If you have hooded lids, you know how tricky it can be to get your eyeshadow to stay visible and flattering. You might feel like no matter how much effort you put in, your beautiful eye makeup disappears when your eyes are open.
But what if you could learn simple blending techniques that actually make your lids look bigger and your eyes more awake? In this guide, you’ll discover easy-to-follow steps to blend eyeshadow perfectly on hooded lids—so your makeup stays vibrant and stunning all day long.
Ready to unlock the secret to eyeshadow that works with your unique eye shape? Keep reading and transform your look with these expert tips!
Prep And Prime
Prep and prime are the first steps to successful eyeshadow on hooded lids. Proper preparation helps the eyeshadow last longer and look smoother. It creates a clean, even base that prevents creasing and fading.
Hooded lids often have more folds and natural oils. This can make eyeshadow slip or smudge. Priming controls oil and keeps the shadow in place. It also brightens the lid, making colors appear true and vibrant.
Choose The Right Eye Primer
Select a primer made for oily or hooded eyelids. These formulas offer extra grip without feeling heavy. A good primer evens out the skin texture and controls shine. Apply a thin, even layer for the best results.
Apply Primer With A Light Touch
Use your fingertip or a small brush to apply primer. Dab gently across the entire lid up to the brow bone. Avoid rubbing or pulling the skin to prevent irritation. Let the primer dry for a few seconds before the next step.
Set Primer With A Translucent Powder
After priming, lightly dust translucent powder on the lid. This step helps absorb excess moisture and creates a smooth canvas. Use a fluffy brush and tap off extra powder. A thin layer is enough to set the primer without dulling the eyeshadow color.

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Create A New Crease
Creating a new crease is key for blending eyeshadow on hooded lids. Hooded eyes have a natural crease that often gets hidden when the eyes are open. This hides most of the eyeshadow. By making a new crease above the natural one, you make more space for the shadow to show.
This technique lifts the eye and makes it look bigger. It also helps the eyeshadow stay visible when the eyes are open. Using a matte shade a bit darker than your skin tone works best for this step. This new crease acts as a guide for blending other colors.
Find Your New Crease
Look straight into a mirror with your eyes open. Notice where your natural crease disappears under your hooded lids. Place your brush just above this line. This spot is where the new crease will be. Mark it lightly with a medium matte eyeshadow.
Blend Upwards And Outwards
Start blending the eyeshadow from the outer corner of your eye. Move the brush upwards and slightly outwards toward your eyebrow’s tail. Use soft, windshield-wiper motions. This lifts the eye’s appearance and creates a smooth transition. Avoid harsh lines for a natural look.
Use Matte Shades For Definition
Choose matte shades to build your new crease. Matte colors add depth without reflecting light. This keeps the eyeshadow visible under hooded lids. Darker matte shades work well for the outer corner. Medium matte shades suit the crease area. Blend these shades well to avoid harsh edges.
Keep The Lid Light
After creating the new crease, apply a lighter shade on the lid. This contrast makes the crease stand out more. Use a light matte or shimmer shade on the mobile lid. Make sure this color is visible even when your eyes are open. This balances the eye makeup and adds brightness.
Apply Lid And Outer Corner Shades
Applying the right shades on the lid and outer corner is key for hooded lids. These areas help open the eyes and create depth. Choosing lighter shades on the lid makes the eyes appear bigger. Darker shades in the outer corner add definition and lift.
Placement matters. Apply lid color on the visible part of the eyelid. Use outer corner shades to contour and shape the eye. Blending both shades well avoids harsh lines. This technique enhances the eye’s natural shape without hiding the lid.
Choose The Right Lid Shade
Select a light or medium shade for the lid. Matte or shimmer finishes both work well. Matte shades keep the look natural, shimmer adds brightness. Apply the color where the eyelid is visible when eyes are open. This ensures the color shows clearly.
Apply Lid Shade With Care
Use a flat brush to pack the lid shade gently. Press the color instead of sweeping it. This prevents fallout and keeps the color vibrant. Avoid placing lid color too low under the crease. Keep it on the mobile lid to make eyes look larger.
Define The Outer Corner
Pick a darker shade for the outer corner. Matte shades work best to add depth. Apply the color in a small “V” shape at the outer eye. Blend upwards and outwards to lift the eye. This technique creates a subtle lift without shrinking the lid space.
