29 Glitter Cut Crease Ideas To Give Your Eye Makeup Ultimate Glamour
Eyeshadow is one of our favorite steps in the makeup application process. It's fun to apply, and it allows for the most creativity. There are oodles of different eyeshadow looks, and one of the most beloved is the cut crease.
The cut crease is a genius technique that adds depth to the look. It's typically achieved by applying concealer on the lid to carve out a sharp "cut" at the crease and applying a lighter-toned shadow on top to create a definite contrast between the two shadow areas. This look can be tough to master, but once you have, there are infinite ways you can take it.
One of the sparkliest ways to take a cut crease is by adding glitter. We love a glitter cut crease for special occasions and major events, but they're just as good a look for a date or a girls' night out. If you want to incorporate a glitter cut crease into your makeup routine, here are 29 ideas for a glamorous shadow look.
Pink tones
Few colors have the power to instantly glam up your look like pink. And if you're unsure what direction to take your glitter cut crease, a solid go-to is pink tones. Use matte pinks in deep shades above the crease and use a metallic shade blended with a pink shimmer for the cut crease. Blend a deep shade, like black or chocolate brown, on the outer V for dimension, and highlight your browbone. Finish the look by applying winged liner and lashes for sultry drama. It won't require much thought, and it'll always look stunning.
Neutral tones
Neutral tones are never a bad idea, even when working with glitters. And if you're new to a glitter cut crease, neutral tones are a great way to ease into the look. And remember, neutral can come in many different shades. You can use grays, browns, taupes, tans, and more. Use darker shades right in and above the crease for dimension, and carve out a stellar wing to finish. It's the perfect way to marry classic shades with a daring look.
Precise glitter
Cut creases are all about precision — it requires exactness and patience to achieve. It's a skill worth honing, though, and once you have honed it, you can use that precision to create even more artistic looks. Start by creating a cut crease that includes a wing. You get this look by simply extending your cut crease the way you would with winged eyeliner. Use the shape of your eye as a natural stencil, and use the winged liner as the outline on the bottom. Complete the look by adding shadow to the lower lash line.
Pinks and purples
For a simple glitter cut crease, stick to the same technique of cutting the crease and using glitter glue to pack on loose glitter. Blend the same darker shadow you had used on the lid and crease into the outer V, and use a light shimmer to highlight the inner V. Keep the look from getting stale by swapping out the loose glitter you use. Try pink and purple glitter to add an element of fun to your eye, and finish your face with a pinky-nude lip.
Monochromatic cut crease
We love a monochromatic moment, and there's no reason it can't be employed on a cut crease. It's high drama and high glamour, and it's a stunning look for a night out. The secret to pulling off this look is choosing the right shades. Avoid shades that are too dissimilar; instead, use shades with the same undertones to ensure a cohesive look. But make sure the shades aren't so similar you can't see the cut. It's a tricky balance, but worth the extra effort.
Glitter in the center
If you're bored with glitter over the entire lid, keep it to one area, like the center. Adding just a dab of glitter to the center of your cut crease will add a tiny bit of drama in the best way. You can use this technique to tie shades together if you're going for a super colorful look, or you can use it to add a little shine if the shades you're using are more subdued. Use your finger to apply the glitter to pack it on and clean it up with a blending brush.
Mixed metals
Metallics are always a good idea in eyeshadow, and when it comes to a glitter cut crease, it's fun to mix them. Split the difference on your lid by using one metallic for the cut crease and another as liner. Apply the metallics first, then complete the look by outlining with a black liner. The space created with the black liner will pronounce each metallic so they can each have a moment without competing on the eye. Silver and rose gold work great for this look, but any metallic combination will be just as stunning.
Glitter outline
Go for a striking glitter cut crease look by outlining your entire cut with more glitter. It's bold, beautiful, and it'll give you a chance to play with color. While it does require some surgical precision, this look also allows you to be lax with your cut crease. If there are any flaws in your cut, you can cover them with the glitter liner. This is the perfect makeup look to rock at your next festival, but it can also work for a chill night out. Be deliberate with your color choices, and it'll look fabulous.
