If you have hooded eyes, you already know the struggle: you spend time perfecting a wing, only for it to vanish under the crease—or worse, stamp onto your brow bone by midday. Because the lid folds, formulas that aren’t quick-drying and smudge-proof often fail. The best eyeliners for hooded lids solve these issues: they dry quickly, resist transfer, and come with precise tips that let you keep the line ultra-thin.
In this guide, we review four high-end heroes and one budget-friendly favorite that make eyeliner easy again. We’ll also cover application tips and what to look for when shopping.
Quick Picks Table
| Eyeliner | Why it’s great | Best for | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner | Dries fast, budge-proof, ultra-fine tip | Everyday + wings | Liquid pen | ★★★★☆ 4.8/5 |
| KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner | Tattoo-like pigment, 0.01mm brush tip | Sharp lines | Liquid pen | ★★★★☆ 4.7/5 |
| Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen | Dual tips, luxury precision | Splurge & versatile looks | Dual-tip liquid | ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 |
| Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner | Sets to 12-hr finish, doesn’t crease | Tightlining & softer finish | Gel pot | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
| NYX Epic Ink Liner (Budget) | Affordable, waterproof, thin brush tip | Daily budget choice | Liquid pen | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
Mini Reviews
1) Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner – Best Overall
- Why it works: Waterproof, quick-drying formula that prevents transfer. Marker-style brush tip gives sharp, thin lines.
- Pros: Smudge-proof all-day wear, precise control, easy wings.
- Cons: Dries out if left uncapped, satiny not matte finish.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.8/5
2) KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner – Cult Favorite Precision
- Why it works: Ultra-fine brush bristles create razor-sharp lines. Formula dries matte and lasts even through sweat.
- Pros: Waterproof, budge-proof, rich pigment, excellent control.
- Cons: Needs tip-down storage, smaller amount of product.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5
3) Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen – Luxury Splurge
- Why it works: Dual tips (ultra-fine + calligraphy) allow maximum flexibility. Smooth ink flow and rich pigment.
- Pros: Two applicators in one, deep black pigment, foolproof glide.
- Cons: Expensive, not officially waterproof, requires good remover.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
4) Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner – Best Gel Pot
- Why it works: Gel applies like liquid but dries to a smudge-proof matte. Excellent for tightlining.
- Pros: 12-hour wear, versatile (thin or smoky), waterproof.
- Cons: Needs separate brush, pot can dry out if left open.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
5) NYX Epic Ink Liner – Best Budget
- Why it works: A dupe for high-end brush pens at a fraction of the price. Truly budge-proof on hooded eyes.
- Pros: Affordable, fine brush tip, waterproof, smudge-resistant.
- Cons: Can dispense too much ink at first; tip may fray with heavy use.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Application Tips for Hooded Eyes
- Keep it thin: Hug the lash line to maximize lid space.
- Focus outward: Thicken only at the outer third and flick upward.
- Draw wings open-eyed: This ensures the wing shows when the lid is lifted.
- Tightline: Line the upper waterline for definition without eating lid space.
- Prime & set: Use primer or translucent powder to absorb oils and prevent transfer.
- Skip heavy lower liner: Use a soft smudge on the outer third or a nude pencil on the lower waterline to open eyes.
What to Look For
- Waterproof & smudge-proof formulas
- Quick-dry finish to avoid transfer
- Precision tips (brush pen or gel with fine brush)
- High pigment payoff so you can draw thinner lines
- Gentle but effective removal to avoid rubbing sensitive lids
Final Thoughts
Hooded eyes don’t mean you have to give up on eyeliner. With the right formulas and techniques, you can rock crisp wings and defined eyes that last all day. Stila’s Stay All Day remains the gold standard, while KVD Tattoo Liner and Bobbi Brown Gel offer stellar alternatives. For those on a budget, NYX Epic Ink delivers surprising performance.
FAQ
Can hooded eyes wear wings?
Yes! Keep the line thin, focus outward, and draw wings with eyes open.
Why does my liner smudge?
Oils + lid folds cause transfer. Use waterproof, quick-dry formulas and prep lids.
Liquid or pencil?
Liquid brush pens are best for precision and smudge-resistance. Waterproof gel pencils work well for tightlining
Should I line my lower lash line?
Go light—avoid heavy dark lines. Use a nude pencil or subtle outer smudge.
Best eyeliner colors?
Black for drama, brown or plum for softer definition, charcoal for day wear.
See Also
Pair your liner with the right shadows and mascaras: check our guides to Best Eyeshadow for Older Women (2025) and Best Mascara for Older Women (2025) for crease-proof shadows and smudge-proof mascaras that complement hooded lids.
