If you have hooded eyes, you know the mascara struggle is real. Too often, we apply a fresh coat, only to find smudges on our lids an hour later or that the lift we achieved has fallen flat. Hooded eyes come with their own set of beauty challenges, but finding the right mascara for hooded eyes can be a game-changer.
To help, I’ve narrowed down three mascaras that are perfect for hooded eyes, giving you all-day lift, curl, and a smudge-proof finish: Sweed Beauty’s Lash Lift, Zoeva’s Ohh La Lash, and Eyeko’s Beach Waterproof Mascara. Each mascara has a different benefit to suit all of us with hooded, or even just small eyes. Let’s break down why these are the best picks.
1. Sweed Beauty Lash Lift Mascara
If you’re after a serious lift without the falsies, Sweed Beauty Lash Lift mascara is your new best friend. Designed to create a lifted look, this mascara gets into each lash, ensuring even the shortest ones make an impact. It’s the brush head that has the biggest impact here. Made specifically to be able to get to the root of your lashes, to give you the fullest eyelash look you’ve ever managed before. Here’s why it works for hooded eyes:
- Length and Lift: This mascara lives up to its name, giving hooded eyes an extra boost and opening up the eyes. Coating right from the roots makes even the shortest of lashes look elongated.
- Precision Brush: Its finely tuned brush catches each lash, giving you definition without clumping. It works really well on those shorter bottom lashes too, for a wide eyed effect.
- Smudge-Free Formula: Say goodbye to unwanted raccoon eyes; the formula holds up well, even on hooded lids.
Pro Tip: Apply two coats for that extra wow factor – it layers beautifully without turning clumpy.
Who it’s best for: This mascara is great for those who like a defined lash and are looking for lengthened lashes. It’s fantastic for those with smaller eyes or those who just tend to get mascara everywhere no matter how careful they are. The special brush on the Sweed Beauty Lash Lift mascara gives you ultimate control. It’s also available in brown for those who like a more natural look or have lighter coloured lashes. Out of the 3 mascaras featured on this post, this is the most likely to smudge. It will last all day without any fall out or panda eyes, but if you’re an eye rubber, you may prefer the next one on the list.
Watch me apply Sweed Beauty’s Lash Lift Mascara
2. Zoeva Ohh La Lash Mascara (my personal fav for Hooded Eyes)
When it comes to volumizing without the weight, Zoeva Ohh La Lash is a standout choice. This is a tubing mascara which coats each lash in a little tube, provides a completely smudge proof result. Hooded eyes often benefit from a mascara that adds volume and keeps lashes lifted, and Zoeva delivers on both fronts. Here’s why:
- Lightweight Volume: Adds volume without weighing down your lashes, making it ideal for hooded eyes. It’s a very comfortable wear.
- Smudge & Flake-Free Formula: Nothing’s worse than mascara flakes, especially when they end up on your cheeks. Or dark circles appearing under your eyes within an hour of application. The tubing formula of Zoeva’s Ohh La Lash mascara completely eradicates this.
- Buildable: If you love drama, you can build this mascara without it getting too heavy. Tubing mascaras are not usually buildable, but this formula allows you to add a second layer for extra fullness without clumping.
Pro Tip: Focus on the outer lashes to really open up the eyes – a little extra volume there creates a more lifted look.
Who it’s best for: Those with sensitive eyes will love Zoeva’s Ohh La Lash mascara, as it can be removed easily with just water. The little tubes loosen with water and simply lift off like little jackets. You wont even see smudging when removing! If you’re looking for volume and zero smudging, this one is your number one choice.
3. Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara
If you’re after a mascara that won’t budge, no matter the humidity or how often you rub your eyes, Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara has you covered. Perfect for beach days and everyday wear, it’s a hooded-eye favourite for its durability.
- Waterproof and Smudge-Proof: This mascara laughs in the face of humidity, heat, and sweat – essential for hooded eyes where lids tend to touch lashes. Also great for the beach (hence it’s name) or swimming. It will not let you down
- Curl-Holding Formula: Waterproof formulas like Eyeko’s are often better at holding a curl, which is exactly what hooded eyes need to keep lashes lifted.
- Jet-Black Finish: Gives lashes that dark, defined look, making them pop even more.
Pro Tip: Use an eyelash curler before applying for maximum effect – this formula will lock the curl in place.
Who it’s best for: Swimmers, sweaters, criers, eye rubbers. This formula will not budge! And those who love the deepest of black, shiny lashes will love the effect Beach mascara gives them.
Those with sensitive eyes may not get on well with Eyeko’s Beach Waterproof mascara. Waterproof mascaras usually effect people with sensitive eyes more than regular mascaras. Plus Eyeko Beach mascara likes to stand it’s ground, so removal can be tougher than most. You will need to use something oily and be prepared to add an extra minute or 2 to your makeup removal routine.
See my review of Eyeko’s Beach mascara, and other vegan mascaras on my oily, hooded eyes HERE
Final Thoughts:
With these three mascaras in your makeup bag, you can say goodbye to the usual hooded-eye mascara problems. Whether you’re after lift, volume, or all-day durability, there’s something here for everyone. PLUS, all mascara mentioned are from cruelty free companies and made to a vegan formula. So go ahead, give your lashes the lift they deserve – because hooded eyes deserve to be noticed, not hidden!
Have you tried any of these mascaras? Share your thoughts in the comments – and if you have a hooded-eye favourite that I missed, I’d love to hear about it!
I love the eyeko mascara! Recommend by you actually! I think I will give the other two ago now too!