12 Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Hooded Eyes, According to Makeup Artists (2025)

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If you have hooded eyes, you’re in fabulous company. Michelle Williams, Maya Erskine and Gabrielle Union are all celebrities with gorgeous hooded eyes. However, sometimes applying eyeshadow to this type of eyelid presents some unique challenges. But never fear! Withthe right products and techniques, you can create stunning eye looks that enhance and flatter your natural eye shape.

To help you navigate the vast world of eyeshadow palettes, we've consulted with leading makeup artists who understand the specific needs of hooded eyes. These experts have tested countless products and know exactly which formulations deliver the best results for this eye shape.

From budget-friendly drugstore options to luxurious splurges, here are the eyeshadow palettes that truly deliver visible results for hooded eyes, according to the professionals who've tested them all.

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Top Eyeshadow Palettes for Hooded Eyes

• Best Overall: Makeup By Mario Master Matte
• Best Splurge: Pat McGrath Labs Mothership I: Subliminal
• Best Drugstore: Maybelline City Mini Palette
• Best for Dry Skin: Tarte Tartelette Juicy Palette
• Best for Oily Skin: Natasha Denona Mini Palette
• Best for Mature Skin: Tarte Tartelette To Go Palette
• Best Vegan: Well People Power Palette Eyeshadow
• Best Inexpensive: E.L.F. New Classics Eyeshadow Palette
• Best Luxury Option: Prada Beauty Eyeshadow Palette
• Best Value: Beauty Creations Cosmetics Nude x Shadow Palette
• Best Versatile Palette: Natasha Denona Glam Palette
• Best for Professionals: Viseart Paris Edit

What Makes a Great Eyeshadow Palette for Hooded Eyes?

Creating stunning looks on hooded eyes requires specific types of products and formulations. Our experts explain what to look for when selecting an eyeshadow palette.

"Matte eyeshadows are a hooded eye's best friend!" explains Natalie Dresher, New York City-based makeup artist who has worked with Novak Djokovic and Remi Bader. The right formula and finish can make all the difference in how eyeshadow performs on hooded lids.

When it comes to application, Tamara Boyd, professional makeup artist and Black Radiance Ambassador, recommends specific placement techniques: "Apply with your eyes open. This will allow your eyeshadow to be seen and not disappear under the hood of your eyelids."

12 Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Hooded Eyes, According to Makeup Artists

Best Overall: Makeup By Mario Master Matte, $52

Dresher calls this matte, smoky palette her go-to for hooded eyes. She shares that it has less transfer from the lid, and also you can drag the warmer, lighter shades a bit higher than the “hooded” part of the lid.

Best Splurge: Pat McGrath Labs Mothership I: Subliminal, $128

Boyd recommends this luxury palette for those willing to invest in premium quality. The sophisticated color story and exceptional formula make it worth the price for anyone serious about creating stunning eye looks on hooded lids.

Best Drugstore: Maybelline City Mini Palette, $7.99

"Maybelline really is that girl when it comes to drugstore eyeshadow palettes!" shares Dresher. "For the most part the pigment is uniform throughout and pretty good! I love that the Maybelline City mini comes in all different color themes. These are also not super drying like most drug store shadows!"

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Best for Dry Skin: Tarte Tartelette Juicy Palette, $32

Lex Smith, Global Pro tarte makeup artist, emphasizes the importance of staying power for this palette: "What really sets it apart is the Amazonian clay-infused formula, it grips like a dream and wears beautifully all day without fading or creasing."

Best for Oily Skin: Natasha Denona Mini Palette, $27

"These matte Natasha Denona shadows won't budge for even the longest of days (if the lids are primed lightly)," shares Dresher. "I love the endless combinations of looks that can be created with this small but mighty palette. I also love the matte shadows for those with oilier lids."

Best for Mature Skin: Tarte Tartelette To Go Palette, $29

"Tartelette to go palette is my go-to for mature and hooded eyes," explains Smith. "The matte shades are smooth and don't settle into fine lines.” She adds that they easily blend to create a flattering look.

Dresher adds that this palette has the most wearable shades: “I love the neutrals but also the fun pink included in the palette, and the satin shades are perfect for going out or going to the office."

Best Vegan: Well People Power Palette Eyeshadow, $22

Dresher loves this vegan, cruelty-free palette. "This matte neutrals palette from Well People is great,” says Dresher.

Best Inexpensive: E.L.F. New Classics Eyeshadow Palette, $19

Kat James, makeup artist and skincare expert, considers this palette "affordable but shockingly good. Great color story and blendability."

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Best Luxury Option: Prada Beauty Eyeshadow Palette, $85

"These Prada shadow palettes are amazing, my personal favorite color way is Primula," Dresher shares. "A definite splurge but the shimmers are more of a satin finish.” She adds that it’s not chunky and would pair with a hooded eye beautifully.

Best Value: Beauty Creations Cosmetics Nude x Shadow Palette, $18

Boyd recommends this affordable palette specifically for mature skin, noting that the value and quality make it an excellent choice if you’re looking to enhance hooded eyes without breaking the bank.

Best Versatile Palette: Natasha Denona Glam Palette, $69

Boyd highlights this as her best overall choice, suggesting the versatile color story works exceptionally well for creating dimension on hooded eyes.

Best for Professionals: Viseart Paris Edit, $40

James says this palette is compact and ideal for lifting and sculpting hooded eyes, especially for mature skin. Professional makeup artists often reach for this palette when working with clients who have hooded eyes.

Expert Tips for Applying Eyeshadow to Hooded Eyes

Create a New Crease

"Start by contouring the crease of your eyes with a matte shadow above your natural crease," advises Boyd. "A great way to do this is to apply with your eyes open. This will allow your eyeshadow to be seen and not disappear under the hood of your eyelids."

James takes a similar approach: "I create a 'fake' crease above the natural fold with a matte taupe. Shimmer goes on the mobile lid only (never up top), and I use a soft angled brush with shadow to lift the outer lash line. Think 'mini eye lift,' not 'smokey eye.'"

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Prime for Longevity

"Always apply an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing," says Boyd.

Smith elaborates: "Start with a good eyeshadow primer like tarte's shape tape concealer—this not only helps with longevity but gives you a smooth base to work with."

Strategic Shimmer Placement

"Apply a light shadow or shimmer on the part of the lid that’sseen when your eyes are open,” recommends Boyd. She adds that you should also add shimmer in the inner corner of your eyes to make them pop.

Blend Upward

Boyd suggests, "Blend your eyeshadow upward, not down, to create a lifted effect to the eyes.” This will make your eyes look more lifted.

Smith adds: "For hooded eyes, I like to apply shadows slightly above the crease to create the illusion of more lid space. Use matte shades to define the crease and add a pop of shimmer on the center of the lid and inner corner of the eye for dimension."

Layer Carefully

"Layering shadows slowly, building them up, ensures you don't overwhelm the lid, and it keeps everything looking soft and seamless!" advises Smith.

Sources:

• Tamara Boyd, Professional Makeup Artist
• Natalie Dresher, New York City-based makeup artist who has worked with Novak Djokovic and Remi Bader
• Lex Smith, Global Pro tarte Makeup Artist at James, makeup artist, skincare expert, and wellness advocate