Hooded eyes are one of our most common beauty concerns as we get older, but there are simple ways to enhance our changing eye shape. Adapting our eyeliner technique is the most obvious place to start, but we often overlook the role that brows can play in flattering a hooded eye.
Many of us don’t appreciate that the development of hooded eyes is commonly accompanied by a downward pull of the eyebrows as we get older. But it makes sense when you think about it – gravity is the common denominator, and therefore rethinking your brow shape is a smart way to frame your hooded eyes in the most flattering way possible.
‘Hooded eyes are something I see very often in my clients,’ says eyebrow guru Shavata Singh, who has worked with (distinctly non-crepey eyed!) A-listers like Victoria Beckham and Adele.
‘As we age, the skin around the eyes can become heavier and the brow can naturally descend at the same time, particularly towards the outer third. This can make the eyes look smaller or more closed and the face can sometimes appear more tired.’
How should I change my brow shape?
It’s only a tiny tweak but it’s incredibly effective, says Shavata, who is the founder of an eponymous chain of brow clinics. ‘When shaping brows on hooded eyes, I like to move the arch slightly further out rather than placing it too centrally. This draws the eye towards the lift of the brow rather than the hooding itself.’
What you leave is as important as what you take away, she notes. ‘I’m also careful not to remove too much hair from underneath the brow, as this can make the brow appear lower.’ Striking the right balance can be tricky, so it’s best to get a professional to do it for you, and create a flattering shape you can maintain, day by day.
Does brow shape really make a difference?
Honestly, yes – and it’s something Shavata hears from clients regularly. ‘Of course, with brows we can only create illusions, we can’t remove excess skin,’ she says. ‘But small, clever changes can make a surprisingly big difference. It can give the face a fresher, more awake appearance.’
Finding the right brow shape can even change women’s thoughts on eyelid surgery. ‘I do see women considering blepharoplasty, and sometimes improving the brow shape can make them feel they can postpone surgery,’ says Shavata.
‘It doesn’t replace surgery where there is significant excess skin, but it can certainly enhance the eye area without anything invasive.’
Should I change my brow tint too?
Possibly, but you need to be careful. ‘Tints are great as they define the brows, drawing attention away from the heavy skin,’ says Shavata. ‘But it needs to be done subtly. By making them too dark will create a shadow that will make the hooded eyes worse.’
Can microblading flatter a hooded eye?
A semi-permanent makeup technique like microblading definitely can be useful if the brows have become sparse. ‘Recreating individual hairs can restore definition and structure,’ Shavata says. ‘But the design is everything, because microblading itself doesn’t lift a hooded eye. What’s important is the shape we create.’
What else helps to open a hooded eye?
If Shavata is adjusting a brow shape to flatter a hooded eye, she likes to complement its impact with a treatment on the lashes. ‘Another trick I love is a lash lift, particularly for clients with very straight lashes,' says Shavata. 'Lifting the lashes opens up a hooded eye and creates another subtle lifting effect.’
