Are you a makeup lover with hooded eyes in your 50s? If so, this article is perfect for you! We understand the unique challenges that come with applying makeup for hooded eyes, especially as we age. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks specifically tailored to help enhance your eye makeup and make your beautiful eyes pop, even at 50 and beyond. So let’s dive right in and discover how you can create stunning looks that showcase your hooded eyes with confidence and style!
Choosing the Right Eyeshadow
Know Your Eye Shape
When it comes to choosing the right eyeshadow for hooded eyes, it’s important to first understand your eye shape. Hooded eyes have a unique structure where the fold of the eyelid hides the natural crease, making the eyelid appear smaller. To determine if you have hooded eyes, look in the mirror and check if the crease of your eyelid is hidden when your eyes are open. Knowing your eye shape will help you determine which eyeshadow techniques and colors will best enhance your eyes.
Opt for Matte Eyeshadows
For hooded eyes, it’s best to opt for matte eyeshadows rather than shimmery or sparkly ones. Matte eyeshadows help to create a more seamless and natural look on hooded lids. Shimmer and sparkly eyeshadows tend to emphasize the hooded fold and can make the eyes appear smaller. Choose matte shades in neutral tones such as browns, taupes, and soft earthy tones for a flattering and sophisticated look.
Use Lighter Shades in the Inner Corner
To open up and brighten hooded eyes, apply lighter shades in the inner corner of the eyelid. This technique helps to create the illusion of a more open and lifted eye shape. Use a light-colored eyeshadow, such as ivory, champagne, or pale pink, and apply it to the inner corner of your eyelid. This will instantly brighten your eyes and make them appear larger.
Apply Deeper Shades on the Outer Corner
To add depth and dimension to hooded eyes, focus on applying deeper shades on the outer corner of the eyelid. Darker shades of eyeshadow create the illusion of a more defined crease, making the eyes appear more open. Choose shades like deep browns, charcoal, or plum, and apply them on the outer corner, blending towards the center of the lid. This technique will help to create a lifted and more awake look for your hooded eyes.
Creating Depth with Eyeliner
Select a Waterproof Eyeliner
When it comes to hooded eyes, it’s important to select a waterproof eyeliner that can withstand the natural creasing and folding of the eyelid throughout the day. Waterproof formulas are more long-lasting and less likely to smudge or transfer onto the hooded area. Look for gel or liquid eyeliners that offer waterproof properties for a clean and precise application.
Use Eyeliner on the Upper Lid
To enhance the appearance of hooded eyes, focus on applying eyeliner on the upper lid. This technique helps to define the lash line and create the illusion of fuller lashes. Start by tightlining your upper lash line, applying the eyeliner as close to the roots of your lashes as possible. Then, gradually thicken the line towards the outer corner of your eye. This method will give your hooded eyes a lifted and elongated look.
Wing out the Eyeliner
To further lift and elongate hooded eyes, consider winging out your eyeliner. This technique helps to create a subtle cat-eye effect that extends the eye shape outward. Begin by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, and then extend the line slightly past the outer corner of your eye. For a more dramatic winged look, angle the line slightly upwards towards your temples. Winged eyeliner adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to hooded eyes.
Avoid Applying Eyeliner on the Lower Lid
When it comes to hooded eyes, it’s best to avoid applying eyeliner on the lower lid. Applying eyeliner on the lower lid can make the eyes appear smaller and accentuate the hooded fold. Instead, focus on defining the upper lid to create a more lifted and open look. If you prefer to add some depth to the lower lash line, use eyeshadow or a smudge brush to softly smudge a neutral shade along the lower lashes.
Enhancing the Lashes
Curl Your Lashes with an Eyelash Curler
Curling your lashes is an essential step in enhancing the appearance of hooded eyes. It helps to lift and open up the eyes, making them appear larger and more awake. Start by placing an eyelash curler at the base of your lashes and gently squeeze the curler for a few seconds. Then, move the curler slightly towards the middle of your lashes and curl again. Finish by curling the lashes towards the tips for maximum lift and curl.
Opt for Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
To make the most of your lashes and emphasize hooded eyes, opt for lengthening and volumizing mascara. Look for mascaras that have a combination of both lengthening and volumizing properties. The lengthening formula will help to give your lashes a longer and more defined look, while the volumizing formula adds thickness and fullness. Apply the mascara from the roots to the tips, wiggling the wand back and forth for even distribution.
