Finding the perfect eyeliner can be hard, especially if you have hooded eyes. For hooded eyes, you’ll need something that goes on smoothly and lasts all day without transfer.
The best eyeliner for hooded eyes is Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner because it dries quickly and stays put – a must when you have this eye shape.
Before purchasing, stop and consider a few important buying factors: the formula of eyeliner (liquid or pencil), waterproof and smudge-proof formula, whether or not it is ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested, and the finish. With these factors in mind, I have summarized the most important points and the very best options for you.
Scroll below for my picks for smudge proof, stay-put eyeliners.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-Up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
What are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes are a very normal feature and can often be passed down as hereditary traits. More often than not, if you have hooded eyes then you can find another family member that has the feature. So, what exactly are hooded eyes and how would you know if you have them?
Hooded eyes are when there is a flap of excess skin that folds from below the brow bone that can reach down to the lash line. The fold of skin often hides the eyes’ crease causing your upper eyelids to appear smaller or the crease non-existent. Oftentimes, hooded eyes appear and become more prominent as people age.
Hooded eyes are not a cause for concern – they are very natural and it’s more common than you think. Although hooded eyes are a more typical facial feature of East Asian people, it can definitely appear on anyone, regardless of race, anywhere in the world.
Though hooded eyes are not a cause of concern, applying eye makeup can be quite different and difficult. Those who have hooded eyes need to learn makeup tips and tricks to ensure great eye makeup application and one that wil, complement their eye shape.
The Best Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes
1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner – Our Pick!
Our top pick for the best eyeliner for hooded eyes is the fan favorite Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner! This is a favorite among those with hooded eyes as its formula doesn’t transfer once it fully dries and sets. This also promises to not budge or smudge even in hot and humid climates or no matter how much you move during the day. Thanks to its truly long-lasting formula, the eyeliner assures you that it will stay put where you put it at the start of your day until it’s time to take it off.
The marker-like and felt tip of the Stila eyeliner allows you to achieve precise application with the perfect line, whether thick or thin, every single time. The precise tip also allows users to get in really tight and close along the lash line if ever you’re going for tightlining. The long-wearing formula of the eyeliner also boasts of an impressive all-day staying power for hooded eyelids. The formula glides easily on lids and promises to stay put until you say it’s time to go.
The Stila eyeliner is a waterproof formula, so you are assured that you will not experience any form of smudging or running no matter how much you sweat or how much your eyes water with this in your makeup routine. And though a true waterproof formula, this is surprisingly easy to remove at the end of the day and wouldn’t force you to be too aggressive on your eyes attempting to remove it. The tip also makes it much easier to use and control, even for absolute beginners in the makeup and eyeliner scene.
The waterproof Stila eyeliner has been ophthalmologist-tested and is very safe to use for sensitive eyes and those who regularly wear contact lenses. This is currently available in 8 shades: Intense Black, Dark Brown, Intense Smoky Quartz, Intense Labradorite, Midnight, Alloy, Intense Jade, and Snow you can freely choose from for all your makeup needs. This offers a matte finish with every swipe as well.
Just a quick reminder that this liner is on the expensive side of the world of makeup, but if you are ready to splurge on your new eyelines, go on right ahead. Some users have also found the formula to be quick-drying so you have to make sure there aren’t any mistakes on application to avoid messy finishes. Generally, this is a much-loved piece of makeup regardless if you’re a beginner or a professional makeup artist.
Pros:
- No transfers or smudging on hooded lids
- Long-lasting, all-day wearing formula
- Waterproof
- Doesn’t run or budge
- Sweat and tear proof
- Available in 8 shades
- Matte finish
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers
- Precise and easy application
- Great for tightlining
- Easy to remove
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Quick-drying on application
2. Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner – Best for Beginners!
The next item that made it into our list of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes and our pick for the best beginner-friendly liner is the Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner from world-famous beauty brand Maybelline New York! If you are an absolute beginner and novice in the world of eyeliners, you might want to check this one out. Designed with a flex tip that doesn’t skip and a hexagonal-shaped body that will not slip during application. This also allows for more control and an easy and stable application every single time.
The Maybelline New York eyeliner has a waterproof formula that offers users up to 24 hours of intense pigment that isn’t prone to smudging or running. This promises a formula that doesn’t transfer on hooded lids. It also doesn’t run or smudge even on humid or rainy days, so no matter the weather, you are assured that your liner stays intact wherever you apply it during the start of your day.
The tip and applicator of this liner has a firm feel to it that still feels comfortable against the lids. The tip allows for a very precise application, which is what you need with hooded eyes. The thinness of the tip also lets you draw lines right on your lash line without much difficulty. This is overall very easy to use and glides on your eyelids fairly easily. The tip also doesn’t dry up after a time of owning the eyeliner, though keep in mind that some users have shared that it can easily be damaged when the cap is put back on in the wrong way – so remember to be careful.
