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If you have hooded eyes, you know the struggle can be real. You carefully apply your perfect winged liner, only to open your eyes and find it’s disappeared into the crease. Or worse, it’s transferred onto your upper lid, leaving you with smudgy panda eyes by noon. Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone, and the good news is that with the right liner and technique, you can create stunning eye looks that actually stay put. And we’ve got a list of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes, tested by celebrity makeup artists. Hello, gorgeous!
“Hooded eyes are when the skin under your eyebrows is a little or really loose and hangs over the crease of your eyelids,” explains celebrity esthetician Erica Marie Gatt, founder of EM Skin Studio. The key to making eyeliner work for hooded eyes isn’t about fighting your natural eye shape—it’s about working with it.
We consulted experts who have created flawless looks on everyone from Brooke Shields to Prince to find the eyeliners that actually work for hooded eyes. Here are their top eight picks that won’t budge, transfer or disappear.
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Top Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes
Best Overall:Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Best Splurge:Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
Best for Precision:Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Best Drugstore:NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Best Innovative:Genuist Beauty Tiny Liner
Best Long-Lasting:Ilia Clean Line Gel Liner
Best Budget: LA Girl Perfect Precision Eyeliner
Best Dual-Ended:Morphe Bi-Liner Dual-Ended Gel Pencil
What Are Hooded Eyes?
Understanding your eye shape is the first step to mastering eyeliner application. Dani Wagener, owner of Dani Wagener Beauty and one of Boston’s top makeup artists for over 20 years, keeps it simple: “A hooded eye is when the eyelid is sitting over the lid, and sometimes hides the upper lid.”
Celebrity makeup artist Liv Madorma adds helpful context: “Hooded eyes are when the skin from your brow naturally folds over your eyelid, making your crease less visible, especially when your eyes are open. It’s super common and completely normal, just a natural eye shape that can be genetic or develop more with age.”
Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, global makeup educator and bridal and celebrity makeup artist, explains that this is nothing to worry about. “Hooded eyes are an eye shape where a fold of skin from beneath the brow rests over part of the upper eyelid,” she tells Parade. “This can make the mobile lid look smaller and the crease less visible. It is very common and it is not a flaw. Many of my clients and countless celebrities have hooded eyes.”
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What Angle Should Eyeliner Be for Hooded Eyes?
Getting the angle right is important: it’s the difference between a wing that lifts your eye and one that completely disappears.
Madorma explains her approach: “Use your lower lash line as your guide and follow where it naturally goes. It should lift, not drag down or sideways. Personally I find it easier to start your wing with your eyes open so it will line up with the natural eye fold instead of disappearing—the goal is to angle your wing so it’s still visible when your eyes are open, kind of giving your eye an instant mini facelift.”
Celebrity makeup artist Kash Thompson, who has worked with SWV and K. Michelle, has specific guidance for different degrees of hooding, explaining, “For slightly hooded eyes, winged eyeliner should be drawn thinly along the lash line and angled upward to stay visible above the crease.”
Gatt shares, “If you have hooded eyes and you want to apply eyeliner on your upper lid, you should apply the eyeliner at an angle upwards, like a cat eye. If you have extremely hooded eyes, I highly suggest not wearing eyeliner on the upper lid, because it will make your eyeliner look like it’s drooping and instead of enhancing your eyes, it’ll make your eyes look tired.”
And Wagener has a slightly different approach that works beautifully for many people with hooded eyes.
“I personally love to tightline anyone with hooded eyes, filling in the upper lash line on the inner eye as much as possible to create definition and the illusion of a stronger lashline when the eye is open,” she explains. “I also teach clients to smudge from the outer corner of the lash line with the eye open. This prevents the liner from being hidden by the natural crease of the eye.”
How To Do Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes
The technique matters just as much as the product when it comes to hooded eyes. Here’s what the pros recommend.
The Open-Eye Mapping Method
“Begin with a slim line along the top lashes, keeping it thinnest near the inner eye,” D’Amelio Ventre shares. “Thicken only at the outer third to maintain visible lid space. For precision, use a transfer-resistant liquid brush tip liner. Stamp the outer wing with the eye open, then connect in tiny strokes rather than one long swipe.”
Thompson echoes this approach, adding, “On relaxed skin, looking straight in the mirror, create a wing in the outer corner of the eye, next step is creating a line going straight across over the fold or hooded eyelid, once done if you can’t see the wing then just extend the tip more until visible.”
And Madorma also gives her step-by-step process.
“Look straight ahead and mark where you want your wing to go,” she begins. “Draw your wing from the outer corner, slightly lifting it up. Keep the line thin near the inner corner so it doesn’t get too thick and overpower. Connect the wing back toward the middle of your lash line. Fill in any gaps and tightline your upper lash line for more depth.”
Tightlining Technique
Wagener loves this method for hooded eyes. “To tightline, grab your favorite smooth gel pencil, and fill in the space on the inner lash line with short strokes,” she shares. “Gently lifting the lid with your opposite hand to open the eye further is very helpful!”