Focus on the Outer Corner of the Lashes
For hooded eyes, it’s best to focus on the outer corner of the lashes when applying mascara. By concentrating the mascara on the outer lashes, you can create a lifted effect that helps to counterbalance the hooded fold. Apply an extra coat or two of mascara to the outer corner, ensuring that the lashes are well-coated and separated. This will help to create a fluttery and lifted appearance for your hooded eyes.
Avoid Applying Mascara on the Lower Lashes
When it comes to hooded eyes, it’s advisable to avoid applying mascara on the lower lashes. Mascara on the lower lashes can create a heavy and weighed-down effect, making the eyes appear smaller. Instead, focus on enhancing the upper lashes to draw attention upwards and create a more uplifted look. If you still desire some definition on the lower lashes, use a clear mascara or a small amount of brown mascara for a natural-looking effect.
Defining the Eyebrows
Choose a Shade That Matches Your Hair Color
Defining the eyebrows is crucial for balancing and framing hooded eyes. When choosing an eyebrow product, opt for a shade that matches your hair color for a natural look. Using a shade that is too dark or too light can create a harsh or artificial appearance. Choose a brow pencil, powder, or pomade that matches your hair color or is one shade lighter for a softer look. A well-defined brow will help to uplift the eye area and create a more harmonious overall look.
Use a Slanted Brush for a Natural Look
To achieve natural-looking eyebrows for hooded eyes, use a slanted brush in combination with your chosen eyebrow product. The slanted shape of the brush mimics the natural direction of eyebrow hairs, allowing for precise application. Fill in sparse areas by using short, feathery strokes in the direction of hair growth. Avoid creating overly sharp or harsh lines, as this can give an unnatural appearance. The goal is to create soft and defined brows that complement the shape of your hooded eyes.
Fill in Sparse Areas
Hooded eyes often have sparse areas in the eyebrows, and filling them in can make a significant difference in framing the eyes. Use an eyebrow pencil, powder, or pomade to fill in any gaps or sparse areas. Start by outlining the shape of your eyebrows using small, light strokes. Then, gradually fill in the sparse areas, focusing on creating a natural and even look. Remember to blend the product well to avoid any harsh lines or patchy spots.
Set the Brows with a Clear Brow Gel
To set your eyebrows in place and ensure your hard work lasts all day, use a clear brow gel. A clear brow gel helps to keep the eyebrow hairs in shape and prevents them from smudging or fading throughout the day. Apply the clear brow gel by combing the product through your brows in the direction of hair growth. This will help to set the eyebrow hairs in place and give a polished finish to your defined eyebrows.
Brightening the Under-Eye Area
Apply a Color Corrector
The under-eye area is a common area of concern for many, including those with hooded eyes. To brighten and correct any discoloration under the eyes, apply a color corrector. Color correctors come in different shades and help to neutralize specific color concerns. For under-eye darkness, choose a peach or salmon-colored corrector. Apply a small amount of color corrector using your fingertips or a brush and gently blend it into the under-eye area. This step will help to counteract any darkness and create a more awake appearance.
Use a Lightweight Concealer
After applying a color corrector, follow up with a lightweight concealer to further brighten and cover any under-eye discoloration. Opt for a concealer that has a lightweight formula to prevent creasing or settling into the fine lines of the hooded area. The concealer should be one to two shades lighter than your skin tone to create a luminous and brightening effect. Dab a small amount of concealer under the eyes and gently blend it using your fingertips or a damp makeup sponge.
Set the Concealer with Setting Powder
To ensure that your concealer stays in place and doesn’t crease throughout the day, set it with a setting powder. A setting powder helps to lock in the concealer and keeps it looking fresh for longer hours. Choose a translucent setting powder that matches your skin tone and lightly dust it over the concealed under-eye area using a fluffy brush. This will help to set the concealer and prevent it from smudging or creasing into the hooded fold.
Avoid Applying Heavy Concealer
When it comes to hooded eyes, it’s best to avoid applying heavy concealer under the eyes. Heavy concealer can settle into the fine lines and creases, accentuating the hooded area and making it appear more prominent. Instead, opt for a lightweight concealer that provides enough coverage without feeling heavy on the skin. Remember, the goal is to brighten and enhance the under-eye area, not to weigh it down or draw attention to the hooded fold.