Blend Lid And Outer Corner Shades
Use a clean blending brush for smooth transitions. Blend where the lid and outer corner colors meet. Soft, gentle strokes blend colors without removing pigment. Blending creates a seamless gradient that enhances hooded lids.
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Blend Eyeshadow Upwards And Outwards
Blending eyeshadow upwards and outwards is key for hooded lids. This technique opens the eyes and makes the lid appear larger. It creates a lifted and awake look by moving the color beyond the natural crease.
The goal is to draw attention away from the hood and add dimension. Blending in this direction helps the eyes look more defined without heavy lines. It also prevents the shadow from disappearing when the eyes are open.
Start Above The Natural Crease
Begin by finding a spot above your natural crease. This new crease should be higher to make space for the hood. Use a medium matte shade to mark this area gently.
Blend softly upward so the color fades naturally. This creates a shadow that lifts the eye. Keep your eyes open during blending to check the effect.
Extend Color Outwards Toward The Eyebrow Tail
Next, blend the eyeshadow outward towards the tail of your eyebrow. This elongates the eye shape visually. Use light, sweeping motions to avoid harsh lines.
Focus on softening the edges for a smooth transition. This outward blend adds a subtle cat-eye effect that flatters hooded lids.
Use A Deeper Shade In The Outer Corner
Apply a darker shade to the outer corner of the eye. Blend this color upwards and outwards into the new crease and eyebrow tail area. This step adds depth without covering the lid.
Blending here creates dimension and lifts the look. Avoid heavy application to keep the eyes open and bright.
Define Lash Lines And Add Mascara
Defining lash lines and adding mascara are crucial steps for hooded lids. These techniques open the eyes and enhance the eyeshadow look. A well-defined lash line creates depth and makes lashes appear fuller. Mascara lifts lashes, preventing them from hiding under the hood. Together, these steps balance the eye makeup and highlight the eyes beautifully.
Define Upper Lash Line
Use a dark pencil or gel liner close to the lash roots. Keep the line thin to avoid closing the eyes. Gently smudge the liner for a softer effect. Focus on the outer corners to lift the eyes.
Define Lower Lash Line
Apply a light touch of liner or eyeshadow along the lower lash line. Avoid heavy lines to keep eyes open and bright. Blend well to soften harsh edges.
Choose The Right Mascara
Pick a mascara that adds volume and length without clumping. Waterproof formulas hold curl better on hooded lids. Use a lash curler before applying mascara.
Apply Mascara Properly
Start at the base of the lashes and wiggle the wand upward. Coat both top and bottom lashes evenly. Apply multiple thin coats for more impact.

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Frequently Asked Questions
How To Apply Eyeshadow If You Have Hooded Eyelids?
Apply a light shade on the lid, then blend a medium matte color above your natural crease. Use a darker shade on the outer corner, blending upwards and outwards. Highlight the inner corner with shimmer to brighten. Keep eyes open while applying for better placement and lid visibility.
What Are Common Eyeshadow Mistakes For Hooded Eyes?
Common eyeshadow mistakes for hooded eyes include applying dark shades on the entire lid, blending below the crease, and using heavy shimmer. Avoid blending downward; instead, blend eyeshadow upward and outward to create lifted, visible lids. Neglecting primer also reduces eyeshadow longevity and vibrancy.
How Do I Blend My Eyeshadow Into My Eyelids Better?
Apply eyeshadow primer first for a smooth base. Use matte shades to define a new, higher crease. Blend colors upwards and outwards. Sweep lighter shades on the lid and inner corner. Finish with mascara to enhance the look and ensure seamless blending.
How Do I Stop Eyeliner From Smudging On My Upper Eyelid When I Have Hooded Eyes?
Apply a primer and set it with translucent powder. Use waterproof eyeliner and draw with eyes open. Set liner with matching eyeshadow to prevent smudging on hooded lids.
Conclusion
Blending eyeshadow on hooded lids takes patience and practice. Keep colors above your natural crease to make eyes look bigger. Use matte shades for depth and light shimmer to brighten. Blend colors softly, focusing on lifting and opening the eyes.
Remember, small steps create a noticeable difference. Experiment with shades that suit your style. Enjoy the process and feel confident in your look. Your eyes can shine with the right technique.
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