Fox Eye Makeup Tutorial: How to Get the Lifted Eye Look

May 19, 2025

The fox eye is one of the most coveted eye makeup looks of recent years — a sultry, elongated, upward-lifted eye shape that creates an intensely alluring, feline appearance. Popularised on social media and seen on runways worldwide, the fox eye look is more achievable than it appears. Here's your complete step-by-step guide.

What Is the Fox Eye Look?

The fox eye is a makeup technique that creates the illusion of an elongated, upward-tilted eye shape — mimicking the naturally almond-shaped, lifted eyes associated with a fox. The key characteristics are:

An elongated eye shape that extends outward and slightly upward at the outer corner
A lifted, upswept appearance that makes the eyes look more angular and defined
A clean, precise liner application with a sharp, upward-angled tail
Minimal inner corner emphasis — the focus is entirely on the outer corner

What You'll Need

A dark eyeshadow (deep brown, charcoal, or black)
A precise eyeliner (gel or liquid for the sharpest lines)
A small, angled brush
A fluffy blending brush
Mascara
Concealer for clean-up

Step-by-Step: How to Create the Fox Eye Look

Step 1: Prep and Prime

Start with clean, primed lids. Apply eye primer or a neutral base across the entire lid to ensure your eyeshadow and liner stay crisp and in place throughout the day. Allow to set for 30 seconds before proceeding.

Step 2: Apply a Neutral Base Shade

Using a fluffy blending brush, apply a light to medium matte shade across the entire lid and into the crease. Keep this shade neutral — the fox eye look is defined by its liner and outer corner work rather than complex eyeshadow blending. A simple, clean base lets the liner take centre stage.

Step 3: Deepen the Outer Corner

Using a small blending brush, apply a dark matte shade — deep brown, charcoal, or black — to the outer third of the eyelid and blend it upward and outward toward the tail of the brow. This is the foundation of the fox eye shape — the darkness at the outer corner creates the elongated, angular appearance. Blend the inner edge of this shade thoroughly while keeping the outer edge more concentrated.

Step 4: Extend the Shadow Upward and Outward

Using a small, precise brush, extend the dark shadow beyond the outer corner of the eye — drawing it upward at an angle toward the tail of the brow. This extension is what creates the distinctive fox eye shape. The angle should be upward, not straight out — this is what lifts the eye rather than simply elongating it.

Step 5: Apply Liner Along the Upper Lash Line

Using a precise eyeliner, draw a thin line along the upper lash line starting from the inner corner. Keep the line thin and close to the lashes for the first two-thirds of the eye, then gradually thicken it as you approach the outer corner. The line should follow the natural lash line rather than lifting away from it until the very end.

Step 6: Create the Fox Eye Wing

This is the defining step. At the outer corner of the eye, extend the liner upward and outward at a sharp, upward angle — following the same direction as your extended eyeshadow. The wing should be longer and more dramatic than a standard cat eye wing, and the angle should be more upward than outward. This creates the lifted, elongated fox eye shape.

Step 7: Smudge Dark Shadow Along the Lower Lash Line

Using a small brush, apply the dark eyeshadow along the outer half of the lower lash line and extend it slightly beyond the outer corner, connecting with the upper wing. This grounds the look and enhances the elongated, angular fox eye shape. Keep the inner half of the lower lash line clean — this contrast is important for the fox eye effect.

Step 8: Clean Up the Edges

Use a small concealer brush to sharpen and clean up the wing and any shadow that has strayed. A crisp, clean outer edge is essential for the fox eye look — precision is everything.

Step 9: Apply Mascara

Focus mascara on the outer lashes, applying extra coats to the outer corner to enhance the elongated, lifted shape. Avoid heavy mascara on the inner lashes — keeping the inner eye lighter emphasises the fox eye effect.

Fox Eye Tips for Different Eye Shapes

Round eyes — the fox eye is particularly flattering; the upward angle elongates and lifts beautifully
Hooded eyes — extend the wing higher to ensure it's visible when eyes are open; draw the wing on with eyes open rather than closed
Monolid eyes — focus on the extended liner and outer shadow; skip the crease work and concentrate on the outer corner extension
Almond eyes — the fox eye enhances your naturally ideal shape; keep the look clean and precise

Common Fox Eye Mistakes to Avoid

Angling the wing straight out rather than upward — the upward angle is what creates the lifted fox eye shape
Applying too much product to the inner corner — the fox eye is all about the outer corner
Making the wing too short — the fox eye wing is longer and more dramatic than a standard cat eye
Skipping the lower lash line shadow — it completes the elongated shape

✨ Shop Fox Eye Essentials at Brittany Cosmetics

Create the perfect fox eye look with these must-have products:

Eyeshadow Palette – Blitz — Deep, rich mattes perfect for the outer corner depth and extension of the fox eye look.
Eyeshadow Palette – Levinna — Versatile neutrals and warm browns for a softer, more wearable fox eye.
Angled Brush — Precision liner and shadow application for a sharp, defined fox eye wing.
Blending Brush — Seamless outer corner blending for a polished, professional fox eye finish.
Eyeshadow Brush — Precise colour placement for maximum impact at the outer corner.