The beauty industry thrives on reinvention, and TikTok has become the epicenter of viral trends. Fox eyes, which have been a catch for decades, have been revived thanks to the app’s influence. Also called cat eyes, this look can be achieved in two ways: through makeup or a thread lift. Although 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 who want 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 atmosphere. Models like Bella Hadid And Emily Ratajkowski have popularized this trend, making it a widely coveted look. Fox eyes are characterized by sleek, upward 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 and comes from age-old beauty traditions like the classic cat-eye eyeliner, it has been given a modern twist. The style gained significant popularity thanks to TikTok influencers who shared tutorials that broke down the technique into easy-to-follow steps. As a result, the trend exploded in popularity, racking up millions of views and sparking discussions about cultural influences and aesthetics in beauty.
How to Nail the Fox Eye Makeup
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating the Fox Eye makeup look:
- Prepare your base: Start by applying a primer to smooth the skin and create a flawless canvas. Then apply a lightweight foundation for an even skin tone and use a concealer to brighten the under-eye area. Blend the concealer upwards towards your temples to naturally lift the face.
- Define your eyebrows: Well-defined, slightly arched eyebrows are essential for achieving the fox-eye makeup look. Use an eyebrow pencil to lengthen the tail of your eyebrow and lift it slightly to prevent a downward slope. This lays the foundation for the lifted eye effect.
- Master the eyeliner: The hallmark of the fox eye is the elongated eyeliner. Draw a thin, upward-pointing wing, starting from the outer corner of the eye. Create a sharp, tapering motion in the inner corner to further elongate the eye. The aim is to give the eyes an almond shape, enhancing their natural lift.
- Blend the shadows: Use neutral or earthy shades such as taupe, soft brown or deep bronze to blend upwards from the outer corners of your eyes. Focus on creating a soft gradient that enhances the lifted effect, adding depth to the eyes and keeping the overall look subtle and elegant.
- Lift and define lashes: Curl your lashes to open the eyes and then apply mascara, concentrating on the outer lashes to create a flared look. For extra drama, apply individual lashes to the outer corners to emphasize the fox-eye effect.
- Contouring and highlighting: Contour your cheekbones and temples to complement the lifted eye look and add structure to the face. Apply a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and along your brow bone to illuminate these areas and enhance the eye-opening effect.
This step-by-step process will help you achieve the perfect fox eye makeup, giving you 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 about cultural appropriation and microaggressions. Critics claim the lifting gesture, which is often used in tutorials, mimics stereotypes about East Asian eye shapes. As a result, this has sparked discussions about the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation in the beauty industry. Additionally, many people who were bullied growing up because of their natural eye shape have shared their personal experiences on social media, further intensifying the conversation.
At what point does it become art, and when does it cross over 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, like the classic cat eye. 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 opt for a soft, blended eyeshadow instead of the sharp eyeliner that usually accompanies this look. Additionally, you can use highlighter and contouring to create a lifted effect without drastically altering your natural features.
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Finally
TikTok thrives on fast-paced, transformative content, and the fox-eye look fits this narrative seamlessly, especially when combined with controversy. Tutorials that show the transformation from bare faces to glamor in less than a minute captivate audiences and fuel discussions, driving even more traffic. The simplicity of the technique also makes it accessible to makeup beginners and seasoned professionals alike. But 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
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