If eyes are the windows to the soul, then the cut crease is the red velvet curtain. It’s bold, it’s precise, and when done right? Total showstopper.
The cut crease is all about contrast—defining the crease of your eye with a sharp edge that creates shape, drama, and the illusion of a bigger lid. Whether you’re going for a soft halo or a fierce drag-worthy look, this technique takes your glam from “cute” to “can’t stop staring.”
What Is a Cut Crease, Really?
A cut crease is when you carve out a visible contrast between your eyelid and your crease. The lid remains brighter and more defined, while the crease is deepened with darker shadow. This creates the illusion of larger, more lifted eyes—and it screams confidence.
Types of Cut Creases
-
Soft Cut Crease: Subtle contrast, blended edges, and wearable for day or night.
-
Defined Cut Crease: Sharp, clean line separating lid and crease—ideal for bold glam.
-
Double Cut Crease: Adds a second defined line above the main crease for extra dimension.
-
Halo Cut Crease: Light shimmer in the center lid with dark corners for a spotlight effect.
Step-by-Step: Mastering the Technique
1. Start With Your Crease Color
Use a matte mid-tone and build depth in your natural crease using a fluffy brush. Blend upward but keep the lid clean.
2. Deepen the Crease
Add a darker matte shadow directly into the crease with a smaller brush. Don’t blend too far down—this will keep your lid crisp later.
3. Cut That Lid
Use a flat brush and a small amount of concealer to carve out the lid space. Start at the inner corner and follow the shape of your eye—go slightly above your natural crease for extra lift.
4. Set and Pack
Set the concealer with a neutral or bright shimmer shadow. Press it onto the lid to create a vivid contrast.
5. Blend Edges
Use a tiny blending brush to soften where the shimmer and crease colors meet. You still want contrast—but without a harsh line.
6. Finish With Liner and Lashes
A winged liner adds extra definition. Pop on your favorite lashes for the full drama effect.
Best Products for the Perfect Cut
-
Thick creamy concealer for cutting the lid (like P. Louise or NARS Soft Matte)
-
Pigmented mattes for the crease—no patchy shadows allowed here
-
Shimmers or foils for the lid pop (go champagne, rose gold, or iridescent white)
-
Small precision brushes make all the difference
When to Rock a Cut Crease
-
Photoshoots 📸
-
Date night 💋
-
Holiday parties or club nights 🎉
-
Literally any time you want to feel like that bitch 😈
Final Slay
A cut crease is more than a makeup trend—it’s a beauty power move. It takes patience, precision, and a whole lot of blending, but the result is worth every second.
You don’t just wear a cut crease. You own it.
Now go carve out your spotlight, babe.
