Cut Crease: How To Perfect The Eyeshadow Technique

The cut crease eyeshadow technique is the perfect avenue into more dramatic eye makeup styles. Characterized by its signature line of pigment in the crease of the eye, the cut crease paves the way to graphic eyeliner, bold smoky eyes, and even stage makeup. While these all sound like advanced-level complicated makeup looks, the truth is cut crease eyeliner is easy to nail.

The technique simply involves building up the pigment along your eye crease to create contrast with the eyelid. It may take some practice to get the hang of, but you don't need a steady hand as you have the option to trace the outline of your crease first. And if you do make a mistake, there's always micellar water and cotton buds to wipe the slate clean and start again!

You'll want to learn the cut crease method because it's useful for more than just creating bolder makeup styles. This versatile technique can make a statement with stark, contrasting shades, but it can also elevate sultry and subtle looks when using neutral shadows.

The cut crease makeup look begins like any other eyeshadow technique: with primer. This will help your eyeshadow to hold better to your skin and avoid sliding around, especially if you'll be wearing it throughout the day. To create a basic crease, the first eyeshadow that you apply should be a neutral color, lighter than your skin tone. As Makeup.com explains, you can also use concealer for this step.

Next, apply a medium-colored eyeshadow to your crease with a fluffy brush. Use a light hand and blend the product in circular motions so that the line is not too harsh. You can then go in with a darker eyeshadow color on a pencil brush and gently apply it along the crease, blending upwards at the outer corners. If you're nervous about this step, you can first trace over the crease with a pencil so you can clearly see where you'll be applying the darker color. Then take your base again and apply it to your eyelid to highlight the definition of the crease.

If you have hooded eyes or monolids, you can use a metal spoon pressed on your eye, per L'Oréal Paris. Trace around the top edge of the spoon with your dark eyeshadow or pencil to create a crease. To set in place, lightly apply a light or neutral eyeshadow over your entire eye.

There are endless looks you can create with a cut crease, but regardless of whether you're going for something subtle or statement-making, your best bet is to use a matte eyeshadow. According to Beauty Brains Blush, the matte texture is easier to blend than a glittery texture, so you'll have a better chance of creating that distinct, sharp crease effect.

That said, there's still room for glitter in a cut crease look. Just make sure you're applying shimmery eyeshadow to your eyelid rather than the crease of your eye. Depending on what look you're going for, it's usually best to build up the eyelid color with a matte eyeshadow first and then apply your shimmer last. For a more elevated look, you can experiment with different colors above the crease. Start dark near the definitive line and use lighter shades as you move towards your brows. 

For a bolder cut crease look, you can use cream eyeshadow rather than powder eyeshadow, but powder tends to be easier to manage for beginners. Whether you're using powder or cream, it can help to keep your eyes open when you're applying eyeshadow to your crease. Ipsy explains that this allows you to add color to the area just above your crease, which will make your eyes look larger.