Golden Cut Crease Makeup Tutorial: Achieve a Sharp, Flawless Look

Updated at: 09/02/2025

The golden cut crease: a makeup technique that effortlessly elevates your eye look from everyday chic to stunningly sophisticated. This dramatic yet versatile style involves creating a sharp, defined crease using a shimmering, golden shade – a true statement-maker that adds dimension and luminosity to your eyes. Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, mastering the golden cut crease can dramatically enhance your features and add a touch of glamour to any occasion, from a casual brunch to a special evening event. It's all about precision and blending, but the payoff is a flawlessly polished, captivating gaze.

This tutorial will guide you through each step, from prepping your eyelids to achieving that perfect, sharp line. We'll break down the process into easily manageable steps, offering tips and tricks along the way to help you achieve a breathtaking golden cut crease, regardless of your skill level. Get ready to unleash your inner makeup artist and discover the magic of this transformative technique!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use clean brushes and applicators to prevent bacterial contamination and skin irritation. Wash brushes regularly with mild soap and water.
  • Avoid pulling or tugging on your eyelids during application. This can cause premature wrinkles and sagging.
  • If you experience any burning, itching, or redness, immediately remove the makeup and consult a dermatologist. Test new products on a small area of skin before full application.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Prime

    • Prime eyelids with eyeshadow base.
    • Apply sticky tape at the outer end of the eyelid to create a sharp line.
    Apply sticky tape at the outer end of the eyelid to create a sharp line.Apply sticky tape at the outer end of the eyelid to create a sharp line.
    Prep and Prime

  2. Base Shadow and Highlight

    • Apply the lightest eyeshadow shade from your palette under the brow bone to highlight.
    • Blend medium brown shades into the crease as a base.
    • Darken the crease with a darker brown shade, using a smaller blending brush.
    • Deepen the crease further with matte black eyeshadow, using a tiny brush.
    Deepen the crease further with matte black eyeshadow, using a tiny brush.Deepen the crease further with matte black eyeshadow, using a tiny brush.Deepen the crease further with matte black eyeshadow, using a tiny brush.Deepen the crease further with matte black eyeshadow, using a tiny brush.
    Base Shadow and Highlight

  3. Cut Crease

    • Clean up the eyelid and cut the crease using matte concealer and a flat brush.
    Clean up the eyelid and cut the crease using matte concealer and a flat brush.
    Cut Crease

  4. Golden Lid

    • Apply golden eyeshadow all over the eyelid using a flat brush.
    Apply golden eyeshadow all over the eyelid using a flat brush.
    Golden Lid

  5. Double Cut Crease

    • Create a double cut crease effect by applying black eyeshadow underneath the crease line, leaving a small space in between.
    • Softly blend the black eyeshadow towards the middle of the crease.
    Softly blend the black eyeshadow towards the middle of the crease.Softly blend the black eyeshadow towards the middle of the crease.
    Double Cut Crease

  6. Clean Up and Sharpen

    • Remove sticky tape.
    Remove sticky tape.
    Clean Up and Sharpen

  7. Eyeliner and Lower Lash Line

    • Apply eyeliner above the lash line and in the waterline.
    • Apply black eyeshadow to the lower lash line and blend.
    Apply black eyeshadow to the lower lash line and blend.Apply black eyeshadow to the lower lash line and blend.
    Eyeliner and Lower Lash Line

  8. Lashes

    • Curl lashes.
    • Apply mascara to upper and lower lashes.
    • Apply false lashes.
    Apply false lashes.Apply false lashes.Apply false lashes.
    Lashes

Read more: Ultimate Makeup Organization: Drawer Dividers & Palette Storage

Tips

  • Using an eyeshadow base ensures your eyeshadow stays flawless and intensifies the colors.
  • Using sticky tape helps create a sharp, clean cut crease.
  • Blend eyeshadows well for a seamless look.
  • Use a smaller brush for precise application in the crease.
  • Don't pick up extra product on your brush when blending black eyeshadow to prevent harsh lines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cut Crease Line

Reason: Lack of precision when applying the darker eyeshadow or insufficient blending.
Solution: Use a small, angled brush for precise application and carefully blend the edges using a clean blending brush.

2. Too Much Fall Out

Reason: Using too much eyeshadow powder, applying eyeshadow without a base or using a low quality eyeshadow.
Solution: Apply a thin layer of eyeshadow, use an eyeshadow primer beforehand and consider investing in higher-quality, less powdery shadows.

FAQs

What brushes do I need for a golden cut crease?
You'll need a small, flat shader brush for packing on the golden shadow in the crease, a fluffy blending brush to soften the edges, and a precise angled brush for lining the crease for sharpness. A smaller detail brush can help with any clean-up.
How do I prevent my golden eyeshadow from creasing?
Use a good eyeshadow primer before applying any shadow. This creates a smooth base and helps the eyeshadow last longer. Setting the crease with a setting powder after applying the golden shadow also helps prevent creasing.
Can I use different colors instead of gold for the cut crease?
Absolutely! The 'cut crease' technique is about the sharp line defining the crease. You can use any color you like – bronze, copper, silver, even a deep burgundy work beautifully.