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How to Do a Cut Crease: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Do a Cut Crease

Cut crease eyeshadow is a technical term for a cool eye makeup style. It is usually an optical illusion of eyeshadow that cuts across the crease of the eyelid. This kind of eye makeup technique can create dramatic contrast and can enhance the eye shape, and make the eyelids stand out. The cut crease first became a well-known beauty trend in the 1960s. Along with hippie and mod, fashion, enters the bold and geometric eye makeup. A prominent line often defines the hard crease, with little to no blending. The cut crease is usually paired with false eyelashes and mascara. This unique eye makeup can be subtle with some neutral shadows, a little shimmery and a softer line. Sometimes the cut crease can be super extravagant and dramatic, using many eye shadow colours. The look was iconic in its period, but eventually changed so much over the years. The cut crease look has become more common and wearable.  It has evolved into different looks and changes that match modern times. 

There are several steps and techniques in creating the iconic cut crease. Creating a beautiful cut crease requires fun imagination and patience to achieve the desired look. Applying an eyeshadow primer is the first step in doing this style. The next step is putting on a base eyeshadow colour. When choosing a base colour, stick to shades that are not far away from the natural skin colour. Carving the crease is what makes the cut crease unique out of all the other makeup techniques. Use a fine tip eyeshadow brush when drawing a line to the crease. When the crease is curved, start applying the eye shadow of choice and blend properly. Adding shimmer can make the eye shadow stand out. For final touches, apply black liquid eyeliner to create more drama. To add more glam to the overall look, put on some false eyelashes to make the eyes more defined.  

Listed below are the step-by-step guide on how to cut crease.

  1. Apply eyeshadow primer.
  2. Apply your base eyeshadow colour.
  3. Carve your crease.
  4. Blend your colour.
  5. Apply Shimmer Eyeshadow.
  6. Apply Black Liquid Eyeliner.
  7. Apply False Eyelashes.

1. Apply eyeshadow primer.

Step 1 How To do Cut Crease

Applying eyeshadow primer needs to be gentle because a little goes a long way. An eyeshadow primer needs to have staying power and enhancing properties. It can help create a beautiful, smooth canvas for the rest of the eye makeup. Furthermore, it can help prevent creasing, so the eye makeup stays perfect all throughout the day. If the lids are oily, a primer will help control shine and transfer of colour. A nice brush may be used when applying an eye primer, but using the fingertips when applying it to the eyelids is much better. Using the fingers allows for maximum control over how much pressure and amount of product to apply. Squeeze the primer onto your ring finger and gently pat over the entire lid; let it sit for a minute before applying eyeshadow. Eyeshadow primer can make eyeshadows last longer with zero smudges. 

2. Apply your base eyeshadow colour.

Step 2 How To do Cut Crease

The purpose of the base eyeshadow will set the tone and vibes for the makeup look. When choosing a base eyeshadow colour, lean towards a shade that is lighter than the skin tone. The base eyeshadow will enhance the colour of the shadow and makes it more vibrant. A good base eyeshadow colour will make any eye makeup application stand out and blend smoothly. It will act like a first base coat that can be built up with another eyeshadow colour by blending. A nice base eyeshadow will fire up any type of cut crease, from traditional to modern, and festive.  

3. Carve your crease.

Step 3 How To do Cut Crease

When carving the crease, choose a colour that would stand out for the outline. Pick a slim eyeshadow pencil brush or a brush that has bristles that come to a soft tip for easy application. Create a thin line along the crease in the middle of the eyelid. Slowly apply pressure, so the line grows thicker as the brush moves to the outer corner of the eye. Draw a second line that connects the wider outer corner, to the outer edge of the eyelashes, creating a sideways “V’ shape on the lids.  

4. Blend your colour.

Step 4 How To do Cut Crease

The eye makeup will look like a paint-by-numbers work in progress when not blended properly. A few gentle strokes of a blending brush will save the eye makeup from looking like a preschool art project. When blending the eyeshadow, always go for a circular motion, gently blend the line-up, and blur the edges. Gentle, soft strokes are the key when blending so that colours will not fall out. Choose eyeshadow colours that will complement each other and not contrast for smooth blending. 

5. Apply Shimmer Eyeshadow.

Step 5 How To do Cut Crease

To add more drama and depth to the cut crease eye makeup, a little shimmer may be added. To add a little sparkle, pat shimmer eyeshadow onto the lid using a flat eyeshadow brush. Focus on the center of the eyelid, or the inner corner of the eyes. Avoid putting too much glitter on the entire lid for just a hint of sparkle. It is best to use a fine-glittered eyeshadow powder,  not the one that contains bigger chunks of glitter. 

