Techniques · 2 min read
Bridal Makeup for Hooded Eyes: Eyeshadow, Liner and Lashes
Updated
Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that drops over the crease and part of the lid when your eyes are open. That’s why classic “shadow in the crease” techniques can disappear entirely, and why wing liner can look broken. Hooded eyes are also very common, and with a few placement changes they look beautiful and lifted in bridal photos.
Start with your eyes open
The golden rule for hooded eyes is to map your shadow with your eyes open and looking straight ahead. Find where the hood folds, and place your transition shade just above that line, where it will actually show.
Eyeshadow placement for hooded eyes
- Prime from lash line to brow. Hooded lids touch the skin above them, so they crease more easily.
- Sweep a soft matte transition shade slightly above the natural crease, blending up and out.
- Deepen the outer corner in a soft upward “V”, angled towards the tail of the brow.
- Keep the mobile lid bright with a satin or soft shimmer. It catches light when you blink and in photos.
- Highlight the inner corner to open the eye.
Liner and lashes
- Tightline the upper waterline for definition that never transfers onto the hood.
- For a wing, draw it with your eyes open and angle it towards the end of the brow. A “bat wing” shape that follows the hood looks straight when your eyes are open.
- Choose lightweight, wispy lashes or clusters on the outer third. Heavy bands push the hood down.
- Curl your lashes well and use waterproof or tubing mascara so it doesn’t print onto the lid.
Warm bronze, copper and soft plum all make brown eyes glow. Apply the deeper shade only at the outer corner and keep the lid luminous.
Frequently asked questions
What eyeshadow is best for hooded eyes on a wedding day?
Matte shades for the crease and outer corner, a satin or soft shimmer on the lid, and an eyeshadow primer underneath. Avoid chunky glitter, which transfers onto the hood.
Should brides with hooded eyes wear false lashes?
Yes, but choose light, wispy styles or individual clusters at the outer corners. They lift the eye without weighing the hood down.
How do I stop eyeshadow creasing on hooded eyes?
Use a primer, set it with a skin-tone powder before colour, and use waterproof liner and mascara.
For every eye shape, including deep-set, monolid and round eyes, see our lesson on bridal eyeshadow for your eye shape.
