15 Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes in 2024 (by a Hooded Eye MUA)

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Top Best Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes and best tips to apply eyeliner on Hooded Eyes from a Hooded Eye Makeup Artist!


I know the nightmare of applying eyeliner on Hooded eyes can be, and because I struggled with it for years, I had to master the technique because there’s a lot of percentage of women with Hooded eyelids and I saw it as a lot on my clients.

And the majority of the Mature eyelids turn into Hooded eyes, so working with clients and my own eyes every day made me learn the best Eyeliner tips for Hooded eyes and now I’m sharing them with you below plus the top best eyeliners for hooded eyes! 

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This Black eyeliner is our #1 Recommendation to do winged eyeliner on Hooded eyes. It is waterproof and stays in place all day, even for oily eyelids!

First things first…


What are Hooded Eyes?

And how do know if you have them?

Hooded eyes are when a part of your lid drops above your eyebrow bone and covers part of your eyelid making your eyes look like you have a small to no crease.

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It can look like you are tired or older than your age if you don’t do your eye makeup correctly for hooded eyes, especially your Eyeliner! Check the next Infographic:



The key is knowing how to apply makeup for Hooded eyes once you know you have this type of eye!

The eye makeup application steps and techniques are HUGE different than other eye shapes.
So keep scrolling for the full step-by-step eyeliner tutorial for Hooded Eyes.

And now here are the best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyelids in the beauty market!


Best Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes: The right type of eyeliner

finding the right eyeliner for hooded eyes or hooded eyelids, can be a bit tricky.

But based on my experience with hundreds of different types of hooded eyelids and my OWN hooded eyes, I have come to the conclusion that the best type of eyeliner for hooded eyes is definitely a waterproof, long-wear, smudge-proof liquid eyeliner.

These types of eyeliners are perfect for hooded eyes because they stay put all day and won’t smudge or transfer onto the eyelid, which can be a common problem with other types of eyeliners like pencils or gels on hooded eyes.

Plus, the liquid formula on a pen eyeliner, for example, allows for a precise and defined line, which is key for hooded eyes.

So, if you’re looking for an eyeliner that will stay put and give you a flawless look, go for a waterproof, long-wear, smudgeproof liquid eyeliner.

And next, we have the list of our top picks for you!


1. Stila Stay all day Waterproof Pen eyeliner

This eyeliner by STILA is perfect for Hooded Eyes! Because it has everything we are looking for in the right eyeliner, waterproof, matte, and super black, it applies super smooth tends to dry quickly, and with one layer, you can get the black coverage you need.

This pen eyeliner has been chosen simply the Best Overall for Hooded Eyes.

2. Tarte Tarteist Double Take eyeliner

This amazing DUO by Tarte is just perfect for small or droopy Hooded Eyes! This is a long-wear, super pigmented, and waterproof black pencil eyeliner for one side and, for the other side, a super black and smooth pencil eyeliner.
Perfect for creating a smudged eyeshadow looks, smooth eyeliner, or for tighline (keep scrolling for more tips on how to tighline Hooded eyes)

3. HAUS LABORATORIES by Lady Gaga Pen eyeliner

I have to admit that I was super skeptical about this eyeliner. Still, yees, it really makes that tremendous eyeliner looks like lady gaga perfectly and ends it is one of TOP 3 best eyeliners for Hooded eyes for this list.

Related Makeup post: 21 different types of Makeup brushes and how to use them (the right way!)

Best Drugstore Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

And because I love Drugstore Makeup so much! Here are my two options of drugstore eyeliner for Hooded eyes

4. Maybelline Waterproof liquid eyeliner

This Maybelline liquid eyeliner has been my favorite since ever! It just the best waterproof eyeliner, and I loved it when I removed it at the end of the day because is so easy! However, it’s not the best option for beginners, since it has a built-in applicator that is no the best for the easiest eyeliner application especially for Hooded Eyes. But I’m still in love with it.

5. Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen eyeliner

This is the cheap version of the pen eyeliner above but it is still a very good option to consider! It is waterproof, super black and if you don’t love the matte finish, this is the one for you because it leaves a satin eyeliner finish once it drys.

6. NYX professional Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

NYX waterproof pen eyeliner for hooded eyes

One of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes from the drugstore is definitively the NYX professional epic ink waterproof liquid eyeliner! I actually have it right in this moment on my everyday makeup bag.

The tip is so fine, which is exactly what we want when applying eyeliner on hooded eyelids (more on this below) and its also long-wear. I apply it in the morning and by ht night I still have my eyeliner on place.

No smearing and no smudging at all. Plus it only costs like $10, you can see the current price here.

