Hooded eyes feature a natural fold of skin that partially or fully covers the eyelid, making it less noticeable when the eyes are open.
This unique eye structure can vary from partial to complete coverage of the lid.
Commonly called hooded eyelids, they create the impression of a heavier lid or a slightly drooping appearance.
People with this feature typically have a pronounced brow bone and a distinct eye shape compared to others.
The Defining Traits of The Hooded Eyes
Hooded Eyes are not so different than any other physical features that are a result of genetic traits visible on one's face. In most of the cases, this trait is seen in a person if his/her parents have this kind of eyelids.
What eye shape do I have, you ask? Here are some defining traits of the hooded eyes so you can figure out for yourself.
- Fold of Skin
People with hooded eyes have an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease which in turn covers the mobile eyelid either partially or fully. This creates a subtle and alluring look and adds depth to the eyes.
- Reduced Lid Visibility
The mobile eyelid is the main area where eyeshadow is typically applied. This may be less visible when the eyes are open due to the hooded skin.
- Altered Eye Shape
This physical trait often gives an impression of a smaller or more downturned eye shape. This is a unique contour where the crease is concealed giving an enigmatic gaze.
- Smaller Looking Eyes
Since the extra layer of skin covers a part of the eyeball, the lid can make the eyes look smaller. This illusion of reduced eye size is due to the partially covered upper eyelid.
What Causes The Hooded Eyes?
There are many factors at play that can cause the eyes to have a hooded appearance. Some of the major causes are listed here.
Genetics:
Hooded eyes are mostly something you inherit, like other facial features. If your parents or grandparents have them, chances are you’ll have them too.
Excessive Sun Exposure:
Another reason hooded eyes can develop is due to too much sun exposure. The UV rays from the sun break down collagen and elastin in your skin, which keeps it firm and smooth. When this happens, you might start noticing the effects on your eyelids sooner than expected.
Fat Redistribution:
As we get older, the fat around our eyes can shift. Sometimes, this means more fat builds up around the brow bone, which can make the hooded look more noticeable.
Aging:
Aging also plays a part. As your skin loses its elasticity, the skin around your eyes can begin to sag, contributing to that hooded appearance.
Facial Expressions:
And don’t forget about facial expressions. Constantly raising your eyebrows or making certain facial movements over time can deepen the hooded look too.
Hooded Eyes vs Non Hooded Eyes
Hooded and non-hooded eyes are defined by the structure of the eyelid skin, which alters the overall look of the eyes in unique ways.
Hooded Eyes
• A layer of skin partially or entirely hides the eyelid, making it less noticeable when the eyes are open.
• This can make the eyes appear smaller.
• When the eyes are open, makeup like eyeliner and eyeshadow may transfer to the upper lid.
• Similarly, wearing winged eyeliner can be challenging since the fold may hide the wing.
• For those with hooded eyes, makeup techniques often emphasize defining the mobile eyelid to bring out the eyes.
Non Hooded Eyes
• The eyelid remains clearly visible when the eyes are open, giving a more defined appearance.
• Applying eyeshadow and eyeliner is generally easier, with fewer limitations.
• Winged eyeliner is often more straightforward due to the natural shape of the eye.
• Eyeshadow application can include both the crease and the mobile lid, allowing for greater flexibility in blending and design.
• Eyes often appear larger when open.
Home Remedies For The Hooded Eyes
Although, these kind of eyes are harmless and doesn't require any sort of medical attention thus, you can take care of the droopiness at home by yourself.
1. Cucumber Slices Over The Lids
For maximum benefit, use chilled cucumber slices and rest them on your closed eyes for 15 minutes. Doing this can ease puffy eyes leaving them refreshed.
2. Egg White Mask
Apply a thin layer of beaten egg white on your eyelids and leave it until it is dry and tightened on your skin before gently rinsing it off.
This temporary tightening effect can give an impression of lifted eyelids.
3. Chamomile Tea
To soothe your eyes, brew chamomile tea and allow the bags to cool down. Once cooled, rest them over your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes.
The natural anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile can help reduce any puffiness or swelling.
Makeup Ideas For The Hooded Eyes
Cosmetic products or makeup offers endless possibilities to accentuate your features while embracing your unique beauty.
For those with hooded eyes, these suggestions might inspire techniques to complement and define your look.
Use Good Quality Eye Primer
Try choosing a good quality eye primer to create a smooth base for eyeshadow. This way you can prevent creasing and ensure that your eye makeup stays in place.
