Cut Crease Eye Makeup Tutorial: Your Complete Guide for Festive Makeup Look

The cut crease is an eyeshadow technique where a sharp, unblended line is created along the eye's crease, separating a deep, dark colour in the outer corner/crease from a clean, contrasting lighter shade on the mobile eyelid.

• Definition: It involves 'cutting' the crease line with a concealer or primary eye base, creating a crisp contrast.

• Purpose: The technique adds incredible dimension, makes the eyes appear significantly bigger and sharper, and offers an ideal canvas for dramatic shimmer or glitter.

• Difference: A regular blended look sees shades seamlessly transitioned. The cut crease eyeshadow look intentionally maintains a stark separation between the crease and the lid colour.

• Who Should Use It: The fantastic thing about the cut crease is that it suits most eye shapes, offering specific benefits for hooded or deep-set eyes by carving out defined space.

The versatility of the technique means there is a cut crease for every mood and skill level.

1. Full Cut Crease: This is the most dramatic style. The sharp line extends across the entire width of the mobile eyelid. It's high-impact, bold, and best for parties or weddings.

2. Half Cut Crease: Softer and much more wearable, this is the ideal cut crease eye makeup for beginners. The crisp line is only defined from the inner corner up to the centre of the eyelid, blending out towards the outer corner.

3. Soft Cut Crease: The 'cut' is slightly blurred at the very edge. It offers a subtle glam look—all the definition without the intensity.

4. Double Cut Crease: An advanced, editorial look where an additional, thinner sharp line is drawn directly above the main cut crease, often using eyeliner or a contrasting shade.

To execute a perfect cut crease, precision is key.

• Eyeshadow Primer: Essential for longevity and preventing creasing.

• Matte Eyeshadow Palette: For your transition and crease colours.

• Concealer/Eye Base: A full-coverage formula in a shade lighter than your skin tone (this is what 'cuts' the crease).

• Shimmer/Glitter Shadow: For the mobile lid (e.g., gold, silver, bronze).

• Brushes:

• • Fluffy blending brush
  • Small, flat concealer brush (crucial for defining the line)
  • Pencil brush (for detailed work)

• Eyeliner: A precise liquid liner like Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner for a sharp wing.

• Kajal/Kohl: Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal for waterlines.

Mastering this eye makeup tutorial is easier than you think with these beginner-friendly steps.

Apply eyeshadow primer across the entire eyelid up to the brow bone.

Using a fluffy brush and a light-to-medium transition shade, sweep the colour through the natural crease and blend slightly above it (this is your foundation).

Take a deeper matte shade (like deep brown or plum) on a smaller blending brush. Concentrate this colour only in the actual crease line and the outer 'V' of the eye. Blend the edges upwards, but ensure the deepest pigment is concentrated low.

Load the small, flat concealer brush with a small amount of concealer. Look straight ahead, then gently press the brush against the mobile lid, following the curve of the eyeball. This movement creates a perfect, crisp semi-circle guide.

Fill in the entire mobile lid beneath that freshly created sharp line with the concealer. Build it up so the base is bright and opaque.

Once the concealer is set, gently pat your chosen shimmer or glitter shade directly onto the clean, cut area using a flat, dense brush or your fingertip.

Use a clean pencil brush and a small amount of the deep crease colour to softly blend where the shimmer meets the outer matte shade. Do not touch the sharp cut line.

Finish the look with a bold wing using your Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner and a coat of mascara or false lashes. Define your water line with Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal.

For an unforgettable festive look, pair the intensity of the cut crease with luxurious metallics and jewel tones.

• Gold Glam:

Pair a rich Gold shimmer on the lid with a warm brown/terracotta crease. This is a classic and universally flattering full cut crease eye makeup look.

• Ruby & Plum:

For a deeper, sultry look, use a deep Ruby or cranberry shimmer on the lid, paired with a deep plum and black smoked outer corner.

• Emerald Royalty:

Use a vibrant Emerald green shimmer with a champagne gold inner corner, keeping the crease colour a classic deep matte brown.

• Bronze & Smoke:

A highly versatile look: Bronze shimmer on the lid, blended seamlessly into a black smoked outer corner.

• Rose Gold Romance:

Soft Rose gold shimmer on the lid, paired with a soft brown and dusty rose matte in the crease.

The beauty of the cut crease is its ability to sculpt and redefine.

• Hooded Eyes:

This technique is a lifesaver. You must map the crease higher than your natural fold (when your eyes are open) onto the brow bone. This is called the "false crease" and ensures the definition is visible.

• Almond Eyes:

Almond shapes are perfectly suited for the dramatic full cut crease eye makeup. You can follow your natural crease line precisely.

• Deep-Set Eyes:

Use brighter shimmer colours on the lid to bring the eye forward. Keep the crease colour moderate to avoid making the area look too sunken.

• Round Eyes:

Extend the shape outwards with a winged liner, using the Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Liquid Eyeliner, to elongate the eye and counter the roundness.

Avoid these common pitfalls when attempting your cut crease eye makeup:

• Mistake: Using too much concealer on the brush, leading to creasing and muddiness.
  • Fix: Scrape off excess product. Use only a tiny amount and build coverage slowly.
• Mistake: Not blending the edges of the dark crease shade enough.
  • Fix: Use a clean, fluffy brush above the cut line to ensure a soft gradient into the transition colour.
• Mistake: The cut line is uneven between both eyes.
  • Fix: Map out the crease on both eyes with a pencil brush and minimal concealer before committing to the full cut.
• Mistake: Using a glitter or shimmer that is too chunky.
  • Fix: Use a finely milled shimmer or pressed pigment for a smoother, more sophisticated finish.

• Always Prime: Never skip a dedicated eyeshadow primer.
• Bake the Cut: After applying shimmer, lightly dust the area below the eye with translucent powder to catch fallout and then brush it away.
• Layer Power: Use a cream eyeshadow base that matches your shimmer before patting on the powder shimmer for intense colour payoff and adherence.
• Set the Liner: Go over your Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal or liquid liner with a matching matte eyeshadow to lock it in place.

The cut crease is a powerful technique that demands precision but offers unparalleled reward. Whether you choose a soft half cut crease eye makeup look for a subtle hint of glamour or a dramatic full version for a major event, this eye makeup tutorial equips you with the skill to achieve a flawless, festive result every time.

A: A soft or half cut crease is definitely wearable for daytime. Use lighter transition shades and a nude shimmer instead of deep colours and glitter.

A: A full-coverage liquid concealer in a lighter shade is often preferred as it brightens the lid and makes the shimmer pop. Eye bases are also suitable but may not offer the same brightening effect.

A: Absolutely. A matte cut crease eyeshadow look is highly sophisticated and suitable for business or daytime formal events. The key is still the sharp contrast between the dark crease colour and the light matte lid colour.

A: Yes, it is excellent for small eyes! The technique is designed to carve out and enhance the eyelid space. By keeping the lid colour bright and defining the crease sharply, the cut crease makes the eyes appear dramatically larger and more open.