Hooded Eyes vs Deep Set Eyes: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever searched for makeup tips online, you’ve probably heard the terms hooded eyes and deep set eyes. The problem? Many people confuse the two.

While these eye shapes can look similar at first glance, they require different makeup techniques and placement to truly flatter your features.

Let’s break down the differences so you can identify your eye shape and choose the best makeup techniques for your eyes. 👁️✨

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👁️ What Are Hooded Eyes?

Hooded eyes have an extra fold of skin that partially covers the eyelid when the eyes are open.

With hooded eyes, much of the eyelid can disappear beneath the fold, making eyeshadow and eyeliner less visible.

Signs You Have Hooded Eyes

✅ Most of your eyelid disappears when your eyes are open

✅ Eyeliner often transfers to the upper lid

✅ Eyeshadow becomes hidden when looking straight ahead

✅ Winged eyeliner can be tricky to apply

Celebrities With Hooded Eyes

  • Jennifer Lawrence
  • Blake Lively
  • Emma Stone
  • Taylor Swift

✨ What Are Deep Set Eyes?

Deep set eyes sit farther back in the eye socket, creating the appearance of a more prominent brow bone.

Unlike hooded eyes, the eyelid itself is usually still visible.

Signs You Have Deep Set Eyes

✅ Your eyes appear recessed beneath the brow bone

✅ You have a noticeable brow ridge

✅ Your eyes naturally create shadows

✅ You often have visible eyelid space

Celebrities With Deep Set Eyes

  • Keira Knightley
  • Natalie Portman
  • Sandra Bullock
  • Cameron Diaz

Oh, and before I forget! 💕 If you want to learn even more makeup tips for hooded eyes and deep set eyes, be sure to check out my book, “Makeup Made Simple: The Ultimate Makeup Guide for beginners”

Inside, you’ll find easy-to-follow tutorials, eyeshadow techniques, eyeliner tips, and beginner-friendly makeup lessons designed to help you create beautiful looks with confidence. ✨ A paperback edition or ebook is available on Amazon!

💕 Hooded Eyes vs Deep Set Eyes

Here is the easiest way to tell the difference:

Hooded Eyes

  • Extra skin folds over the eyelid
  • Lid space is partially hidden
  • Eyeshadow often disappears
  • Eyeliner can transfer

Deep Set Eyes

  • Eyes sit deeper in the socket
  • Brow bone appears more prominent
  • Natural shadows surround the eyes
  • Lid space is usually visible

🌸 Can You Have Both?

Yes!

Many people have both hooded and deep set eyes.

For example, you may have a prominent brow bone while also having a fold of skin covering part of the eyelid.

This is why some makeup tutorials don’t always work the same for everyone.

💄 Best Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes

If you have hooded eyes:

✨ Blend eyeshadow slightly above your natural crease

✨ Keep eyeliner thin

✨ Curl your lashes

✨ Focus on lifting the outer corners

✨ Apply shimmer strategically

🌷 Best Makeup Tips for Deep Set Eyes

If you have deep set eyes:

✨ Use lighter eyeshadow shades on the lid

✨ Brighten the inner corners

✨ Avoid overly dark eye makeup

✨ Focus on opening the eye area

✨ Use reflective finishes to bring the eyes forward

🚫 Common Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

❌ Using the same makeup techniques for every eye shape

❌ Applying dark shadow across the entire lid

❌ Thick eyeliner that reduces visible lid space

❌ Ignoring your natural eye structure

💖 Final Thoughts

The biggest difference between hooded eyes and deep set eyes is where the eye appears to sit and how much of the eyelid remains visible.

Hooded eyes involve extra skin covering the eyelid, while deep set eyes sit farther back in the eye socket.

Once you understand your eye shape, choosing flattering eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lash techniques becomes much easier. The goal isn’t to change your features—it’s to enhance them and make them shine.

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