Apply only a small amount evenly from lash to brow and focus on the hooded area. This will ensure a smooth canvas for eyeshadow and enhance color payoff and longevity.
Use Transition Shade
Apply a neutral transition shade slightly above the natural crease to add dimension. Applying a matte transition shade slightly above the crease creates dimension.
Choosing the right transition shade is crucial for hooded eyes because it provides a seamless gradient. Opt for a slightly darker shade than your skin tone to define the crease and create dimension.
Opt For Lighter Eyeshadows
Lighter shades of eyeshadow for hooded eyes brighten and open up the eyes since darker shades can make hooded eyes appear smaller. It helps to enhance depth without unwanted shimmer.
Using lighter eyeshadows on the lid opens up hooded eyes. It brightens the eyes and counters the hooded effect that creates an illusion of larger eyes.
Blended Eyeshadows
Blend eyeshadows well to avoid harsh lines since soft and blended edges can create the illusion of larger and more defined eyes. This technique accentuates your beauty with a subtle and polished allure.
A seamless blend of eyeshadows, especially in the crease is good for hooded eyes. This softens harsh lines and prevents a heavy, weighed-down appearance.
Highlight the Inner Corner
Put in light, shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. This adds brightness and draws attention to the center of the eyes.
If you brighten the inner corners of hooded eyes with a highlighter, it gives you instantly awakens the eyes. This technique also draws attention away from the hooded area.
Outer V Definition
Define the outer V of your eyes with strategically placed darker shade to create the illusion of a lifted eye. This will maintain a seamless look and draw attention away from the lids.
Applying a deeper shade in a V shape at the outer corners will lift and elongate the eyes. This creates a lifted and more almond-shaped eye appearance.
Tight Eyeliner Techniques
Consider using thinner lines or tight lining of the upper lash line to make the eyes look more open. Winged liners can work wonder if you can keep it subtle.
Use tight eyeliner techniques to avoid overshadowing hooded eyes. A thin line close to the lash line enhances the lash definition.
Avoid Heavy Bottom Eyeliner
Keep away from heavy eyeliner to the lower lash line as it can emphasize the hooded appearance. Instead, focus on defining the upper lash line.
Focus on defining the upper lash line by avoiding heavy bottom eyeliner. Simply, keep it thin and close to the lash line to maintain a balanced look.
Curl Your Lashes
Curling your lashes lifts them and makes your eyes appear more open. You can follow this up with a lengthening or volumizing mascara for added impact.
Since this step is a game-changer you can use an eyelash curler before applying mascara for an instant eye-opening effect.
Use Shimmer Strategically
If you love shimmer, apply it carefully on the center of the lid to bring attention to the middle of the eyes. Avoid heavy shimmer on the brow bone and always remember to go for softer, light-reflecting shades.
A shimmer applied on the center of the lid and inner corners attracts light. Avoid placing shimmer in the crease, as this can accentuate the hooded effect.
Mascara Application
Achieving the perfect mascara application can make a big difference for hooded eyes. Choose a smudge-proof formula for long-lasting wear, and coat the top and bottom lashes evenly to create a harmonious appearance.
Keep your focus on the upper lashes to lift and open the eyes. Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of the lashes and extend outward for a lifted look.
Brow Grooming
Keep your eyebrows groomed and well-shaped too. A slightly arched brow can give the illusion of a lifted eye area.
This process plays a crucial role in enhancing the eyes and taming of unruly brows. Opt for a well-defined, slightly arched brow shape to lift and open the eyes.
Consider Eyelid Tape or Strips
Eyelid tape for hooded eyes for special occasions helps you explore designs to create a temporary crease that gives the appearance of a more defined eyelid.
The tape provides a temporary lift and creates a visible eyelid crease. Strategic use makes eyeshadow applications more accessible and allows for a more defined look.
Experiment with Eyeliner
Explore various eyeliner techniques to complement your eye shape, like a delicate flick or a gently blended line.
Opt for fine, accurate strokes along the lash line to keep the lid visible. A slight wing can add length to the eyes, while tailored methods highlight your unique features effortlessly.
Lower Lash Line
Softly define the lower lash line with a smudged line of eyeshadow for balance. It is wise to use earthy tones for a subtle pop that can accentuate the lower lashes and make your eyes stand out.
Accentuating the lower lash line is key for hooded eyes which can be obtained by using soft, smudge-proof eyeliner to define without closing off the eyes.
Focus on highlighting and brightening the lower lash area for a balanced look.