10 Celebrity Cut Crease & Halo Eye Looks To Add To Your Summer Mood Board
Our take
As we embrace the vibrancy of summer, the beauty landscape is buzzing with the resurgence of bold eyeshadow techniques, particularly the captivating cut crease and halo eye looks. This revival, led by stars like Zendaya, Zara Larsson, and Keke Palmer, speaks to a broader trend where makeup is not merely an accessory but a form of self-expression. These daring styles, reminiscent of the 2010s beauty scene, invite us to experiment and redefine our personal aesthetics, fitting seamlessly into the mood boards of the season. This is not just about a fleeting trend; it’s a conversation about identity and the art of makeup as a canvas for individuality.
The allure of these eye-catching techniques lies in their transformative power. A well-executed cut crease can sculpt the eye, creating an illusion of depth and drama that enhances one’s natural features. Similarly, the halo eye technique—where color is concentrated around the center of the eyelid—draws attention and creates a mesmerizing focal point. These looks remind us that makeup is a versatile medium, allowing us to play with color, shape, and texture to reflect our inner selves. It’s no surprise that these styles are gaining traction alongside other summer essentials, such as the Best Weekender Bags For Summer Getaways, as they embody a spirit of adventure and exploration.
Moreover, the resurgence of these eye looks speaks volumes about the current cultural moment. In a world where authenticity and self-expression are paramount, makeup becomes a vehicle for empowerment. The celebrities championing these styles are not just influencers; they are modern muses, encouraging followers to embrace their own uniqueness. This shift from minimalism to bold expression reflects a collective desire to break free from traditional beauty norms. As we witness this evolution, it’s essential to understand that while the techniques may be rooted in theatricality, the conversations they spark are deeply personal and resonant.
The intersection of beauty and identity is becoming increasingly significant, particularly as more individuals seek to express themselves authentically. The daring eyeshadow looks championed by Zendaya and others are not just about aesthetics; they are part of a larger narrative surrounding self-acceptance and confidence. By celebrating these bold choices, we invite a sense of freedom in our beauty routines, allowing experimentation without the fear of judgment. The implications are profound: as we step into this summer, we are reminded that our beauty choices can be a reflection of our inner landscapes, a celebration of who we are and who we aspire to be.
Looking forward, it will be intriguing to see how these trends continue to evolve within the beauty community. Will we witness a further shift towards bold self-expression, or will minimalism make a comeback as the seasons change? As these discussions unfold, we can anticipate a landscape where makeup is continuously redefined—not just by trends, but by the deeper conversations they inspire about individuality, confidence, and the essence of beauty itself. In this vibrant era, the question remains: how will you express your unique identity through the art of makeup this summer?
There was a time, a mere decade ago, when you couldn’t click on a BeauTube video without catching a creator in a vibrant halo eye or perfectly sliced cut crease. The dramatic eye makeup looks were everywhere in the 2010s — including, occasionally, on celebrities — and were the result of a proliferation of new eyeshadow palettes (you had to get your money’s worth out of that nine-pan purchase, after all) and the ascendance of camera-first makeup. But over time, as bold and matte made way for dewy and natural, eyeshadow, like pretty much every other makeup category, became more subdued.
But the pendulum always swings back, and it appears as though we’re in the midst of a maximalist makeup revival. While thus far the return to “yes-makeup makeup” has been slow and steady — think subtle washes of color on the lids and matchy-matchy moments — there’s no doubt that celebs like Zendaya, Zara Larsson, and Emma Chamberlain are setting Pinterest boards ablaze with their more daring looks. And yes: Sometimes, those looks include cut creases and halo eyes. (As a refresher: Cut creases feature a darker shadow in the crease and a highly contrasted lighter shadow on the lid, while halo eyes consist of the same hue on the inner and outer corners, with a second color placed at the center of the lids.)
Intrigued? Scroll on to see some of the most inspiring celebrity cut crease and halo eye makeup looks.
Zendaya
Arguably the most talked-about eye makeup this year, Zendaya’s “something blue” halo eye at the premiere of The Drama perfectly complemented her Schiaparelli gown — and likely inspired a whole new generation to pick up a matte-and-shimmer eyeshadow palette. Artist Ernesto Casillas created both this look and the similar one the actor wore on the cover of Vogue Brasil.
Zara Larsson
Many of Larsson and Sophia Sinot’s colorful collaborations include a dramatic cut crease, but few are as stark as this striking matte moment. The pairing of turquoise and pink has a distinctly Y2K vibe, while the snatched cat-eye liner grounds the makeup firmly in the present.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat pretty much always puts the “eye” in “eye-catching makeup,” and her megawatt look for the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony was no exception. Makeup artist Ivan Núñez gave the rapper-singer a frosted cut-crease in tones of pink, black, and gray to go with her peachy-pink, dramatically outlined frosted lips.
Keke Palmer
Palmer is another star who loves to make a statement with her eye makeup. Here, she and makeup artist Kenya Alexis played with brown tones to create a cozy neutral cut-crease with bold winged eyeliner.
SZA
Alexis might just be the modern master of the cut-crease; along with her work with Palmer, the artist frequently crafts eye-centric looks for SZA. This plum and pink moment is especially stunning.
Chappell Roan
A colorful makeup gallery without Roan? Impossible. The Midwest Princess has a wealth of looks to choose from, but this blue and burgundy combo (by makeup artist Dee) is one for the books.
Emma Chamberlain
Another eyeshadow muse (of the “scary-chic” variety), Chamberlain attended Mugler’s Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear fashion show in a gray halo eye by Lilly Keys that took “smoky eye” to a whole new level.
Raye
Looking for some maximalist party-makeup inspo? Consider Raye’s Jingleball 2025 look: A chocolate-brown cut-crease with shimmering champagne lids, razor-sharp wings, and plenty of lashes. Artist Nikki Wolff created it.
Ryan Destiny
Conversely, Destiny’s brown-and-gray halo-eye — another Casillas look — is a pretty, minimalist way to approach the classic smoky eye, perfect for an “elevated everyday” makeup moment.
Yara Shahidi
In a way, this Shahidi look, also by Wolff, is the best of both worlds: The graphic eyeliner in the lids creates a cut-crease vibe, while the cool gray shadow at the inner and outer corners evokes a classic halo.
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