When you have hooded eyes or a drooping brow, everyday tasks like putting on eyeliner, adding mascara, and dealing with vision issues are constant reminders that your eyes used to be better. Sometimes caused by genetics, sometimes by aging, hooded eyes are not just a telltale sign of Father Time’s influence—they’re also a bit of a nuisance. But they don’t have to be a permanent fixture. Whether you’re looking to enhance your eyes with makeup or considering a treatment or two, there are several ways to refresh your look. For ideas for the perfect hooded eye fix, check out this guide to transforming hooded eyes with both subtle and dramatic approaches.
Featured Experts
- Bobbi Brown is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Jones Road Beauty
- Dr. Kenneth Beer is a board certified dermatologist based in West Palm Beach, FL
- Dr. David Schlessinger is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon based in Woodbury, NY
Lift With Liner
If you’re not ready for major changes but want an immediate lift, this eyeliner trick is a game-changer. Celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown’s top hooded eye fix for lifting the appearance of your eyes comes down to color and placement. “Choose a dark color for your liner—dark brown works well. Close your eyes and gently lift them while applying the liner close to your lashes. This way, when you open your eyes, the liner will be visible and give the illusion of a lifted lid.” This simple method can make a big difference in giving your eyes a more awake look.
A Quick Hooded Eye Fix in a Drop
For a noninvasive lift, there’s a simple solution that can give your eyes a noticeable boost. Woodbury, NY oculoplastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD, says, “Upneeq is a prescription drop that can temporarily lift the upper eyelids. It’s a fantastic way for patients to see what their eyes might look like with a lift before committing to surgery.” The effects typically last for about six to eight hours, making it ideal for daily use or for special occasions when you want a temporary lift. Celebrities even use this hooded eye fix for premieres and awards nights for an instant lift.
A Brow Boost with Botox
If you’re open to a bit more than makeup, adjusting your brows might be just what you need. “Using a neurotoxin like Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Jeuveau or Daxxify to elevate the brow can effectively open up the eye area,” says West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD. “By targeting specific muscles, we can lift the brows and reduce the appearance of hooded eyes.” Strategically placed injections can give a subtle lift, though it’s not reversible and effects last from three to six months.
Volume for a Youthful Lift
Dermal fillers can also revitalize the eye area. By adding volume to the brows and temples, fillers can help counteract the sagging that contributes to hooded eyes. This method is excellent for those who want a youthful lift without resorting to surgery. “For eyelid hooding, sometimes we can get some benefit from fillers and pushing the brow up,” notes Dr. Beer.
Firm up Your Gaze
For a more advanced non-surgical treatment, consider options that target skin texture and firmness. “Laser treatments can tighten the skin and improve its elasticity,” explains Dr. Schlessinger. “This can reduce the appearance of hooded eyes by stimulating collagen production and improving skin tone.” Laser skin resurfacing is an effective way to enhance the skin’s quality and give your eyes a refreshed look.
Elevate Your Look
For those looking for a more permanent change, a brow lift might be the perfect hooded eye fix. This surgical procedure elevates the brow and the overlying eyelid skin. “A browlift can significantly open up the eye area by repositioning the brow,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “There are various techniques, from endoscopic methods to more traditional approaches, depending on the patient’s needs.” It’s the option that gives the most lasting results.
The Definitive Hooded Eye Fix
For a truly transformative solution, upper eyelid surgery offers the most dramatic results. This procedure targets excess skin and fatty tissue on the upper eyelids, alleviating the heaviness that causes lids to droop. “Eyelid surgery can effectively eliminate the hooded appearance by removing the excess skin,” explains Dr. Schlessinger. Typically performed under local anesthesia, the recovery is relatively quick, making this a high-impact procedure with minimal downtime. “Healing is quick with return to normal activities within a week to ten days.”