7. infallible Flash cat eye waterproof liquid eyeliner

infallible waterproof liquid eyeliner for hooded eyes

If you have read any of my stuff in this blog by the time, you should know by now that I absolutely love and recommend liquid PEN eyeliner for hooded eyes eyeliner application.

It’s the simplest the easiest way to do it and especially if you are a makeup beginner as well.

This infallible Flash cat eye waterproof pen eyeliner needed to be on this list.


It’s a great waterproof fine-tip pen eyeliner that also comes with a stencil! So this is absolutely beginner-approved. Any beginner can get a fantastic cat eye with this eyeliner.

Later on in this post, I have my technique to apply eyeliner for hooded eyes. Still, I highly recommend you to check this liquid eyeliner tutorial for hooded eyes I created as well.

8. Infallible Pro-last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner

infallible pro last waterproof pencil eyeliner for hooded eyes

I have said in this post that I highly recommend liquid eyeliner for hooded eyes, however, there’s a special technique I teach in my makeup guide for hooded eyes here, that is perfect for those with not only hooded but also droopy eyelids with loose skin. And for this technique, pencil eyeliner is required.

One great option for a pencil eyeliner that is perfect for hooded eyes is the Infallible pro-last Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil.

This pencil eyeliner is waterproof and smudge-proof, making it perfect for my hooded-eye girls.

The formula is smooth and easy to apply, allowing for precise and defined lines.

9. Milani Stay Put Matte Liquid Eyeliner

The Milani Stay Put Matte Liquid Eyeliner is the ultimate choice for those seeking eyeliner that stands the test of time.

Crafted with a unique formula, it defies transfer and fading, ensuring your makeup stays flawless throughout the day.

No more worries about smudging or shifting, even in the waterline.

This eyeliner sets quickly, locking in your desired look for long-lasting wear.

Its versatility makes it a dream to work with – whether you’re aiming for a precise line, a sultry smudged effect, or a daring graphic look, this eyeliner has got you covered.

Say goodbye to touch-ups and hello to the ease of all-day wear with Milani Stay Put Matte Liquid Eyeliner.

10. e.l.f. e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen

The e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen – a game-changer for hooded eyes that won’t break the bank!

This incredible eyeliner is not only water-resistant, but it’s also perfect for those with hooded lids, ensuring your eye makeup stays put and pops all day long.

The H2O Proof formula glides effortlessly, allowing you to create precise lines that won’t budge or smudge, even in challenging conditions.

Best of all, this gem comes at an affordable price, making it a must-have addition to your makeup arsenal.

For hooded eye babes on a budget, the e.l.f. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen is the answer to achieving a flawless and long-lasting look without breaking the bank.

11. L’Oréal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Grip Precision Felt Eyeliner

I recently tried the L’Oréal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Grip Precision Felt Eyeliner, and I gotta say, it’s pretty awesome!

The felt-tip applicator makes it so easy to get those perfect lines, and I managed to nail a cat-eye look on my first try.

But here’s the real deal – this eyeliner doesn’t budge! I wore it all day long, and it stayed put without smudging or fading.

I even accidentally rubbed my eyes a couple of times (oops!), but the liner didn’t move an inch.

The best part is, it won’t burn a hole in your wallet. It’s super affordable, which is always a plus.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a reliable eyeliner that won’t let you down, I totally recommend giving this one a shot.

I mean, who doesn’t want a liner that makes your eyes pop and stays in place all day, right?

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

12. Palladio liquid waterproof eyeliner

The pigmentation is on point, and it glides on so smoothly, making it super easy to create those bold, defined lines.

I put it to the test on a rainy day, and guess what? It’s totally waterproof! No smudging, no running – it held up like a champ. Plus, it stayed fresh and vibrant all day long, no touch-ups needed.

Oh, and let’s talk about the price – it’s so budget-friendly!

You get top-notch quality without breaking the bank.

I know how much you love a good deal, so this one’s definitely a winner.

If you’re looking for a highly pigmented and waterproof eyeliner that won’t disappoint, I highly recommend giving Palladio Liquid Eyeliner a try.

13. Neutrogena gel eyeliner

the Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner with Antioxidant Vitamin E – and it sounds pretty amazing! People are raving about its intense pigmentation and how smoothly it glides on for those sharp lines.

But here’s the real kicker – it’s got some Vitamin E action going on, which is great for your skin around the eyes. So not only does it make your eyes pop, but it’s also nourishing and gentle on the delicate eye area.

And guess what? It’s waterproof! Say goodbye to those smudges and raccoon eyes. You can rock your eye makeup all day without any worries.

The best part is, it’s from a trusted brand like Neutrogena, and it won’t break the bank. So, if you’re on the lookout for an eyeliner that’s both high-quality and wallet-friendly, this one is worth considering.

