How to Apply Eyeshadow for Hooded Eyes

Apply eyeshadow with eyes open, focus color above the hood, and use smaller brushes for precision.

Stop following tutorials made for wide-set eyes and start working with what you actually have—it's faster and looks infinitely better.

1. Map your eye shape. Look straight into a mirror with eyes open. Notice where your mobile lid disappears under the hood. This invisible line is your new crease—work above it, not where anatomy textbooks say your crease should be.
2. Prime strategically. Use eyeshadow primer on the entire lid and up to the brow bone. Hooded eyes transfer more product to the upper lid throughout the day. Set the primer with a skin-tone powder to prevent creasing.
3. Apply transition shade higher. With eyes open, sweep a neutral transition shade above where your hood sits. Use a smaller, denser brush than usual—fluffy brushes deposit color too low and it vanishes when you blink.
4. Build color with eyes open. Apply your main eyeshadow color with eyes open, looking straight ahead. Pack color onto the mobile lid and blend upward into the transition area. Check your work frequently with eyes open.
5. Define with precision. Use a small pencil brush to place darker shades exactly where you want them. Focus on the outer corner and along the upper lash line rather than trying to create depth in a crease you can't see.