The Difference Between Monolids, Hooded Eyelids, and Double Eyelids 

Have you ever tried to follow an eye makeup tutorial and found that it just didn’t work with your eyes? For those of us without double eyelids (more on that in a second), it’s a common occurrence. If you’re struggling to get your eye makeup right—and popular techniques just don’t seem to make sense—it may help to learn what type of eyelids you possess.

You’ve probably heard about the different eye shapes (round, almond, deep-set, upturned—we could go on), but eyelids are another story. Here, we break down the difference between double eyelids, monolids and hooded eyelids so that you can tweak your technique for your unique eyes.

What are monolids?

MUAs to follow: @workingwithmonolids, @heysandylin, @hanaylee

Monolids (aka single eyelids) are an eyelid shape that appears to lack a crease that separates the eyelid into two parts. Very common among East Asian folks, monolids are characterized by the eye sitting flush with the browbone, connected by a stretch of skin without a visible fold.

What are double eyelids?

MUAs to follow: @the_brooksbrother, @ssssamanthaa, @jkissa

Double eyelids have a visible crease or fold of skin where the eye meets the eye socket. This crease divides the eyelid into two parts—hence the name “double lid.”

What about hooded eyelids?

MUAs to follow: @nymatang, @alissa.ashley, @crystallindy, @katiejanehughes

Hooded eyelids have a fold of skin that partially (or sometimes fully) covers the eyelid. If you have hooded eyelids, you may not be able to see your lid when you look straight into a mirror. Some people are born with hooded lids, while some develop them over time with age.

What application style is best for you?

Depending on your eyelids, you may have to alter the way you do your eye makeup for best results. If you have monolids, for example, you may not have a visible crease to define with eye shadow. Instead, try sweeping shadow along your upper lashes to define your eye.

If you have hooded eyes, most winged eyeliner tips and tricks don’t work due to that extra fold of skin. Instead, try relaxing your eye and sketching your wing over the fold without pulling the skin taut.

With double lids, you have some lid space to work with. Use a dark shade to define the crease of your eye and add depth to your look. If your lids are oily, applying a primer and then lightly dab your lids with setting powder. That can help keep your shadow from creasing.

Now that you know if you have double lids, monolids, or hooded lids, you’re one step closer to finding the technique that works for you.