6. Apply Black Liquid Eyeliner.

Step 6 How To do Cut Crease

Another way to emphasize the cut crease in eye makeup is by applying liquid eyeliner. Eyeliner, especially the liquid, can define crease lines and can create several cut crease look. It is better to use liquid eyeliner because the formulation doesn’t easily smudge and can last longer than the eyeliner pencil. Use a felt tip liquid eyeliner for easy application and precision. When applying liquid eyeliner, avoid drawing it on in a single line; this will increase the chances of an uneven tail end. Instead, start doing small dots along the upper lash line, evenly giving them space. Using small and soft strokes, gently connect the dots along the line. This technique will create an even line on both eyes when followed. 

7. Apply False Eyelashes.

Step 7 How To do Cut Crease

False eyelashes are added on the last part when doing eye makeup. It can add more sophistication to the eyes and can make them appear bigger. Adding false eyelashes needs a lot of patience and practice. Using a tweezer, hold the lashes and put a thin line of glue to the lash band with a cotton swab. Remember to not squeeze the glue directly onto the lash base. Wait for the glue to dry for about 30 seconds; this will make the false lashes less likely to slide around when applied. Put the fake lashes in place right where the eyeliner is and press them gently into the lash line using the tweezers. After placing them properly, adding extra liquid eyeliner will hide the lash strip, and applying coats of mascara will help blend them with the natural lashes.

How to do a cut crease using foundation?

Listed below are the steps on how to do a cut crease using foundation.

  • Apply the base crease eyeshadow colours: To achieve a natural cut crease look, pick a balanced eyeshadow palette that carries shades close to the skin tone together with deeper, darker colours for blending. 
  • Apply foundation plus setting powder: Begin in the centre of the upper lash line. Place a small amount of foundation in this spot, blending it up and outwards the eyelid crease and the outer and inner corners of the eye. Use a flat concealer brush or the finger, whichever is easiest to blend. Try using a foundation with light-reflecting pigments to add more depth to the eyeshadow colours. Lastly, set the foundation with a setting powder for finishing.
  • Apply the desired beauty products: To add drama to the cut crease look, apply liquid eyeliner, and mascara; a beautiful pair of false eyelashes will also add flair to the whole eye makeup. Layering coats of mascara and eyeliner is necessary to hide uneven lines and lash strips.
  • What are the different kinds of cut crease?

    Listed below are the different kinds of cut creases.

  • Glitter Cut Crease: One of the popular cut crease styles is the glittery look. It is a great way to lift the cut crease for formal events like prom and gala nights. Any eyeshadow makeup will work best with glitter and shine. Dab a little glittery dust to the centre of the eyelids to instantly brighten the crease. Gold and silver tones work best in making the cut crease glamorous.
  • Smokey Cut Crease: Cut creases are a gorgeous way to create a smokey eye effect. Unlike the traditional “smokey eye”, it only requires one or two dark-coloured eye shadows. With the smokey cut crease, it can be played around with darker shades as long as the deeper shades stay on the outer corner of the eyelid. 
  • Double Cut Crease: The double-cut crease is one of the most dramatic styles to create. It requires two major eye shadow colour that need to stand out. Softly create seamless lines of 2 colours to create the double-cut crease. Any colour will do as long as they are perfectly layered on. 
  • Dramatic Cut Crease: The Dramatic Cut Crease speaks volumes and drama. This particular kind of cut crease is perfect for theatre plays or festivals. There are no certain rules to follow when creating a dramatic cut crease. Any colour can be used, and longer and thicker false eyelashes are added. This kind of cut crease requires thicker eyeshadow colours to add more depth. 
  • Neutral Cut Crease: One of the easiest cut creases to make is the Neutral Cut Crease. Perfect for the everyday working girl. This kind of cut crease only needs brown neutral tones and focuses more on creating a natural crease. It doesn’t have a visible crease line, and it has softer edges. This easy-cut crease is perfect for those conservative types that are afraid to try bolder looks but need to be stylish. 
  • Modern Cut Crease: Shying away from the traditional cut crease is the modern cut crease eye makeup. This particular cut crease is modern, minimal, yet stylish. A single colour eye shadow or pencil is needed to nail this look. Draw a crease line using a pencil and do not fill the lids with eye shadow, leaving it blank and with no colour. 
  • Yellow Cut Crease: A pop of sunny yellow is what makes the Yellow Cut Crease stand out. The Colour yellow instantly creates a bright and lively vibe to any eye makeup. It adds a youthful glow to the traditional cut crease. Find a flattering shade of yellow that will suit the skin tone and create a crease line using eyeliner.
  • Ombre Cut Crease: Most cut crease use the ombre technique to define the crease. The Ombre Cut Crease allows beautiful eye shadow colours slowly fading effect. It usually requires eye shadow colours of the same shade. The precise application of eyeshadow is the secret to achieving the ombre cut crease; the colour needs to move from soft to intense colour. The Ombre Cut Crease, when executed perfectly, will make the eye makeup totally stand out. There are many types of cut crease looks, but the ombre style never goes out of fashion.
  • Stone studded Cut Crease: Adding rhinestones is a cute way to style the cut crease. Adding up rhinestones or beads will add character and a whimsical element to the cut crease. Make sure to use glue that is hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate the skin. Place the rhinestone in the crease or above the eye near the brow bone. 
  • Colourful Cut Crease: There are endless possibilities with cut creases. Different colours can be applied and played around with. The Colourful Cut Crease is a fun and playful take on the cut crease style. Colours can be layered on and create art-like cut creases. This kind of eye makeup is suited for individuals who love to have fun and are not afraid to try bolder colours. 
  • What is the best eyeshadow colour cut crease?