D’Amelio Ventre adds, “To add natural depth without bulk, tightline the upper waterline with a waterproof pencil. If you want smokier definition, smudge a pencil or gel liner with a matte shadow, but keep the smoke concentrated at the outer third.”
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For Extremely Hooded Eyes
“If their eyes are a little bit more hooded, I will just put black gel eyeliner on the upper inner waterline—and not put eyeliner on the top lid,” Gatt explains. “If their eyes are very hooded, I don’t use any eyeliner. I may use a little darker eyeshadow on their top lid, and apply white or light pink eyeliner in the inner top water line.”
Pro Tips
Celebrity makeup artist Nyssa Green, owner of The Green Room Agency, has a fabulous cleanup hack, sharing, “Look straight into a mirror and draw a line straight out, not going beyond the crease, then draw a line from the bottom to connect with the wing. That should create the ‘wing’, and now you’ll just need to fill it in. Finish by using a Q-tip dipped in micellar water to clean up and sharpen the line!”
Meanwhile, celebrity makeup artist Jeffrey Picasso Lindsey’s approach? “Start by creating the outer wing where the lid hood begins,” he says. “Then, work your way inward, applying the liner in thin strokes and widening as desired.”
D’Amelio Ventre is clear it’s all about the right formula, explaining, “Always finish by curling the lashes and focusing mascara on the outer corners to emphasize lift. Opt for waterproof or long-wear formulas so the liner resists transfer from the fold throughout the day.”
8 Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
Best Overall: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner$24
Both Gatt and D’Amelio Ventre recommend this cult-favorite liquid liner, and when two celebrity makeup artists independently choose the same product, you know it’s something special.
D’Amelio Ventre calls out its key benefits, sharing, “Precise tip, waterproof and transfer-resistant formula, dries quickly, and keeps a clean wing that will not imprint onto the hood. Excellent for the open-eye mapping method.”
Gatt simply calls it the best liquid liner for hooded eyes, and it’s easy to see why. The fine marker-like tip means even beginners can get a precise application, and the formula glides on smoothly without skipping, smudging or pulling. Once it sets, it genuinely stays all day without transferring onto your upper lid—which is exactly what you need when you have hooded eyes. The intense black pigment means you don’t need multiple coats, and the quick-dry formula means you won’t accidentally smudge it when you open your eyes.
Best Splurge: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner, $34
Here’s another product that earned recommendations from multiple experts—both Wagener and Gatt love this luxe kajal liner.
Wagener specifically recommends it as the “best overall with a smudge/wing,” explaining, “I love Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liners. The color payoff is incredible, and the smudge/blendability and ease of use are just fabulous. My personal favorite shade is Cocoa, a beautifully matte espresso.”
Gatt agrees, calling it her best splurge pick. This ultra-creamy pencil delivers rich, true color payoff with a single stroke and glides on with ease. What makes it perfect for hooded eyes is that you can blend it out for a smoky effect before it sets—giving you precious seconds to perfect your look—and then it locks in for waterproof, long-wear staying power. Infused with Vitamin E, hydrating pro-vitamin B5, and calming chamomile, it’s as good for your skin as it is gorgeous on your eyes.
Related: The 9 Best Foundations and Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
Best for Precision: Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner$36
Both D’Amelio Ventre and Green recommend this eyeliner. As Green explains, “It’s ultra smooth, super black and worth every penny! I use it on lots of brides to give a beautiful contrast against a nude or shimmery eye and on TV for major impact. This is also what Adele uses to achieve her famous wing!”
D’Amelio Ventre adds that it’s “perfect for thin, controlled wings and (gives) a polished finish that holds up under red carpet lights.”
The uniquely flexible precision tip, called a Flexi-Art tip, means you have exceptional control and get smooth, even lines every time. Gorg! The waterproof formula lasts up to 24 hours and is completely smudge-proof, making it ideal for hot and humid climates—or just making it through a long day without your liner migrating to your lid. The quick-drying formula means you can build your look without worrying about transfer, and the velvety matte finish looks absolutely professional.
Best Drugstore: NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $8
D’Amelio Ventre loves this affordable option, sharing, “(The) flexible brush tip makes micro-flicks easy, with a waterproof formula that resists smudging and humidity. (It’s) affordable yet performs like a prestige liner, making it a staple in pro kits.”
This is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a great eyeliner. The slender, flexible brush tip gives you incredible control—you can create ultra-thin lines or press down slightly for bolder strokes. The intensely pigmented, waterproof formula glides on effortlessly and delivers saturated color that actually lasts up to 24 hours.
For under $10, it performs better than many luxury liners, which is why professional makeup artists keep it in their kits. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Best Innovative: Genuist Beauty Tiny Liner, $32
Green is enthusiastic about this innovative eyeliner that was specifically created with hooded eyes in mind, explaining, “It was created specifically for hooded eyes and has a tiny brush that makes it easy to build and blend your liner. It was also used on the set of ‘Wicked‘!”