The Maybelline New York liner has been ophthalmologist-tested and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses. There is only one shade available in the line, Pitch Black, and delivers an intense black color that will last you for the day. This one also has a satin finish to it once fully dried and set.
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners
- Flex tip doesn’t skip on application
- Hexagonal shape and body doesn’t slip
- Easier and stable application with more control
- Satin finish
- Tip allows for precise application
- Gets right on lash line
- Waterproof formula
- No running or smudging on hooded lids
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers
- Stays put on humid or rainy days
Cons:
- Only one shade available
- Tip is easy to damage when cap is put on wrong
3. NYX Epic Ink Liner – Best Drugstore Brand!
Our next favorite eyeliner for hooded eyes and our choice for the best drugstore brand is the NYX Epic Ink Liner! If what you’re on the lookout for is a drugstore brand that is easily accessible to you at a cheaper price, you might want to hold on to your seat for this one. This is another great eyeliner option for those with hooded eyes as this doesn’t smudge or transfer on hooded lids. The formula is also made to resist sweat, humidity, precipitation, and tears – so you are sure to end the day with the quality of liner you started your day with.
The felt brush tip the NYX eyeliner comes with allows for easy control and is very easy to use. The tip is flexible as well and allows you to achieve ultra-fine and precise lines. You can easily control the thickness or thinness of your lines simply by pressing it down or holding it lightly and not pressing it down. The slender and flexible tip allows for total control on application over your liner’s thickness or thinness. The brush is also very soft on the eyes, assuring you it would not be too hard and poke you as you are applying it.
This NYX eyeliner offers you long-lasting wear with its waterproof formula that is truly resistant. The formula also gives very opaque results and has great color payoff that is sure to last long as you need it to. Though keep in mind that the formula can fade on oily eyelids, so if you do have oily lids, make sure you prime them to ensure the product’s longevity. There are currently two shades in the line: black and brown in matte or metallic finish for all your makeup needs.
The NYX Epic Ink Liner is proudly vegan and has been certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. If that is something of major importance to you as a consumer, be sure to check this one out
Pros:
- Ideal drugstore brand
- Doesn’t smudge or transfer on hooded lids
- Resistant to sweat, humidity, precipitation, and tears
- Easy to control and use
- Allows for ultra-fine and precise lines
- Allows total control over line’s thickness or thinness
- Soft brush and applicator
- Long-lasting and waterproof formula
- Opaque results with great color payoff
- Available in two shades
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Can fade on oily lids
4. Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner
The Tarte Tarteist Double Take Eyeliner is the next item that has made it into our list of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes! A dual-ended eyeliner with waterproof liquid formula on one end and an Amazonian-infused gel pencil on the other end, you definitely get the best of both worlds with this in your makeup routine. This is also a great liner option for those with hooded eyes as this promises to be smudge and transfer-proof as you go about your day.
This Tarte eyeliner boasts of a waterproof and 12-hour staying power so you are sure both formulas will last long on your eyelids no matter what you have scheduled for the day. Both the liquid and pencil liners promise smooth application and no streaking or smearing after it has dried down on your lids. The liquid liner has a soft-flex tip that deposits even and pigmented color that goes on glossy but dries down to a semi-matte finish.
This eyeliner from beauty brand Tarte has been ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. It is completely safe for those who regularly wear contact lenses. It is also proudly vegan, gluten free, and has been formulated without parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil – assuring of its safety for use on sensitive skin and sensitive eyes. While the liquid liner end is very easy to apply and control for precise lines and results, the gel pencil on the other end is ideal for using on the eyes’ inner rim for definition and for tightlining as well.
Do keep in mind that, as many users have shared regarding this eyeliner, the retractable gel eyeliner can be a bit flimsy and could easily break if you are not careful. Also make sure that you retract the right length to keep it from breaking off. The liner is currently available in 2 shades: black and brown.
Pros:
- Dual-ended liner with liquid and gel pencil
- No smudging or transfer on hooded lids
- Waterproof and 12-hour wear
- Both formulas provide smooth application
- Even and pigmented color from liquid end
- Liquid formula dries down to semi-matte
- Easy to apply and control
- Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- No toxic ingredients
Cons:
- Gel pencil can be flimsy
5. Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer
Our last favorite item in terms of the best eyeliners for hooded eyes is the Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer! This one also promises to not smudge or transfer when worn on hooded lids. This pencil eyeliner is an easy twist-up and retractable self-sharpening pencil eyeliner with a built-in smudger on the other end. The smudger allows you to easily achieve a more smudged look instead of the sharper lines and wings. If you want to achieve high-precision lines with a little blending on top of it, make sure to check this one out.
The Rimmel eyeliner is formulated to be waterproof while giving you intense and pigmented color payoffs every time. This offers up to 10 hours of lasting wear with every swipe. The formula is totally non-greasy so you are confident you will not end your day with smudged eyeliner. The formula of the liner is waxy and can spread easily for ease of use even for absolute beginners. Keep in mind though that some users have shared that the tip can easily break off so make sure you are careful in handling and applying it.