    Listed below are the top 5 best eyeshadow colour cut creases.

  • Neutral Cut Crease: 
  • The natural cut crease is one perfect eye makeup, especially for beginners. It doesn’t require a dramatic crease line to create the look. Neutral colours are needed, like browns and nudes. It is perfect for everyday eye makeup that is stylish and not too loud. It is a classic look that can be worn on any occasion. A neutral cut crease is one of the easy-to-execute cut crease techniques that uses safer colours perfect for all skin tones. 

  • Double cut crease: 
  • The double-cut crease is one of the 5 best cut crease eyeshadow looks to try. It is very sophisticated, and it adds more depth to the eyes. This kind of cut crease is best for those who have hooded eyes. Hooded eyes do not have creases, and that’s what the double-cut crease provides. It creates an optical illusion of having deep creases. 

  • Glittery Cut Crease: 
  • Glitters add a cute and festive vibe to any makeup. It instantly brightens the eyes, making them pop. The Glittery Cut Crease is a fun way of expressing playfulness when it comes to makeup. It doesn’t need a perfect application and can work well with different colours. Just don’t overdo it because glitters have the tendencies to be stuck on the creases and define fine lines. 

  • Colourful Cut Crease: 
  • Layering varieties of shades makes the Colourful Cut Crease a favourite among the cut creases styles. There are no limitations to colours and styling. There are many colour combinations that can be created with this eye makeup and learning what combinations will complement the natural colour of the eyes. Use 3 or more colour combinations from an eyeshadow palette, and blending them well will make this look an instant winner. 

  • Modern Cut Crease: 
  • The Modern Cut Crease can easily be created using colourful pencil eyeliners. The secret is to create a single line of colours defining the creases. Leave the eyelids blank and no need for colour eyeshadow. A minimalist take on the classic cut crease. This style is very modern because it only needs geometric lines and no need for thicker eye shadow applications. 

    What are the best concealers to use for cut creases?

    Listed below are the best concealer to use for a cut crease.

  • e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer: This matte-finish concealer provides full coverage and works as a perfect base for eyeshadow. It has a matte finish, and it won’t highlight fine lines but keeps the area hydrated with no shine.
  • Maybelline Super Stay Active Wear Liquid Concealer: The Maybelline Super Stay Active Wear Liquid Concealer is perfect for creating cut creases because its creamy formula is super blendable. It is a concealer that is transfer-proof and sweat-resistant that lasts for 30 hours. 
  • Morphe White Concealer:  The white concealer can give the most dramatic effect with cut crease eye makeup. It makes the colour pop and can be used with any eye makeup style. The Morphe White Concealer can perfectly rock the cut crease look because it provides full coverage that is long-lasting.
  • Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is truly a candidate for the best concealer for cut crease look. It has a natural matte finish and can brighten the eyes. It has a waterproof formula perfect for creating a dramatic cut crease look.
  • Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Industrial Strength Full Coverage Cream Concealer: The Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Industrial Strength Full Coverage Cream Concealer provides pretty good coverage that helps in concealing all types of blemishes. It has a creamy formula with a matte finish. 
  • Is cut crease good for hooded eyes?

    Yes, the cut crease is good for hooded eyes. The cut crease is perfect for those who have hooded eyes because it adds shape and definition to the eyes. The cut crease features a distinct line that “cuts” at the crease area to create depth and contouring around the lid. This eye makeup is very popular with persons with hooded eyes because it creates an illusion that they have more defined creases.