The ultrafine brush tip is actually thinner than an eyelash, making it incredibly easy to get close to your lash line without creating thick, heavy lines that disappear into your crease. What makes this truly special for hooded eyes is its blendable formula—you have five seconds of play time to blend out any mistakes before it dries and sets. Once it sets, it doesn’t transfer to your upper lid.
The formula was designed specifically for people with hooded eyes, mature eyes, eyes with looser skin, and smaller eyes. If you’ve struggled with eyeliner in the past, this is the one that’ll finally work for you.
Best Long-Lasting: Ilia Clean Line Gel Liner, $26
Green calls this “such an easy pencil to use,” sharing that she’s replaced it twice.
“It’s a very deep black and once you blend it and set it, it’s on and it’s not moving, even through a few tears,” she adds.
This clean beauty gel liner combines the precision of a pencil with the lasting power of a gel. The soft tip glides on effortlessly, allowing you to blend it out for a smoky effect or leave it crisp for defined lines. Once it sets, the water-resistant formula genuinely stays put—no smudging, no fading, no transferring onto your hooded lid. Free of carbon black and cyclomethicone, it’s formulated with clean ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive eyes. The built-in sharpener means you can always maintain that perfect point, and the formula works beautifully for both subtle tightlining and more dramatic looks.
Best Budget: LA Girl Perfect Precision Eyeliner, $3.50
Green loves this ultra-affordable option, sharing these highlights: “Less than $5, comes in fun colors and it’s easy to use!”
At under five bucks, this is the eyeliner you can experiment with without guilt. Don’t let the low price fool you—the smooth, velvety formula delivers intense color payoff and lines and defines eyes beautifully. It’s available in eight essential colors, so you can play with different shades to complement your eye color or match your look. The precision tip makes application easy, even if you’re new to eyeliner, and the formula glides on without tugging or pulling. For the price of a fancy coffee, you get a quality eyeliner that actually works. Stock up on multiple shades and see which colors make your eyes pop.
Best Dual-Ended: Morphe Bi-Liner Dual-Ended Gel Pencil, $14
Madorma recommends this innovative dual-ended liner as her best overall pick for hooded eyes. This genius design gives you two complementary shades in one pencil—a matte finish on one end and a metallic shimmer on the other—in tonal color combinations that work beautifully together.
Infused with ceramides, natural waxes, and emollient oils, the formula glides on seamlessly without tugging or pulling on delicate eyelid skin. The highly pigmented color delivers major payoff in a single swipe, and the formula is truly long-lasting, transfer-proof, water-proof, smudge-proof, and fade-proof—all the things you absolutely need when dealing with hooded eyes. You can use each end solo for different looks, or layer the metallic over the matte to ramp up the drama. The gel formula is perfect for creating precise lines when you need them or smudging out for a smoky effect, giving you incredible versatility in one affordable pencil.
4 Pro Tips for Perfect Eyeliner on Hooded Eyes
1. Always Work with Eyes Open
D’Amelio Ventre emphasizes this repeatedly: “If you are new to eyeliner, try sketching the shape first with eyeshadow, then trace over it with cream or liquid liner. This gives you more control without the pressure of committing right away.”
The open-eye mapping method ensures your liner will be visible when your eyes are open—not just when they’re closed.
2. Use Waterproof and Transfer-Resistant Formulas
This is non-negotiable for hooded eyes. As D’Amelio Ventre notes in her pro application checklist, “Use waterproof or transfer-resistant formulas and allow full dry time. If using pencil, set it with a matching matte shadow for extra staying power.”
Your hooded lid is going to touch that liner, so it needs to be bulletproof.
3. Keep Inner Lines Thin, Outer Lines Bold
D’Amelio Ventre’s checklist? “Keep the inner top line micro-thin. Anchor the wing by extending the lower lash line outward and up. Build the shape in tiny strokes while eyes are open.”
This technique prevents your liner from overwhelming your limited lid space while still creating impact.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Tightline
Wagener loves this technique for hooded eyes, and D’Amelio Ventre agrees. “Tightline the upper waterline for subtle depth” gives you definition without taking up precious lid real estate. It makes your lashes look thicker and fuller while working perfectly with your eye shape.
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Sources:
Dani Wagener, owner of Dani Wagener Beauty, Boston makeup artist for 20+ years
Erica Marie Gatt, esthetician and makeup artist, EM Skin Studio
Kash Thompson, celebrity makeup artist (Prince, SWV, K. Michelle), owner and founder of The Kash Brand
Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, global makeup educator, bridal and celebrity makeup artist, D’Amelio Cosmetics
Nyssa Green, celebrity makeup artist, owner of The Green Room Agency (Sheryl Underwood, Brooke Shields, Nate Bargatze, Alicia Keys, Jane Fonda)
Jeffrey Picasso Lindsey, celebrity makeup artist
Liv Madorma, celebrity makeup artist
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Shopping, Deals & Freebies section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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