14. Eyeliner wing stamp

The iMethod Eyeliner Stamp – it’s making waves in the beauty world!

This little gem comes with not one, but two pens – perfect for nailing that flawless winged eyeliner look.

The coolest part? It’s got an actual stamp!

Say goodbye to the struggle of trying to create symmetrical wings.

This stamp does the job for you, and it’s so easy to use.

Just stamp it on your outer corner, and bam! You’ve got a winged cat-eye look like a pro.

Now, you know how much I love a precise wing, and this one delivers.

The lines are clean and sharp, and it stays put all day long. No smudging, no fading – it’s reliable and long-lasting.

Best Eyeliner for mature Hooded Eyes

In general, I recommend a liquid pen eyeliner like the ones I mentioned above in this article. However, pencil eyeliner can be used when doing the mature hooded eyes trick I teach on my hooded eye makeup guide AND on my Mature skin makeup eBook. (If you have mature skin AND also Hooded eyes, I highly recommend you to get both eBooks!)

This trick lifts the eye and create a perfect winged eyeliner even for the most difficult mature hooded eyelids with loose skin.

In terms of application, it’s important to look for eyeliners that have a fine tip for precision, especially for mature hooded eyes.

Thin, fine lines are more flattering for mature eyes and make the eyes look more open and awake.

Also, it’s important to look for eyeliners that are easy to apply, as some can be difficult to use, especially for those with shaky hands.

Next, I’ll feature a good pencil eyeliner that works wonder for this.

15. KVD Tattoo pencil eyeliner

And to finish this list, I have this KVD tattoo pencil eyeliner.

This eyeliner is designed to stay put, with a formula that is resistant to both transfer and fading.

This means you can expect long-lasting wear that won’t smudge or move around on your lids, even in your waterline.

The quick-setting formula helps lock the liner in place for all-day wear, and it’s easy to use and versatile. Whether you’re looking to create a precise line, a smudged effect, or a bold graphic look, this eyeliner has covered you.

Now let’s get to the actual tutorial on how to apply eyeliner for hooded eyelids.

Don’t forget to subscribe below to get your FREE hooded eye makeup checklist + you get exclusive tips and tricks each week!


How to do eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

This is the second part of my “Makeup for Hooded eyes series” if you are struggling with applying eyeshadow on your Hooded eyelid, don’t miss the first part: How to apply eyeshadow for Hooded Eyes (step by step). There I share some valuable secrets that nobody will tell you about the right way to apply eyeshadow for Hooded Eyes and make them look lifted (finally!)


let’s begin


Step 1. Set your eyelids


With Hooded eyes, we have extra skin that covers most eyelids, and with oily eyelids, it is super difficult to have great eye makeup results!
So firstly, prime those pretty hooded eyes! I recommend using this eyelid primer by Thank me later that is perfect for oily hooded eyelids. After that, apply setting powder on top to lock it well and prevent having a mess with the hooded eyelids after 3-4 hours.

how to apply eyeliner for Hooded Eyes tutorial

Step 2. Thin eyeliner!

With a waterproof pen eyeliner create a super thin line on your natural lash line without taking it to the outer corner.

Best eyeliner for Hooded Eyes how to apply eyeliner on Hooded eyes

NOTE: This thin line needs to be thin enough, so when you open your eyes, you will still see your eyelids. This is CRUCIAL for Hooded Eyes because we want to show our lid as much as possible to try to revert the Hooded eye illusion.
The Big Mistake is making a THICK eyeliner or normal eyeliner on Hooded Eyes that eventually when you open your eyes, will end in more droopy eyes.

Step 3. A small point in the crease

Now, following your natural crease and with your eyes open, draw a small point at the end of your outer corner crease. Try to draw the point so that you can still see that point when you have your eye open.

how to apply eyeliner for Hooded Eyes
best eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

Step 4. Thin line to create direction


The next step is basically starting the winged eyeliner on your eyes! Start with creating a line from the end of your eye in the direction to your eyebrow, but without doing upper to the previous point that we did in the last step.

This line needs to be straight and will be the line that forms and get the direction of your final winged so try to make it thin and as perfect as you can (but don’t worry; you can always come back to make it perfect with concealer)

Pro Tip: This Step can be done by the typical tip of adding a piece of Makeup tape for eyeliner in the right direction and apply to eyeliner on top of that. Honestly, I prefer to do it now without the tape, and if I need to fix anything, use Concealer, but you can choose between both techniques!


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Step 5. Straight Line

Next, with the same pen eyeliner, draw a line to join the point on the outer crease and the end of the line that we just did in the last step with a thin fine line.

