As eyelids soften and hood with age, the visible lid space shrinks — but there are clever ways to create the appearance of more. Nikol Johnson shares how to create more lid space for older women, using makeup techniques and optional lid tools to open up the eye.
Key Takeaways
- Lost lid space can be visually restored with technique.
- Placement above the crease creates the look of more lid.
- Skin prep and lid tools can add extra lift.
- Brightening and lifting open the whole eye.
How do you create more lid space?
Prep, place high, and lift. Start with a smooth, well-prepped lid, then place your crease and definition slightly above the natural crease so it shows when the eye is open — instantly creating the illusion of more lid. Keeping the lid itself light and lifted, and the brow groomed, opens the whole eye area.
What techniques and tools help?
Placement, definition, and optional lid strips. Use an Eye Primer for a smooth base, define the lash line thinly with a Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, and lift the lashes with a coat of VOLUME UP Mascara. Groom the brow with a Skinny Brow Pencil. Lid-lift strips are an optional non-surgical tool some women use for extra visible lid.
Why does this work on mature eyes?
It works with the hood, not against it. Placing color and definition where they're visible with the eye open — rather than hidden under the hood — makes the lid read as larger and more open. Combined with brightening and a lifted brow, it opens the eye beautifully, the enhance-and-lift approach in Nikol's mature-skin makeup guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you create more lid space on hooded eyes?
Place your crease shade and definition slightly above your natural crease so they show when the eye is open, keep the lid light and lifted, define the lash line thinly, and groom the brow. This creates the illusion of more visible lid.
How do you make hooded eyes look bigger?
Lift the lashes with curling and mascara, keep the lid lighter with matte depth placed higher, tightline the upper lash line, brighten the inner corner, and keep brows groomed and lifted. Together these open the eye.
Do eyelid lifting strips work?
Lid-lift strips are a non-surgical tool some women use to create more visible lid space. They can help, but makeup placement, brightening, and lifting techniques also create the appearance of more lid without any tools.
Where should you place eyeshadow to open hooded eyes?
Slightly above your natural crease so it's visible with the eye open, with the mobile lid kept lighter and any shimmer only in the center or inner corner. This placement makes the lid look larger and the eye more open.