Avoiding Shimmer on the Hooded Area
Limit Shimmer to the Mobile Lid
While shimmer eyeshadows can add a beautiful sparkle to any makeup look, it’s important to limit their application on hooded eyes. Shimmery eyeshadows tend to emphasize texture and can make the hooded fold appear more prominent. To prevent this, limit shimmer eyeshadows to the mobile lid area. Applying shimmer on the mobile lid will catch the light and add a subtle pop to your eye makeup without drawing attention to the hooded area.
Avoid Sparkly Eyeshadows on the Hooded Fold
To avoid accentuating the hooded fold, it’s best to avoid using sparkly eyeshadows on that area. Sparkles can settle into the creases and create a messy or uneven look. Instead, focus on using matte or satin eyeshadows on the hooded fold, as they have a more subtle finish. Save the sparkles for the mobile lid or inner corner of the eye, where they can add a touch of glamour without overwhelming the hooded areas.
Use Matte Highlighter on the Brow Bone
To bring light and dimension to your hooded eyes, use a matte highlighter on the brow bone. Matte highlighters have a soft and natural finish that complements hooded eyes. Apply the matte highlighter just below the highest point of your brow arch and blend it upwards towards your forehead. This technique will create an illusion of lift and openness and draw attention away from the hooded fold.
Blend Well for a Seamless Look
To achieve a seamless and polished look on hooded eyes, blending is key. Blend your eyeshadows and highlighter with a clean blending brush to create a smooth transition of colors. Pay extra attention to the edges of the eyeshadows to prevent any harsh lines or uneven application. By blending well, you’ll achieve a professional-looking eye makeup that enhances your hooded eyes in a natural and flattering way.
Smokey Eye Makeup for Hooded Eyes
Choose Neutral Smokey Shades
Smokey eye makeup can be a stunning choice for hooded eyes, but it’s essential to choose the right shades. Opt for neutral smokey shades like soft browns, taupes, or grays to create a classic and sophisticated look. These shades blend seamlessly with the natural crease of hooded eyes and won’t overpower the eye area. Neutral smokey shades give depth and dimension to hooded eyes while still maintaining a flattering and balanced effect.
Apply a Transition Shade
To achieve a flawless and gradient effect in your smokey eye makeup, apply a transition shade. A transition shade acts as a bridge between your lid color and the brow bone highlight. Choose a shade that is slightly darker than your natural skin tone and apply it above the crease, blending it softly towards the brow bone. This will create a seamless transition and help to define the shape of your hooded eyes.
Focus the Darkest Shade on the Outer Corner
When creating a smokey eye look for hooded eyes, it’s crucial to focus the darkest shade on the outer corner of the eyelid. Applying the darkest shade to the outer corner helps to lift and elongate the eye shape. Start by applying the darkest shade to the outer V area and blend it slightly into the crease. This technique will create depth and dimension, making your hooded eyes appear more defined and captivating.
Use a Shimmery Shade on the Center of the Lid
To add a touch of glamour and dimension to your smokey eye makeup, use a shimmery shade on the center of the lid. This technique helps to catch the light and draw attention to the center of the eye. Choose a shimmery shade in a complementary color to your smokey eye look, such as a metallic bronze or silver. Apply the shimmery shade with a flat eyeshadow brush to the center of the lid, slightly blending it towards the outer corner and inner corner. This will create a mesmerizing effect that beautifully enhances your hooded eyes.
Tips for Long-Lasting Makeup
Prepare the Eyelids with Primer
To ensure your eyeshadow stays vibrant and crease-free throughout the day, always prepare your eyelids with an eyeshadow primer. Primer acts as a base for your eyeshadow, helping it adhere better and prolonging its wear time. Apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer to your entire eyelid and blend it out using your fingertips or a brush. This step will create a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow and prevent it from smudging or fading, even on hooded eyes.
Set the Eyeshadow with Translucent Powder
After applying your eyeshadows, set them with a translucent powder to lock them in place. Translucent powder helps to absorb any excess oils on the eyelids and prevents the eyeshadow from creasing. Using a fluffy brush, lightly dust a small amount of translucent powder over your eyelids. Be gentle and avoid dragging the brush over the hooded area to maintain the integrity of the eyeshadow. This step will ensure that your eyeshadow lasts all day without smudging or losing its vibrancy.
Use an Eyelid Primer for Oily Lids
If you have oily lids, opt for an eyelid primer specifically formulated for oily skin. Oily lids can cause eyeshadow to crease and smudge more easily, so using a primer designed for oily skin will help to control oil and maintain the longevity of your eye makeup. Apply a small amount of the eyelid primer to your lids, focusing on the areas that tend to get oilier. Blend it out and allow it to dry for a few seconds before applying your eyeshadow.
