How To Achieve The Look For Beginners

The beauty industry thrives on reinvention, and TikTok has become the epicenter for viral trends. Fox eyes, which have been a catch for decades, have been revived thanks to the app’s influence. Also known as cat eyes, this look can be achieved in two ways: through makeup or a thread lift. While the thread lift offers a more permanent solution, the makeup method has quickly gained popularity, as many people opt for the “easy way out.” It’s no surprise that fox eye makeup has become the go-to option for those looking to achieve that lifted, sultry look without going under the knife.

Fox eyes: The makeup trend that’s rewriting beauty standards

Inspired by the sleek, elongated gaze of a fox, the fox eye makeup style emphasizes lifted, almond-shaped eyes, creating a sultry and mysterious vibe. Models like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have popularized this trend, making it a widely coveted look. Fox eyes are characterized by clean, upward-winged eyeliner, elongated inner corners, and enhanced brow arches, all of which contribute to the lifted effect. This distinctive look creates the illusion of higher cheekbones and a more structured face, adding to the overall dramatic effect.

While the fox eye look isn’t entirely new, drawing from ancient beauty traditions such as the classic cat-eye eyeliner, it has taken on a modern twist. The style gained significant popularity through TikTok influencers who shared tutorials breaking down the technique into easy-to-follow steps. As a result, the trend exploded in popularity, amassing millions of views and sparking discussions about cultural influences and aesthetics in beauty.

How to nail the fox eye makeup

Here’s a step-by-step guide to nailing the fox eye makeup look:

1. Prep your base: Start by applying a primer to smooth the skin and create a flawless canvas. Follow with a lightweight foundation for an even complexion, and use concealer to brighten the under-eye area. Blend the concealer upward toward your temples to help lift the face naturally.
2. Define your brows: Well-defined, slightly arched brows are essential to achieving the fox eye makeup look. Use a brow pencil to elongate the tail of your brow, lifting it slightly upwards to avoid any downward slope. This creates the foundation for the lifted eye effect.
3. Master the eyeliner: The signature of the fox eye is the elongated eyeliner. Draw a thin, upward-angled wing starting from the outer corner of your eye. Create a sharp, tapered flick at the inner corner to further elongate the eye. The goal is to give the eyes an almond shape, enhancing their natural lift.
4. Blend the shadows: Use neutral or earthy tones like taupe, soft brown, or deep bronze to blend upward from the outer corners of the eye. Focus on creating a soft gradient that enhances the lifted effect, adding depth to the eye while keeping the overall look subtle and elegant.
5. Lift and define lashes: Curl your lashes to open the eyes, then apply mascara, focusing on the outer lashes to create a fanned-out look. For added drama, apply individual lashes to the outer corners to emphasize the fox-eye effect.
6. Contouring and highlighting: Contour your cheekbones and temples to complement the lifted eye look, adding structure to the face. Apply a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and along your brow bone to bring light to these areas and enhance the eye-opening effect.

This step-by-step process will help you achieve the perfect fox eye makeup, leaving you with a sultry, lifted look that accentuates your natural features.

Navigating the controversy: The cultural debate behind the fox eye trend

While many see the fox eye makeup trend as a creative expression of beauty, it has undeniably sparked debates over cultural appropriation and microaggressions. Critics argue that the lifting gesture, often used in tutorials, mimics stereotypes about East Asian eye shapes. As a result, this has prompted discussions about the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation in the beauty industry. Additionally, many people who were bullied for their natural eye shape while growing up have shared their personal experiences on social media, further intensifying the conversation.

At what point does it become art, and when does it cross into cultural violation? If the conversation feels too “woke” for you, it might be best to avoid the trend or opt for more traditional options, such as the classic cat eye. However, for those who still want to experiment with the fox eye look but are sensitive to the cultural debate, there are ways to tone it down.

For example, you can choose a soft, blended eyeshadow instead of the sharp eyeliner typically associated with the look. Additionally, you can use highlighter and contouring to create a lifted effect without drastically altering your natural features.

Shop editor’s picks

In conclusion

TikTok thrives on quick, transformative content, and the fox eye look fits seamlessly into this narrative—especially when combined with controversy. Tutorials that showcase the transformation from bare-faced to glam in under a minute captivate audiences and fuel discussions, driving even more traffic. The simplicity of the technique also makes it accessible to both makeup beginners and seasoned pros. However, as with any trend, it’s crucial to approach the fox eye look with awareness and respect for its cultural implications. After all, beauty should be about celebrating diversity and individuality, not erasing or appropriating it.

Featured image: @ernestocasillas/Instagram 

For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_

—Read also