When it comes to Makeup and Makeup techniques, trust me, we learn every day. You’ll agree that there are makeup trends that used to be a thing in the early 2000s but are now considered outdated, old-school even. Speak of heavy contouring, excessive blush, and super-thin eyebrows. These were the trend back then.
However, the makeup world is evolving. And what’s even more interesting is that as old trends start to go extinct, new ones surface and replace them. One of these new makeup techniques is the cut crease.
Simply put, Cut crease is a makeup technique that creates a sharp contrast between the eyeshadow on your eyelid and the eyeshadow above your crease. It can make your eyes look bigger, more defined, and more glamorous – You’ve probably seen this look in pictures or videos.
The idea behind a cut crease is to make your eyeshadow more defined using a unique combination of two or more colors. The eyeshadow colors can range from nude or subtle colors to very loud ones. There are also different styles to choose from, such as full, half, or halo cut crease.
In the course of this article, I’m going to take you through the step-by-step process of doing a cut crease, as well as the mistakes to avoid during this procedure.
So, without any delay, let’s jump right in!
How To Do a Cut Crease
Step 1: Always start with a clean and moisturized face
This is the first step in any makeup routine. Apply an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids and allow it to settle in for about a minute. The purpose of this primer is to make the colors last longer and blend better.
Step 2: Choose a medium-toned eyeshadow that matches your skin tone or the color scheme you want to use
As I mentioned earlier, the Cut crease technique creates a beautiful and sharp contrast between the eyeshadow on your eyelid and the eyeshadow above your crease. This means that you need to apply different colors of eyeshadows on these parts of your eyes.
First, we’re starting with the part above the crease. So, using a fluffy brush, apply the medium-toned eyeshadow to your crease, following the natural curve of your eye, and blend the eyeshadow upwards towards your brow bone.
When applying the eyeshadow, you can try tilting your head slightly to see your crease better. However, while you’re at it, ensure you leave some space for a highlighter later.
Step 3: Choose a darker eyeshadow that complements the medium-toned one
When you’re done with the medium-toned eyeshadow, apply a darker eyeshadow to the outer half of your crease with an angled brush, creating a V-shape at the outer corner of your eye.
Make sure you blend the dark eyeshadow into the medium one, but don’t cover it completely. This will create depth and dimension to your eye.
Step 4: Set the base with a concealer or a foundation that matches your skin tone
This is the part where you create a base for the bright eyeshadow. Using a concealer or foundation and a flat brush, start from the inner corner of your eye and follow the line of your crease, creating a sharp edge.
This will “cut” the crease and make it stand out. After this, fill in the rest of your eyelid with the concealer or foundation, creating a blank canvas for the next step.
Note that while you can use a concealer or foundation, both products do not have the same effect. You may find that the concealer makes your eyeshadow pop out more than a foundation would. But it all depends on what you want, though.
Pro tip: Try dusting the concealer or foundation on your crease lightly with loose powder. This gives you a silky, smooth base to add your eye shadow.
And as usual, You’re welcome!
Step 5: Choose a light or bright eyeshadow that contrasts with the dark one.
Apply the bright eyeshadow to your eyelid with a flat brush, packing the color on top of the concealer or foundation. Gently press-on the eyeshadow, and ensure that it covers every part where you have a concealer or foundation. You can also use a shimmery, metallic, or glittery eyeshadow for some extra sparkle.
Blend the edges with the dark eyeshadow, but do not cover the cut crease line. Also, avoid packing too much eyeshadow on the concealer as excess particles may drop on your face and stain your makeup.
Step 6: Apply a highlighter to your brow bone
Remember when I said to leave some space for the highlighter? This is where the magic is going to happen. Using a small fluffy brush, gently apply highlighter on your brow bone, and blend the area where it meets the eyeshadow properly.
You may also want to add some highlighter to the inner corner of your eye. This will brighten up your eye and make it pop even more.
Step 7: Finish the look with eyeliner, mascara, and lashes if you want
Now, while this last step is completely optional, it is also essential, especially if you intend to do full face makeup.
Mascara, Eyelashes, and Eyeliner help to give you a more defined look and add to the beauty of your makeup. I don’t know how it happens, but there’s something different about your makeup when you wear eyelashes (not too long) or eyeliner.
Also, add some blush, bronzer, and lipstick to complete your makeup.
And that’s how you do a cut crease!
I know this process seems a bit tedious, but trust me, it’s super simple. All you need is just the right products and a bit of patience.
Your first try may not be the real thing, it may not even be close. But with constant practice, you’ll become a pro, and the result will improve. So start and keep practicing.
Will you be trying out this makeup technique? And if you have, what are your thoughts about it? Let me know in the comment section. And I’ll see you in the next one.
Till then, keep the glam sleek, flawless, and beautiful!