At this point, you should open your eyes and see the perfect winged eyeliner outlined in the perfect place to make your eyes look on point and not more dropped or Hooded, like in the picture above. Next, we are ready for the next step!

Step 6. Put everything together

Now following the previous eyeliner work we did, it’s time to put everything together and join those lines with the first thin eyeliner that we did in the lash line.


Step 7. Fill in

Now we are almost done! And with the same pen eyeliner it’s time to fill in all the lines that we worked.

How to apply eyeliner on Hooded eyes

You can create a feline foxy look adding a line in the tear duct or apply an another colored eyeliner on top to create a more dramatic look ( I loved this Color eyeliner set from Amazon; it is for a super affordable price and came with 12 awesome colors) I use the color eyeliner super often, but for proposes of this tutorial will be adding some other great Tips to enhance more Hooded Eyes.

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Final Touches for the perfect Hooded Eyes Eyeliner!

  • For ending this look, curl your lashes and add a coat of Waterproof mascara to leave your lashes curly all day and make them hooded eye-approved.
  • Next, apply your false eyelashes for Hooded eyes; the Ideal false eyelashes need to be as natural as possible and with a clear or transparent band (this because with a thick black band, will be covering part of our lid and we want to avoid that on Hooded eyes as much as we can!)
  • Apply beige or cream color pencil eyeliner on the waterline. We don’t want a thick black waterline because this makes the illusion of more aging, droopy eyes. (we’ll talk about it more below)

Related Eye Makeup posts: Best False Eyelashes for beginners (reviewed by a Hooded Eye girl)

Related Hooded Eyes post: The 7 Best Mascaras for HOODED EYES (Reviewed by a Hooded Eye MUA)



Tightline Hooded Eyes?

The tightline technique is important for Hooded eyes but just in the top waterline, this can create a more deepness and dramatic look on your eyes but without covering the eyelids. So is a super pro for Hooded or Droppy eyes.
This assuming that you don’t have an eye condition that makes this tighline technique not recommended.

In this Video Below a Ophthalmologist explain what tighline can cause in your eyes and who can not use the tighline technique!



How to do it? Take a black pencil eyeliner like this one here, apply it on your internal Top waterline lash line carefully, and try not to cry because it can ruin your eye makeup.

Pro tip: Put a Q-tip on your tear duct to absorb the excess of water that you can cause with the tighlining

Related: The easiest false eyelashes for beginners (guide + tips)


Winged Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

The perfect winged eyeliner for Hooded eyes (Lef side of the pictures above) will still show some part of your eyelids once you have your eyes open, won’t make your eyes look droopy or aging. And will have a light waterline on the bottom waterline that will make your eyes more awake and youthful.

And the DONT’S for Applying Eyeliner for Hooded eyes (right side of the picture) will have an eyeliner that, once you open your eyes, it will cover almost your entire eyelid. That way, your eyes look Hooded and more droopy and aging. And the winged eyeliner for some reason, even when you know you have done right because it seems right in the mirror, once you open your eyes, you notice the wing fell and curved. Also, the waterline is tighline with black thick eyeliner.



Final thoughts on the Best Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

Based on my experience, with the right Hooded eyes eyeliner, the simple tips that I just shared with you, and a little bit of practice, SURE will create the best-winged eyeliner for Hooded eyes!!

And I just loved it because It can enhance your eyes and turn them into almost any eye makeup look that you want it to do!
Because pretty Hooded Eyes can rock eyeliner and eyeshadow as well!!

Don’t forget to check the first part of this “Makeup for hooded eyes” series, and read one of my popular posts: How to apply eyeshadow on Hooded Eyes! I share more secrets there that you need to know for the perfect Hooded eyes eye makeup.

I hope you find this post helpful. If so, please share it or pin it for later! And let me know in the comments below what you think about this eyeliner technique for Hooded eyes? Have you tried it before?
I’d love to hear from you.
Bye-bye!

Related Makeup for beginners posts:



Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes (Tutorial with pictures)





2 thoughts on “15 Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes in 2024 (by a Hooded Eye MUA)”

  1. I’m 60 with hooded eyes and trying the cut crease. I would like a eyeliner wing but with down turned eyes I can’t make it work.
    Thanks for your tips.
    Michele

    1. Hi Michele! For downturned eyes, I Often prefer a smudge eyeliner technique; you can try this technique as well. Start with black or dark brown pencil eyeliner and make a winged eyeliner (remember going super thin on the lash line) and blend it upwards with a small brush. To finish, clean below your wing with concealer if you want a more defined look. If you try it, please let me know how it went. And you are so welcome 🙂
      – Valeria H.

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