2 Ways to Do Eyeshadow for Hooded Eyes: "Outer V" Vs "Reverse 7"

NISHA
by NISHA
6 Materials
$15
25 Minutes
Easy

If you have hooded eyes, you’ll know that it’s a little hard to apply eyeshadow in a way that does not enhance your hooded eyes. In this tutorial, I’ll show you a unique way to apply eyeshadow for hooded eyes that brightens the eye and disguises the hood.


Instead of creating a typical outer “V” shape on your eyes, we will be doing something completely different. Ready to start? Scroll down to see how I get this done and just wait until you see the hooded eyes before and after results.

Tools and materials:

  • Light eyeshadow
  • Sparkly eyeshadow
  • Brown eyeshadow
  • Assorted brushes
  • Eyeliner
  • Mascara
The standard outer "V" on a hooded eye

This is for reference, to show you what a standard, outer “V” would look like.


This style actually creates the impression that your eyes are droopier than they are. You want to somewhat lift your mobile eyelid and make it appear larger. 

How the outer "V" makes the eye look droopy


How to apply eyeshadow to hooded eyes

When I open my eyes, you cannot actually see the crease of my eyes because my eyelids naturally fall downward. This is why an outer “V” doesn’t really work for hooded eyes.


I’ll show you how to create a pretend crease that sits much higher in the following steps. 

Applying light eyeshadow to the lid

1. Add light eyeshadow

So, now, I’m working on the other eye to show you a better way of applying eyeshadow to hooded eyes.


Apply a layer of neutral cream-colored eyeshadow to your whole lid, and you can include some sparkly light eyeshadow after. 

How to do the reverse 7 technique

2. Create a reverse 7 shape

Instead of doing an outer “V,” you will do a reversed 7 in the same area. Here, I’m using a prop so you can imagine the shape better. 

Applying dark eyeshadow higher than usual

Apply dark eyeshadow and start much higher than you normally would. I suggest making this template before going in with a blending brush. 

Blending the dark eyeshadow

Once you have the reversed 7 drawn out, you can now work on applying and blending in that darker color, following the shape you just drew. 

Eyeshadow tutorial for hooded eyes

Now, continue filling in that pretend crease. Remember, you should do everything to scale. 

Applying eyeliner and mascara

3. Add eyeliner and mascara

Now, go ahead and add eyeliner and mascara as you usually would. 

Hooded eyes before and after

Eyeshadow for hooded eyes tutorial

So, here’s the difference. The right side is the normal V-shape, while the left eye has more of an uplifting, reversed 7 shape. Can you see how remarkable a slight shift in eyeshadow does for the eyes?


This is really the best eyeshadow for hooded eyes because it instantly creates a higher crease line.


I hope you enjoyed my eyeshadow tips for hooded eyes; catch you again next time with more makeup hacks and looks. 

Suggested materials:
  • Light eyeshadow
  • Sparkly eyeshadow
  • Brown eyeshadow
See all materials

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Comments
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2 of 7 comments
  • Dana Voiles Plato Dana Voiles Plato on Jan 20, 2022

    You explained it very well! Thanks!

  • Pamela Franklin Pamela Franklin on May 05, 2022

    Thanks so much for the hints! As one with eyelid issues, making my eyes look more open has become a problem as I've gotten older and my go-to application just isn't working for me anymore. I really think you have solved my problem.

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