How to Apply Eyeliner to Hooded Eyes, According to the Pros

Hooded eyes are one of the most common eyelid shapes, yet many beauty tutorials still overlook them. When you have a hooded lid, the crease and the waterline play a key role in how your eyeliner appears. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step guide, pro‑level product recommendations, and insider tips that will help you nail the perfect liner look. Whether you’re a seasoned makeup pro or a beginner, this post will give you the confidence to apply eyeliner that flatters your hooded eyes.

1. Understanding Hooded Eyes

Before you pick a product or start lining, it’s important to understand the unique characteristics of hooded lids:

• Limited lid space – The crease is usually lower and the waterline may appear slightly hidden.
• Crease visibility – A well‑applied liner can open up the crease and make the eye appear larger.
• Wing placement – The wing should follow the natural angle of the waterline to avoid a “bat‑wing” look.

Why the Right Eyeliner Matters

A good liner will not only define the eye but also enhance the overall shape. For hooded eyes, the liner should:

• Be flexible enough to glide over the crease without smudging.
• Have a fine tip for precise application.
• Stay on for at least 12–16 hours (depending on the formula).

2. Selecting the Ideal Eyeliner

Choosing the right formula is the first step toward a flawless finish. Below are the top picks that work best for hooded lids, along with expert commentary from makeup artists Gemma Peace and Tobi Henney.

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3. Prep & Base: Setting the Stage

Preparation is essential. A clean, primed eye will help your liner stay in place.

Step 1 – Clean the Eye Area

• Remove any excess oil or smudges with a gentle eye primer.
• Use a small, angled brush to lightly fill in the waterline. This gives the liner a solid base.

Step 2 – Outline the Crease

Using a light hand, start at the inner corner of the eye and draw a line that follows the crease. For hooded lids, a shorter line that meets the crease can help open up the space.

3. Step‑by‑Step Application for Hooded Eyes

Below is a detailed, pro‑style routine that Gemma Peace and Tobi Henney swear by. Follow these steps for a liner that’s both precise and long‑lasting.

Step 1 – Inner‑Corner Liner

1. Hold the liner at a 45° angle to your eye.
2. Start at the inner corner and run the liner along the crease until you reach the lower crease line.

Step 2 – Waterline Definition

1. With a thin brush or the liquid side of a dual‑ended liner, fill in the waterline just below the crease.
2. Keep the line thin but solid; it should not take up too much lid space.

Pro Tip: Keep the liner straight

Use a small piece of tape or a temporary “liner guide” to ensure your line remains straight before you start the wing.

Step 3 – Wing Creation

1. Follow the angle of the waterline upward toward the tail of your eyebrow.
2. From the outer corner, pull the liner inward toward the outer corner of the eye, creating a subtle bat‑wing effect that opens up the crease.

Pro Tip: Use a small angled brush

A 1‑inch angled brush can help you create a crisp, tapered wing that blends seamlessly with the crease.

Step 4 – Tightlining (Optional)

For hooded lids, tightlining is a great way to give the lashes a fuller look without crowding the lid. Use the gel side of a dual‑ended liner or a fine liquid tip.

4. Pro Tips & Insider Tricks

• Primer matters: A lightweight primer on the crease can help the liner stay in place.
• Blend, don’t blur: Use a small, angled brush to blend the liner into the crease.
• Use a tape guide: A strip of clear tape along the waterline can help you keep the liner straight.
• Finish with mascara: A few coats of mascara along the outer corner will lift the eye.

5. Product Recommendations for Hooded Eyes

Below we’ve grouped the best liners by formula type and wear time, so you can pick the one that best fits your budget and style.

Liquid Liners

• Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen – $11 (18% off)
• Charlotte Tilbury Feline Flick V2 Eyeliner – $32

Dual‑Ended Liners

• Valentino Twin Liner Gel & Liquid Eyeliner – $40

Gel Liners

• Hourglass Mechanical Gel Eyeliner – $32

Why These Products Shine

• All contain waterproof or long‑wear formulas.
• Fine tips and flexible brush heads ensure precise application.
• Shade options range from classic black to deep brown, giving you versatility.

6. Pro Tips from Makeup Artists

Gemma Peace (UK‑based artist) says:

“Bat‑wing shapes and outer‑corner liners work especially well on hooded lids. Tightlining is a secret weapon for defining the eye without taking up too much lid space.” – Gemma Peace

Tobi Henney (NY‑based celebrity artist) adds:

“When your eye is closed, the liner should look like a seamless bat‑wing. The key is to keep the liner straight and pull it inward from the wing toward the outer corner.” – Tobi Henney

7. Final Thoughts

Applying eyeliner to hooded eyes is all about precision, patience, and choosing the right product. By following the steps above and using one of our recommended liners, you’ll be able to enhance the crease, open up the waterline, and give your hooded lids a fresh, defined look. Remember to always start with a clean, primed eye and keep your liner thin but solid. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Now that you know the ins and outs of hooded eyeliner, go ahead and try the technique yourself. Share your results with us in the comments or on social media, and let us know which product worked best for you. Happy lining!

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