If you’re someone who’s ever felt frustrated with your eye makeup, you might have heard the term ‘hooded eyes’ thrown around. But what are hooded eyes?
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about hooded eyes – from what they are, how to identify them and tips for applying makeup.
What Are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes refer to a particular eye shape where there is excess skin on the brow bone that obscures the eyelid when the eyes are open. This can make the eye appear smaller and less defined. Hooded eyes are more common in certain ethnicities, such as East Asian and African American.
While hooded eyes are largely a cosmetic concern, some people may experience functional issues due to the excess skin, such as difficulty applying eye makeup or seeing properly.
How to Identify Hooded Eyes
Identifying hooded eyes is relatively easy. To check if you have hooded eyes, look straight ahead into a mirror with your eyes open. If you cannot see your eyelid when your eyes are open, you likely have hooded eyes.
Another way to check is by examining the crease of your eye. If the crease is not visible or appears hidden under a fold of skin, you have hooded eyes.
what causes hooded eyes
Genetics: Hooded eyes are often inherited. If a parent has hooded eyes, their child is more likely to have them as well.
Aging: As we age, the skin around our eyes loses elasticity and can start to sag. This can cause the eyelids to droop, creating a hooded appearance.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and diabetes, can also cause hooded eyes.
Eye injuries: Eye injuries can damage the muscles and connective tissues that support the eyelids, leading to hooded eyes.
As you know, hooded eyes are not always a cause for concern. In many cases, they are simply a natural part of aging. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your hooded eyes, or if they are making it difficult to see, you should talk to your doctor.
Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes require a slightly different approach when it comes to applying makeup. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Focus on the Outer Corner
When applying eyeshadow, focus on the outer corner of your eyes to create the illusion of depth. By extending the eyeshadow beyond the crease, you can make your eyes appear bigger.
Use Small Brushes
Use small brushes to apply eyeshadow and avoid large, fluffy brushes. This will help you be more precise with your application and avoid making a mess.
Avoid Heavy Eyeliner
Heavy eyeliner can make hooded eyes appear even smaller. Instead, opt for thin lines or smudged liner to create a more natural look. You can also try tightlining instead of lining the entire eye.
Highlight the Inner Corner
Highlighting the inner corner of your eyes can also help create the illusion of bigger eyes. Use a light shade of eyeshadow or highlighter to brighten up the area.
how to get rid of hooded eyes
Surgery
The most effective way to fix hooded eyes is with surgery, which is called blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. During blepharoplasty, your surgeon will remove excess skin, muscle, and fat from your eyelids. This can open up your eyes and make them look more youthful.
Non-surgical treatments
There are a number of non-surgical treatments that can help to improve the appearance of hooded eyes. These include:
- Botox: Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles that pull down the eyebrows, which can open up the eyes.
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the brow bones, which can also help to open up the eyes and reduce the appearance of hooding.
- Laser skin resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing can be used to tighten the skin around the eyes, which can reduce hooding.
In fact, non-surgical treatments are not as permanent as surgery. For example, Botox injections need to be repeated every few months to maintain results.
The best way to decide which option is right for you is to talk to a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They will be able to assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment
Hooded Eyes vs. Other Eye Shapes
Hooded Eyes vs Monolids
Monolid eyes do not have a crease, whereas hooded eyes have a hidden or partially visible crease. Hooded eyes also have more excess skin on the brow bone.
Hooded Eyes vs Droopy Eyes
Droopy eyes appear sad or tired due to excess skin on the lower lid. While hooded eyes also have excess skin, it is located on the upper lid.
Hooded Eyes vs Almond Eyes
Almond eyes have a visible crease and are considered the most balanced eye shape. Hooded eyes have a hidden crease and may appear smaller.
Celebrities with Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes are a common eye shape, even among celebrities. Here are some famous faces who have hooded eyes:
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Blake Lively
- Taylor Swift
- Emma Stone
- Lucy Liu
FAQ
- Can Hooded Eyes Affect Vision? In some cases, hooded eyes can affect vision by obstructing the field of view. However, this is a rare occurrence and mostly happens in extreme cases.
- How Do I Apply Mascara on Hooded Eyes? When applying mascara, wiggle the brush towards the outer corner of your eyes to create more definition. Avoid applying too much product to avoid clumping.
- Are Hooded Eyes Considered Unattractive? Absolutely not! Hooded eyes are just another eye shape and can be equally beautiful. Remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Final takeaway
Understanding what hooded eyes are and their underlying causes is essential for anyone seeking to address this common eye shape concern. Whether due to genetics, aging, or other factors, hooded eyes can be managed and enhanced through various techniques, from makeup tricks to surgical options like blepharoplasty. The key is to tailor your approach to your individual preferences and needs, with the guidance of professionals when necessary. Ultimately, embracing your unique eye shape and exploring ways to accentuate its beauty can be a rewarding journey, empowering you to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