Many users also have shared that this Rimmer eyeliner is a great option for tightlining as well, if ever it’s what you’re looking for. This also stays put wherever you put it until you say it’s time for removal. This has been dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested so you are sure this is sensitive skin-friendly and safe for those who wear contact lenses as well. The pencil eyeliner is currently offered in 6 shades with a variation of matte and metallic finishes: rich brown, deep ocean, noir, blackest black, starlit black, and earl grey.
Pros:
- Smudge and transfer-proof on hooded lids
- Retractable self-sharpening pencil
- Built-in smudger for subtle blending
- Waterproof and 10-hour staying power
- Intense color payoff
- Non-greasy formula
- Easy to use and spreads easily
- Great for tightlining
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
- Available in 6 shades in matte or metallic finish
Cons:
- Tip can easily break off
How to Apply Eyeliner on Hooded Eyes – Tips & Tricks!
When it comes to eyeliner, it’s very important that you know how to correctly apply them to ensure longevity with your eye shape in mind. Below are some tips and tricks someone with hooded eyes can definitely benefit from!
Find the perfect eyeliner
With hooded eyes, it’s very important that you find an eyeliner that works for you every single time you whip it out. Make sure that what you have doesn’t smudge or transfer as you open your eyes after application. If you haven’t found one for you yet, be sure to check out our list of favorites and review above.
Prime your eyes
Priming your eyes before makeup application is very important especially if you have oily lids. Hooded eyelids will also benefit from proper priming of the lids as this will lessen the chances of product transfer.
Tightline the upper lash line
If you have hooded eyes, one way that will really benefit you is learning how to tightline. Since hooded eyes make eyelid space smaller, it’s a good idea to apply eyeliner on your upper lash line. This is tightlining. This makes your upper lash line have a more prominent lined and defined appearance and even make your lashes appear fuller.
Go for thin lines
For hooded eyes, it’s better to go for thinner lines rather than thicker ones. Thick eyeliner can make the lid area appear smaller and can even cause a messy appearance as more product will be in contact with your folded lids and skin.
Go for the wings
Winged eyeliner is also a good choice for those with hooded eyes. This helps really lift and open up your eyes. When opting for winged liners, remember to keep them short and just the perfect size aka not too big so they don’t end up looking messy at the end of the day.
Use only a half – at most
When applying eyeliner on hooded lids, make sure you only line ⅓ or ½ of your entire lid area. Doing so will make sure the eyeliner doesn’t cover up your eyelids – which you already have a small area of to begin with because of the excess skin.
Set the product
To really make sure the eyeliner doesn’t smudge or transfer on your lids as you open your eyes, make sure it is completely dry first. Setting them with powder or setting spray is also a good idea to avoid messing up the look. Remember to always take the extra step of setting the product.
How to Choose the Best Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes
With so many eyeliner options for us with just a single click, it’s very important that we know what exactly to look for to make sure we get the best of the bunch.
Type of eyeliner
Generally, there are three types of eyeliners – pencil, liquid, and gel. Make sure you ask yourself what your preference is when it comes to application and formula. Ask yourself as well which type makes eyeliner application a much easier makeup routine step for you and get something along that line.
Waterproof and smudge-proof
One thing you would want to watch out for is whether or not the eyeliner formula is waterproof and smudge-proof. Because hooded eyelids mean that your lash line is more prone to touching your upper eyelids, it’s very important that you get it’s very important that you get a waterproof eyeliner and smudge-proof formula. This will ensure there will be no transfer of product when you open your eyes after application.
Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested
If you have sensitive eyes or skin or if you’re someone who regularly wears contact lenses, it’s important that you get an eyeliner that has been ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. This assures you that the product testing has been overseen by a professional you can trust.
Finish
Eyeliners can either have a matte or a metallic and glossy finish. This factor may seem insignificant but many can agree that the finish of your eyeliner can really affect your entire makeup for the day, so make sure to ask yourself what your preference is and get something along that preference.
Conclusion
If you think applying eyeliner is a struggle, wait until you have to apply it on hooded lids! It’s especially important for those with hooded eyes to find the ‘perfect’ eyeliner for all their makeup needs.
Our number pick for the best eyeliner for hooded eyes is the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner for its waterproof and all-day wearing formula that doesn’t smudge or transfer! This has also been ophthalmologist-tested and is very safe to use by those who wear contact lenses. If what you’re looking for is a beginner-friendly eyeliner for hooded eyes, you might want to check out Maybelline New York Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner! It has been designed with a flexible tip that doesn’t skip and a hexagonal-shaped pencil so you can say goodbye to slips! And the NYX Epic Ink Liner is our pick for the best drugstore brand that is easily accessible to you! This one is very resistant to sweat, humidity, and tears and allows for total control over how thick or thin the lines are.
We hope you were able to find your new favorite eyeliner from our list and review above. Happy shopping!
