Hooded eyelids are beautiful—but they bring unique challenges when applying eyeliner. Lines can smudge, wings disappear under folds, and heavy liners can make lids look heavier. The right eyeliner formula, tool, and technique can make a big difference. In this post, we’ll go through what kinds of eyeliners work best for hooded eyes, which formulas resist smudging, and how to use them for a flattering look.
Shop eyeliners good for hooded lids here.
What Makes Eyeliner Hard on Hooded Lids?
Hooded eyelids have a fold of skin that partly or fully covers the eyelid when eyes are open. This can cause liner to:
- smudge or transfer up into the crease or fold;
- wipe off easily when blinking or opening eyes;
- look too thick or uneven because the fold hides part of it;
- wings get lost or look droopy instead of lifted.
Because of this, the best eyeliners for hooded lids are those that are long-wearing, quick-drying, precise, and resistant to smudging.
View smudge-proof eyeliners here.
Which Formula Types Work Best for Hooded Eyelids?
Here are the formula types and why they tend to work well for hooded eyes:
- Waterproof or long-wear liquid liners with fine or micro tips—these dry fast and hold shape so the liner doesn’t transfer to the lid crease. Sources like Who whatwear suggest waterproof liquid liners as strong picks
- Gel liners used with an angled brush—they offer control and can be used precisely close to lash line. Gel liners also tend to stay in place better once set.
- Pencil or retractable mechanical liners that are creamy but smudge-proof or waterproof—good for tightlining (lining just under the lashes), which gives definition without needing thick lines.
A formula that resists oil, transfer, and moisture will prevent the liner from disappearing or smudging under the hood.
Browse long-wear and waterproof formulas here.
What Features Should You Look for in Eyeliner for Hooded Lids?
These are the features that make a big difference when you have hooded eyelids:
- Fine or slim tip—helps you draw a clean line close to the lash line without needing a thick stroke.
- Precision applicator or brush so you can control the shape and avoid smudging.
- Quick-drying formula that sets fast so it doesn’t transfer when you open your eyes
- Waterproof / smudge-proof properties—hooded lids often have more oil, so waterproof or transfer-resistant blend good.
- Matte or semi-matte finish rather than very glossy, which tends to slip into folds. Some gloss or shine can accentuate the hood. Sources like StyleCraze & EliteDaily highlight matte or satin finishes.
Use these features as your checklist when choosing eyeliners for hooded lids.
See precision-tip eyeliners here.
What Are Some Recommended Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes?
Here are eyeliners that are often recommended by beauty experts or users with hooded lids because they meet many of the good features above:
- NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Liner – fine brush tip, waterproof, highly rated for staying put on hooded lids.
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner – pen style, dries fast, holds shape.
- Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner – buildable, good pigment, less smudge if set.
- E.L.F. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner – retractable pencil style, smudge proof.
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Pencil – creamy feel but with wear-time, good for tightlining.
You can test a couple to see which works best with your skin, oil, and lid hood amount.
Shop expert-recommended eyeliners here.
How Should You Apply Eyeliner to Hooded Eyelids?
Technique matters a lot. Even the best eyeliner will struggle if applied incorrectly. Here are good practice tips:
- Use eye primer first to reduce oil, increase grip, and prevent transfer.
- Keep both eyes open while applying liner. It helps you see where the fold sits and where the visible lid ends.
- Create a thinner line close to lashes—thick lines get hidden under the hood.
- Wing it up, not out. Angled wings (slightly upwards) give a lifting effect instead of dragging the eye down.
- Use waterproof or smudge-proof liner and set it with matching eye shadow for extra hold.
These simple adjustments help the eyeliner stay visible and neat even when your eyes are open.
Final Thoughts: Best Eyeliner Choice for Hooded Eyelids
The best eyeliner for hooded eyelids is one that is fine-tipped, waterproof or smudge-proof, has good hold, and allows precise application. Gel, liquid, or pencil styles can all work—what matters most is formula + how you apply it. Try out a couple of expert-recommended options above and use the right techniques.