Half crease
A full cut crease is showstopping, but a half crease is just as pretty. Half creases are the perfect alternative when you want a glitter cut crease but need a look that isn't quite so bold. You can give yourself a half crease by only cutting half of your lid, or you can cut the entire lid and blend with a matte shadow so only half of the cut is visible. Finish with eyeliner and stunning lashes, and subtly highlight the browbone. Keep the shades lighter for the day and smoke them out in the evening.
Winged liner
There's never a wrong time to deploy a strong wing. Winged liner will always look good, and it's a great way to add some class to a glittery cut crease. Connect your liner to the wing of your cut crease, or place it over a half crease. Draw it on super thick, or opt for a thin line to make the wing a supporting element rather than the star of the show. Use the tip of your brow to help you place your liner and clean up any flaws before finishing with shadow on the lower lash line.
White liner
For something good and graphic, wear versatile white eyeliner with your cut crease. It's different and fun, and it'll create a cool juxtaposition if you use it with dark shadows. To get a good white liner look, make sure you're using one that's ultra-pigmented. And to ensure the white shows up as white, make space for your liner by removing some shadow or following the same process you used to create your cut crease with concealer. This is especially important when wearing dark shadows.
Graphic liner
Sharpen those liner skills so you can get graphic. Bold graphic looks are edgy and unique, and they put a fun spin on the glitter cut crease. They may look difficult to pull off, but if you can give yourself a killer cut crease, you can absolutely achieve a graphic liner look. Graphic liner can be an outline of your entire cut crease in black, but it can be so many other lines, too. Draw black lines on your inner V or use a color for lines on your outer V. There are infinite ways to take this look.
Bold and dramatic
Yes, glitter cut creases are naturally bold and dramatic, but they can always be taken up a notch. One way to do so is by making the cut crease the only colorful shadow on your lid. Achieve this look by priming your lid and applying a shade slightly darker than your lid in your crease. Use black eyeshadow primer to cut your crease, pack on black shadow to make it ultra-dark, and then extend it to a wing. Follow up by gluing giant flakes all over the cut crease and wing, and finish with a colorful waterline and lashes.
Foil shadow
Put a fun spin on the glitter cut crease look by using foil shadow instead of true glitter. Foils look a little different in the pan — they don't have flakes, but they still shimmer — and they have a different shift on the eye than a true glitter. But the effect with a cut crease is the same as glitter, and it's the exact same process to apply. Foils are fun to work with as they have a creamier texture than most glitters, and the results are always epic.
Color on color
Try a gorgeous color-on-color glitter cut crease the next time you're feeling creative. And if you're going to play with several different colors, you might as well go all out. Use the boldest, brightest shades you have. Try a striking blue on the lid and pair it with a deep magenta on the outer V and above the crease. Add jewels. Take the glitter to the lower lash line. Have fun with it. Play around and see what colors you like best on yourself and put them together. It'll be a welcome change of pace.
Pastel glitter
Tone down your glitter cut crease by using some pastel flakes. Glitter cut creases are automatically bold and dramatic, so if you want something a little lighter, pastel is the way to go. Still use darker shades in the outer V and above the crease for dimension; just make the cut crease itself pastel. Finish the look with mascara or lashes, but skip the liner so it doesn't compete with the pastel. This look can be done with any pastel shade, and it's a stunning look for nights out in the spring and summertime.
Giant flakes
If you want to create major, major, major drama to your bold glitter cut-crease look, add giant flakes. You can do this in a couple of different ways. Pick out giant flakes from a pot of loose glitter and apply them with glitter glue, or use any foil that sticks on its own. Giant flakes are exciting and interesting to look at, and they make for a creative and technical makeup challenge that all burgeoning makeup artists will be excited to tackle.
Gold glitter
Any time you're using glitter on your eyes, gold is a good option. It can make even the simplest of looks absolutely breathtaking, allowing people on all ends of the makeup skill spectrum to create beautiful shadow looks. Use gold in your next glitter cut crease by applying it all over the lid or strategically placing it. It's perfect for a halo, but it'll look just as good as a liner, both on the lash line and in the crease. If you're unsure what shade to use, use gold.
