Perfect for those with medium to heavy folds over the eyes, the cut crease is the latest and greatest eyeshadow technique. Named because of how it defines the crease by using a contrasting color to cut across the fold, here’s how you can master the look perfectly.

Apply Primer

Every artist begins with a blank canvas. Unfortunately your skin is not blank with all of its pits and creases and color changes. Apply a foundation or eye primer over the lid of the eye to create this blank slate.

Lighten the Lids

Across the eyelid, add the lightest eyeshadow you’ll be using for this design. This will make your eyelid pop even more against the dark cut the upper lid will provide.

Trace the Crease

Next, pull out a flesh tone eyeshadow color. Use your brush to spread this along the hollow of the eyelid along the upper eye socket line. This will give you a light sketch of your upper eyeball.

Add Eyeliner

Pull out your eyeliner and lightly trace a line across the shadow you just applied. Remember to keep this part light. You can always go back and add more if the contrast isn’t bold enough. While black is the most common choice here for maximum pop, feel free to test out other colors based on your skin tone and eye color.

Blend Upward

Pull out your blending brush and blend the eyeliner upward in circular motions to keep the bottom of the line sharp. At this point, your eyelid should be bright and bold with an unblended switch to the dark that traces the eyeball.

Finish the Top

Finally, take your last color, typically a gold or bronze, and add that to the brow below the eyebrows.