How To Do a Cut Crease Eyeshadow Look
Qualified Makeup Artist & Stylist based in Melbourne
A cut crease is a technique that defines the crease with a barely blended, contrasting eyeshadow, creating a sharp line across the crease for a wide-awake, dramatic effect.
In this tutorial, Sabrina El Hawli walks us through the best tricks for perfecting this popular look with subtle mauve shades, making the process feel approachable while still polished.
If you often struggle to figure out what to do with eyeshadows, this routine serves as a helpful guide to achieving a precise, monochromatic finish without losing the bold definition that makes a cut crease so striking.
By focusing on careful placement and soft mauve tones, the look stays refined while still delivering the signature contrast and structure associated with the technique.
It is a straightforward way to understand how this style works and how to bring together drama, precision, and a cohesive colour story in one finished eye look.
Eye Makeup Hacks:
- Start with your eye makeup first to avoid ruining your foundation.
- Elongate your eye while blending out your transition shade.
- A small brush is best for cutting the crease because it gives you more control.
Step by Step Routine for Creating a Cut Crease Eyeshadow Look:
Step 1: Build your base
Step 1: Build your base
Conceal the base of your eyes using the in Soft Ochre. Use a small, flat brush to apply a minimal amount all over the lid. Then set the lid using the to apply the to the lid.
Step 2: Transition time
Step 2: Transition time
Using the , start with a transition shade. Take the mid tone matte rose shade on the bottom left, called “Pleasing To The Eye”, and lightly blend it through the crease lifting it just under the brow bone. This will give your lid a light wash of colour and make other shadows easier to blend.
Step 3: Intensify the crease
Step 3: Intensify the crease
Intensify the colour in your crease by taking a and dipping it into the shade cool matte plum shade on the bottom right, called “Sugar Plum”. Take the tapered brush and lightly blend it into your crease. Create a few layers. Then lightly blend it out with a fluffy brush so the shadow is seamless.
Step 4: Smoke it out
Step 4: Smoke it out
Using an angled brush, dip into the deep blackened plum shade on the bottom right, called “Dance in the Dark”. Concentrate the colour on the outer corner of the eye by patting it in on an angle. Then grab your fluffy brush and a bit of your transition shade and blend it together with the rest of the crease.
Step 5: Smooth the surface
Step 5: Smooth the surface
Apply some Vaseline to a small, flat brush and add it to the area you want clean to help you cut the crease. Then grab a wipe and run over the vaseline part you have applied for a perfect clean base.
Step 6: Cut the crease
Step 6: Cut the crease
Using a small flat round brush go back in with the and cut the crease by applying the product to the area where you removed the Vaseline. Then set again with the .
Step 7: Shimmer shade
Step 7: Shimmer shade
Apply a lighter shade to the newly defined area with a small tapered brush like the metallic taupe shade “Nude Model”. Then blend in shadow with a fluffy brush.
Step 8: Intensify the outer corner
Step 8: Intensify the outer corner
Intensify the outer corner with the shade “Dance in the Dark”, concentrating the colour with a small tapered brush.
Step 9: Carve it out
Step 9: Carve it out
Lightly redefine the cut crease using the shade “Nude Model”.
Step 10: Winged liner
Step 10: Winged liner
Using the in Brown, create a simple, slim and defined wing.
Step 11: Clump free lashes
Step 11: Clump free lashes
Apply several coats of the for volumized, clump free lashes.
Step 12: Lash boost
Step 12: Lash boost
If you need an extra lash boost try adding individual lashes like the . Apply the to the lash and let the glue become tacky before applying the lash to the lash line. Use your index finger and thumb to move the lash in place along your lash line. Finish by going over with a layer of mascara.
Step 13: Brushed up brows
Step 13: Brushed up brows
After filling in your brows, brush them up using the for a lifted brow look.
Step 14: Work the lower lash line
Step 14: Work the lower lash line
Using a small tapered brush define the lower lash line using the transition shade “Pleasing To The Eye”. Then take an angled brush and line the outer corner of the lash line with a dark liner shade.
Enjoy the final look!
Enjoy the final look!
We hope you found this cut crease eyeshadow look easy to recreate at home. This versatile look can be recreated in all different colours and variations using our range of eyeshadows and brushes from M.A.C. Cosmetics and Crown Brush.
This routine was transcribed by India Williams.
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