Apply Setting Spray to Extend Makeup Wear
To prolong the wear time of your entire makeup look, including your eyeshadow, apply a setting spray as a final step. Setting spray works to lock in your makeup, ensuring that it stays intact throughout the day. Close your eyes and hold the setting spray bottle about an arm’s length away from your face. Mist the spray evenly over your entire face, including your eyelids. Allow the setting spray to dry naturally, and you’re all set with long-lasting makeup that won’t smudge or fade.
Eyelid Lifting Techniques
Apply Eyeshadow Higher on the Lid
To create the illusion of lifted and higher-set eyelids, apply your eyeshadow slightly higher on the lid. This technique helps to visually open up the eyes and make the hooded area less prominent. Use a blending brush with a soft, fluffy texture to apply eyeshadow above the natural crease line. Blend the eyeshadow softly towards the brow bone to create a smooth transition. This will give the appearance of lifted and more youthful-looking eyelids.
Use a Lifting Eyeliner Technique
When applying eyeliner on hooded eyes, use a lifting technique to enhance the eye shape. Start by lining your upper lash line as close to the roots as possible. As you reach the outer corner, gradually lift the eyeliner slightly upwards towards the end of your brow. This will create a subtle lift and elongation to your hooded eyes. Remember to keep the line thin and precise to maintain a natural look.
Create a Winged Eyeliner Shape
A winged eyeliner shape is a classic and flattering choice for hooded eyes. The winged shape helps to lift and elongate the eyes, making them appear more awake and youthful. Start by drawing a thin line along the upper lash line, gradually extending the line slightly past the outer corner. Then, create a small flick or wing upwards towards the end of your brow. The winged eyeliner shape adds a touch of sophistication to hooded eyes and beautifully enhances their natural shape.
Apply Highlighter on the Inner Corner
To brighten and further emphasize the lifted appearance of hooded eyes, apply a highlighter on the inner corner of the eyes. Choose a highlighter shade that complements your skin tone, such as champagne or light gold. Using a small brush or your fingertips, apply the highlighter to the inner corner, blending it towards the tear duct area. This will instantly brighten your eyes and create a radiant and refreshed look.
Daytime Makeup for Hooded Eyes
Opt for Soft and Natural Shades
For a daytime makeup look that enhances your hooded eyes, opt for soft and natural shades. Avoid heavy or dramatic eye makeup that can overpower your eye shape. Choose neutral eyeshadows in light browns, taupes, or soft pinks for a subtle and sophisticated look. Soft and natural shades create a fresh and youthful appearance, perfect for daytime wear.
Focus on Brightening the Eyes
Daytime makeup for hooded eyes should focus on brightening and opening up the eyes. To achieve this, use light-colored eyeshadows on the eyelid, especially in the inner corner. This will create the illusion of larger and more awake eyes. Additionally, apply a light, shimmery shade on the brow bone to add a subtle highlight that lifts the eye area. By focusing on brightening the eyes, your daytime makeup will beautifully enhance your natural features.
Keep the Eyeliner Thin and Natural
When it comes to eyeliner for daytime makeup on hooded eyes, it’s best to keep it thin and natural. Opt for a brown or taupe eyeliner instead of black for a softer look. Apply a thin line along the upper lash line, keeping it as close to the roots as possible. Avoid thick or smudged lines that can weigh down the eyes and make them appear smaller. A thin and natural eyeliner will enhance your lash line and create a subtle definition.
Enhance the Lashes with Mascara
To complete your daytime makeup look for hooded eyes, enhance your lashes with mascara. Apply a lengthening and volumizing mascara to your upper lashes, focusing on the outer corner for a lifted effect. This will draw attention to your eyes and create a more open appearance. Remember to apply the mascara with a light hand to avoid clumping or weighing down the lashes. Enhancing the lashes will add the perfect finishing touch to your daytime makeup for hooded eyes.
In conclusion, makeup for hooded eyes requires specific techniques and color choices to enhance and bring out the natural beauty of this eye shape. By knowing your eye shape, choosing the right eyeshadows, enhancing the lashes, defining the eyebrows, brightening the under-eye area, avoiding shimmer on the hooded fold, and following the mentioned tips, you can create stunning eye makeup looks for any occasion. Whether you’re going for a soft and natural daytime look or a sultry smokey eye, these techniques will help you make the most of your hooded eyes and accentuate their unique beauty.
