Hooded eyes are a common eye shape characterized by an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid appear smaller or even hidden when the eyes are open. While this eye shape is perfectly natural and often hereditary, many people find themselves struggling with makeup application or feel self-conscious about the look. Understanding hooded eyes and learning a few styling tricks can help you enhance your features with confidence.

What Are Hooded Eyes?

Hooded eyes are not a medical condition—they’re simply a variation in anatomy. People with hooded eyes have a brow bone that appears more prominent because the skin from the brow area folds down over the natural crease of the eyelid. This can sometimes make the eyes look smaller or give a "sleepy" appearance, especially when the face is relaxed.

Hooded eyes can be present from birth or develop gradually with age as the skin naturally loses elasticity. Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively, and Brad Pitt all have hooded eyes, showing that this feature can be just as beautiful as any other eye shape.

Are Hooded Eyes the Same as Droopy Eyes?

It’s important to distinguish between hooded eyes and droopy eyes. Hooded eyes are defined by excess skin folding over the crease, while droopy eyes—or ptosis—refer to the sagging of the upper eyelid itself, often impairing vision or eye function. Ptosis can result from aging, injury, or a medical condition and might require surgical correction. In contrast, hooded eyes are purely a cosmetic variation and do not typically affect vision.

Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes

Many people with hooded eyes struggle with eyeshadow application or eyeliner smudging. Here are a few tips to help you work with—not against—your natural eye shape:

1. Use an Eye Primer

Since hooded eyes often cause makeup to transfer or smudge, a high-quality eye primer is essential. It helps prevent creasing and keeps eyeliner and eyeshadow in place longer.

2. Create a New Crease

Use a matte eyeshadow slightly darker than your skin tone to define a new crease slightly above your natural one. This gives the illusion of more lid space and opens up the eyes.

3. Apply Eyeliner Strategically

Avoid thick eyeliner across the lid, as it can make the eyes look even smaller. Instead, opt for a thin line or tightlining (applying liner to the upper waterline) to define the lash line without taking up lid space. Winged liner, when done carefully, can also elongate the eyes and lift the outer corners.

4. Curl Your Lashes

Lash curlers are your best friend if you have hooded eyes. Curled lashes help to lift the eye and make them appear more open and awake. Follow with a volumizing, waterproof mascara to prevent smudging.

5. Highlight the Brow Bone and Inner Corners

Using a light, shimmery shade on the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes can bring brightness and contrast, making hooded eyes appear more lifted and dimensional.

Hairstyle and Brows: Enhancing Hooded Eyes

Believe it or not, your hairstyle and brows can also impact the appearance of your eyes. Light, layered bangs that don’t overpower the eyes can help draw attention upward. Additionally, shaping your eyebrows with a slight arch can help balance the face and open up the eye area.

Causes of Hooded Eyes

There are several reasons someone might have hooded eyes:

• Genetics: Many people inherit their eye shape from their parents.

• Aging: Over time, collagen and elastin break down, causing the skin to sag, including around the eyes.

• Lifestyle Factors: Lack of sleep, dehydration, or sun exposure can make hooding more pronounced.

• Health Conditions: In rare cases, neurological or muscular issues can affect the eyelids, leading to acquired hooding or ptosis.

How to Fix Hooded Eyes

For those wondering how to fix hooded eyes, there are both non-surgical and surgical options depending on your goals. If the hooding is severe and interferes with vision, a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty can remove excess skin and lift the lid. This is often covered by insurance if it's medically necessary.

Non-surgical options include:

• Botox: Injecting Botox into specific areas around the brow can create a lifted appearance.

• Ultherapy or Thermage: These are non-invasive treatments that use ultrasound or radiofrequency to tighten skin.

• Makeup Techniques: As mentioned above, makeup can dramatically change the perceived shape of the eyes with the right application.

It's important to consult with a board-certified professional if you're considering any cosmetic procedures.

Embracing Your Eye Shape

Ultimately, hooded eyes are just one of many beautiful eye shapes. They give a sultry, mysterious look and have inspired countless makeup artists to develop specific techniques that flatter and enhance. Whether you want to accentuate your hooded eyes with makeup or explore corrective options, the key is feeling confident in your own skin.

Remember, beauty doesn’t come from fitting into a mold—it comes from highlighting what makes you unique. Hooded eyes are no exception.