Thick liner
We've all inadvertently made our eyeliner thicker than we intended, but if we're being honest with ourselves, sometimes we like how it turns out. Thick liner can look just as good as a super thin line — sometimes even better — and can be stunning with a glitter cut crease. The trick is applying it correctly. Make sure your line is only thick in the right places. Keep the line thin near the inner V and reserve the thickness for the outer V. Make sure you extend the line far past the lash line, too.
Neon cut crease
Of all the shades to work with on your face, neons might be the most difficult. It's tricky to find a way to use them without looking gaudy. But one way to make good use of neons is by employing them in a glitter cut crease. Choose one or two of your favorite neons to use on your lid, and pack translucent glitter on top to make them pop even more. Add more neon shades on the lower lash line and complete your look by adding voluminous lashes either with mascara or falsies.
Bejeweled liner
Using glitter is fun, but for an even more theatrical look, step it up and use jewels. Since jewels pack a lot of punch, they're better when used sparingly, so opt for strategic use, like a bejeweled liner. You can use loose jewels and adhere them to your skin with glitter glue, or you can find some with sticky backs. Tweezers can work to apply them, but a pen with a wax tip will work better. Be sure to keep the rest of your shadow matte so the look is chic and not overdone.
Shapes on shapes
Step into your artistry era by drawing shapes above your glitter cut crease. It's an over-the-top, whimsical way to draw attention to the eye, but it's also fun and creative — and makeup should be both those things. Try using a white liner for a cartoonish effect and a black liner for something a little more natural. You can use an eyeliner pen to draw or opt for a brush and pigment from a pot. Play around with different shapes to discover which works best for you, and practice, practice, practice.
Subtle glitter
Mix up your cut crease looks by giving the classic glittery eye a mature update and having a subtle glitter moment. While big flakes are gorgeous, balancing the bold glitter with subtle glitter is nice. Use neutrals for an understated look, or break out your colored palettes if you still want something bold. You can use pressed glitter from a palette, or light, loose glitter from a pot — just make sure the flakes are small and aren't too shimmery. Use a brush instead of your finger to apply the glitter for an even subtler look.
No liner
Liner is usually used to complete an eyeshadow look, but a glitter cut crease can stand on its own. For a different take on the look, skip the liner. It'll take the edge off and save you some time. If you're still looking for some definition, try tightlining your eyes.
Glitter in the crease
A glitter cut crease doesn't have to mean glitter over the entire lid. If you still want drama and glamour without being too flashy, opt for a line of glitter in the crease. It's just as stunning as a lid full of glitter, but it'll be much easier to remove. You can use glitter glue and an angled brush to apply or use a liquid glitter liner. Place the line just above the actual crease to give the effect that there's glitter in the crease while making the lid space appear bigger.
All black lids
Marry your glitter cut crease with the smokiest of smokey eyes by applying black glitter all over the lids. It's an intense look, but it's beautiful. To get as much darkness as is required for this look to really make an impact, use a black lid primer. Be sure to use a black glitter shade, too, instead of layering glitter on top of black. And although you're cutting the crease, smoke it out just a bit with black shadow so it's sultry and smooth instead of cold and rigid.
Lower lash shadow
Not every glitter cut crease needs to be finished with a lower lash shadow, but they often are. It adds continuity to the look, especially if you use lots of color on your lid. To spice up your lower lash shadow routine, try using multiple colors instead of just one. Find three complimentary shades to blend to give an ombré effect on the lower lash line, or, if you did an ombré shadow look on the lid, match the shades on the bottom with those you used on top. It's an easy way to add more intrigue to your look.
Major ombré
Ombré eyeshadow always looks stunning and is perfect for a glitter cut crease. You can stick to neutral shades or use your favorite colorful shades — just be sure to blend. Use the lightest shade on the inner corner to make the eye appear bigger, and apply the darkest shade on the outer V. Play around with the glitter aspect by using glitter tones for the ombré or reach for matte pigments for the ombré and create the cut crease with glitter liner. Whichever you choose, ombré can take your shadow from a look to a moment.
Animal print
Go wild with your cut crease and paint animal print all over your lid. This might be the most difficult of all the glitter cut creases to master, but you'll feel so accomplished once you do. Start with leopard print — dot ovals on your lid in a shade slightly lighter than the glitter you used, and outline portions of the ovals with black liner. Add some jewels on the browbone and the lower lash line for the ultimate glamorous glitter cut crease look.