Heads up! We may use affiliate links in this post. You'll never pay more, but we might earn a small commission if you buy - thanks for supporting us! See our full disclosure here.
The traditional cut crease has long ruled the beauty tutorial space—beloved for its definition, drama, and that unmistakable snatched effect.
But recently, a bold new twist has taken centre stage. Enter: the reverse cut crease. It’s fresh, sculptural, and a little unexpected—in the best way possible.
The Birth of a Trend
When London-based makeup artist Ana Takahashi debuted her take on the reverse cut crease back in November 2021, she wasn’t just posting a pretty look.
She was shifting the way we think about shadow placement entirely. Her photo shoot racked up nearly 30,000 likes on Instagram, but more importantly, it sparked a wave of artists and everyday beauty lovers reimagining the possibilities of eye makeup.
What Exactly Is a Reverse Cut Crease?
In short, it flips the script. Rather than building depth in the crease and highlighting the lid (as with a traditional cut crease), the reverse approach does the opposite:
- Lighter tones are swept across the mobile lid
- Richer, deeper hues are placed above the natural crease
- The result: a lifted, high-contrast effect that makes the eyes pop in a completely new way
It’s modern, a little subversive, and somehow still feels polished.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: 20 Transcendent Aura Makeup Looks For Your Inner Glow-Up
Why It’s Taking Over Social Media
Part of what’s making this trend so sticky is its visual impact. Take makeup artist @evyxo’s now-iconic “mint chocolate chip” version, which quickly pulled in 46,000+ likes and inspired a wave of recreations.
The look is dramatic, yes—but also wearable, endlessly customisable, and incredibly photogenic (something the beauty community never misses).
It taps into everything makeup lovers are craving right now:
- Fresh takes on well-loved techniques
- Photo-ready looks with real-life impact
- Versatile styles that play well with colour
Want To Try It? Here’s How
You don’t need pro-level skills—just a steady hand and a bit of patience. Start slow, and focus on blending and balance.
Essential Tools:
- High-pigment eyeshadow palettes
- Precise brushes for detailed work
- Good eye primer for longevity
- Clean blending brushes
Key Steps:
- Prime your eyelids thoroughly
- Apply your lighter shade across the mobile lid
- Map out your crease with a transition shade
- Build up the darker colour above the crease
- Blend carefully while maintaining definition
- Optional: Add shimmer or glitter for extra drama
Tips for Success
- Start with neutral colours until you master the technique
- Use tape or shields for precise lines
- Take your time with blending
- Photography tip: Slightly overblend for camera-ready results!
Save on Pinterest for later?
Have you tried the reverse cut crease trend? We’d love to see your interpretations and hear about your experiences with this innovative technique. Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below!