is to work with the natural architecture of the eye rather than fighting against it. By adjusting the placement and shape of your liner, you can create the illusion of lift and definition without interference from the brow bone fold.

1. Prep the eyelid surface. Clean the skin of excess oil using a cotton swab. Apply a thin, even layer of eye primer across the entire lid. Allow it to set completely before introducing any pigment to ensure the liner does not skip or migrate into the crease.
2. Execute the tightline technique. Gently lift the upper lid and apply a long-wear pencil between the roots of the upper lashes. This technique defines the eye without consuming any visible lid space. Focus on the outer two-thirds for a subtle, lifted effect.
3. Map the bat-wing liner. With your eyes open and looking straight ahead, draw a small diagonal line from the outer corner towards the end of your eyebrow. Connect this line back to the lash line, creating a small notch or triangle that bypasses the hood. Fill in the empty space once you close the eye slightly.
4. Diffuse for a soft finish. Use a small, angled brush to smudge a dark eyeshadow over the edge of your liner. This softens the crispness and prevents the hood from catching on the sharp edges of a liquid pen. A diffused line is more forgiving on textured lids.

Work with the fold, not against it, to maintain a clean line.