8 Expert Tips for Flawless Eyeliner on Hooded Eyes, According to Makeup Artists

For those with hooded eyes, getting eyeliner to stay in place and be visible can be a real challenge. A single mistake can turn a crisp line into a smudged mess, or worse, make it disappear into the folds of your eyelids as soon as you blink.

Luckily, celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, who knows the struggle firsthand, shared her go-to tips for mastering winged eyeliner in an Instagram video. With the right techniques and tools, achieving that perfect eyeliner look is totally within reach.

Keep reading for expert advice from makeup artists on how to nail eyeliner application on hooded eyelids.

1. Use the Right Tools and Products

To make your eyeliner application easier, use the right products. Use a creamy black eyeliner pencil paired with a thin eyeliner brush. These tools will give you precise control over both the product and the shape of your eyeliner.

2. Look Straight Ahead

The importance of applying eyeliner with your eyes open and looking straight into the mirror should not be ignored. This allows you to see where the folds are and prevents your eyeliner from getting hidden or smudged. Once you have the wings sketched out, you can close your eye and finish the liner.

3. Less Is More

Apply a small amount of eyeliner to the outer corner of the eye, and then use a detailed angled eyeliner brush to shape the wing. This method allows you to have more control and avoid too much product. Applying eyeliner only on the outer corner helps make your eyes appear more lifted and awake. The black [eyeliner] along the whole top [lash line] is going to close the eyes more. Keep the line thin and elongated. By giving it some length, it will allow the liner to be seen and will still look natural.

4. Apply Liner Over the Folds

If your winged eyeliner fades when your face is relaxed, you can enhance the look by applying the eyeliner over the folds of your eyelid. In Hughes's makeup tutorial, she demonstrates this technique, where she extends her eyeliner on top of her hooded lids.This technique is called "bat wings" and says it’s an easy way to create a bold graphic look for hooded eyes.

5. Lift the Angle of Your Wing

To make your hooded lids appear more lifted, angle the flick of your wing towards the tail of your eyebrow instead of straight ahead. Aim for a 45-degree angle to achieve the best lift. Makeup artist Sarah Tanno also suggests smoking out your eyeliner to further elongate and lift the eyes. "You can achieve this using an eyeliner and brush or any eyeshadow," she says.

6. Try Tightlining

Tightlining, also known as "invisible eyeliner," is when you apply eyeliner to your upper waterline, just along the lash line. It’s a technique that can help accentuate the shape of your hooded eyes. When tightlining, be sure to work quickly, as your eyes may water if you take too long, which can affect the application.

7. Consider Floating Liner

Floating liner is a technique where you apply eyeliner just above your upper lash line, about half an inch away from it. Keep your eyes closed while applying the liner. While it may look odd at first, once you open your eyes, you’ll have perfectly sharp, precise eyeliner.

8. Keep Clean-Up Tools Handy

Finally, don’t forget to have mini Q-tips and micellar water (or your favorite makeup remover) nearby. These tools will help you clean up mistakes and perfect your eyeliner shape.