5 Best Eyeliners For Hooded Eyes, According To The Experts

As a teenager, I vividly remember using lipstick on my bathroom mirror to trace out my face shape in an attempt to determine the most flattering haircut. Oval face, middle part. I considered many things at that time—from face-framing hair to ideal lip shades, but never my eyelid shape. That came much later, when conversations around hooded eyes started gaining traction. Hooded eyes, defined by a fold of skin that partially covers the eyelid and makes lid space appear smaller, are incredibly common. Yet for years, most makeup tutorials and products failed to take them into account.

As awareness has grown, so has the beauty industry's response. We are finally seeing more products and techniques designed with different eyelid shapes in mind, which is why we can now confidently share a list of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes.

Technique matters just as much as product choice. Makeup artist Gemma Peace recommends keeping your eyes open and looking straight into a mirror while applying eyeliner so you can see the final result as it will actually appear. "It's tempting, but important not to raise your eyebrows or tilt your head back," she explains. "That changes the shape of the eyeliner. Take your time and work in small, short strokes."

When using liquid liners with a brush applicator, Peace suggests holding the brush on its side rather than using the very tip. This allows you to tap and stamp the liner into place more precisely. "Draw straight over the hooded fold as if it isn't there," she says, adding that she always starts from the outer corner and works inward, gradually thinning the line.

For those bravely aiming to master a wing, Peace recommends practicing first with a soft gel liner. Apply it to the outer corner, then use your fingernail to gently pull the product into a line to find your ideal angle before committing to liquid liner. "It's cliché, but practice really does help," she says.

Below, our curated edit of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes, complete with expert input from Peace and celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney.