How to achieve the perfect cut crease

Achieve an instant ‘eye lift’ with this make up artist trick. Just arm yourself with stencil, fluffy brush and an eyeshadow palette...Eye-deal if you have a prominent fold, are heavy-lidded or just want to 'open up' the {eyes}, the 'cut crease' creates the illusion of a little nip-and-tuck - 'lifting' the eyelid so you look less tired (who doesn't need that?) and making you look more alert (and alive).If you're an Instagram addict or YouTube obsessive, you can't have failed to spot this technique all over your feed (it's basically the contouring of 2017), and any make up maven worth her (or his!) wings will be working this trend for the forseeable future.

So, want to work a 'cut crease' like a pro? Here's how... (patience and practise make perfect):Use an eye make up {primer} to help prevent shadows from 'slipping'. The key is definition so although you need to soften any edges, you want the 'crease' to stay sharp. NYX Professional Makeup's {Eye Shadow Base} is perfect for creating a smooth, slip-free canvas (and ensures the eyeshadow 'pops').Next, apply a pale, neutral-toned shadow all over the lid - from the lashline to brow - to highlight and brighten the eyes. Huda's {The New Nude Eyeshadow Palette} is jam-packed with smooth, velvety hues, or choose the palest shade from one of Charlotte Tilbury's {Luxury Palettes} - these versatile quartets are out-of-this world.Next you need to 'sketch' the crease - use a soft {eyeliner} pencil or a stencil and soft shadow to create a line that mirrors the curve of your natural crease, but sits slightly above the hollow. If you're using a pencil, make sure it's sharpened, and start at the middle of the lid (above your pupil), drawing out towards the outer corner - ending between the corner of your eye and tail of your eyebrow. Join the line by creating an upward 'wing' (as you would with eyeliner) - it should look like a sideways 'V' shape.If you're finding it tricky to find the right shape, a guide like Beautyblender's {Liner.Designer} will quickly become your best friend. Remember that you're not trying to follow the natural crease - your line should sit slightly above, to maximise the 'lifted' look.

Use a soft fluffy brush (we like Sigma's {Small Tapered Blending Brush}) to blend the liner upwards - softening the effect without blurring the line itself. You want a sharp underside with a smoky halo for a smouldering look.Using the top edge of your liner as a guide, apply your chosen shadow shade up to the liner and towards the inner corner of the eye. Keep your initial pale {eyeshadow} on 'standby' to clean up any errors.Apply eyeliner from the inner corner, widening towards the outer corner for a smooth 'winged' look. The 'tail' should follow the bottom of the 'V' you drew initially. A glossy black liquid formula is best for this. We swear by NYX Professional Makeup's {Vinyl Liquid Liner} - it has just the right amount of shine to contrast with the powder.With the same shade of shadow you used to enhance the 'cut crease', blur a little along the lower lashline - ending somewhere near the middle. Then apply false eyelashes for maximum impact. You can't go wrong with Huda Beauty's {Samantha Lashes #7} - they're a suits-everyone style that grants fabulous flutter.SHOP EYE MAKE UP >>BE YOUR OWN MAKE UP ARTIST >>

Verity Douglas Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...

How to achieve the perfect cut crease

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