How to Use an Angled Brush for Creating a Foxy Eye Effect.

A “foxy eye” effect is a popular makeup trend that lifts and elongates the eye, giving it a more almond or snatched appearance. An angled brush is a versatile tool that can be used to achieve this effect. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use an angled brush for creating a foxy eye effect.

Mastering the Angled Brush: Your Definitive Guide to a Foxy Eye

The foxy eye, a captivating makeup trend that instantly grants an alluring, lifted, and elongated gaze, has taken the beauty world by storm. While many tools can contribute to this coveted look, the humble angled brush stands out as an indispensable workhorse. Its unique shape and precise control make it the ideal instrument for crafting those sharp, upward-sweeping lines that define the foxy eye. This in-depth guide will equip you with the knowledge and practical techniques to wield your angled brush with confidence, transforming your eyes into mesmerizing, foxy masterpieces.

Forget complicated techniques and endless product layering. The true artistry of the foxy eye lies in strategic placement and precise application, both of which are expertly facilitated by an angled brush. We’ll delve into everything from choosing the right brush to mastering various eyeliner formulas and blending techniques, ensuring you achieve a flawless, snatched look every time.

Choosing Your Angled Brush: The Foundation of Foxy Perfection

Before you even think about applying product, selecting the right angled brush is paramount. Not all angled brushes are created equal, and the subtle differences in their design can significantly impact your foxy eye results.

• Bristle Type:
  • Synthetic Bristles: These are your go-to for cream, gel, and liquid eyeliners. Synthetic bristles are non-porous, meaning they won’t absorb product, allowing for smooth, precise application and easy cleanup. They offer excellent control and create sharp lines.
    • Example: For a sharp, jet-black gel liner wing, a synthetic angled brush with stiff, tightly packed bristles will provide the ultimate precision.
  • Natural Bristles: While less common for eyeliner application, natural bristles can be useful for applying powder shadows for a softer, more diffused foxy eye effect, or for blending out harsh lines. However, for the crisp lines synonymous with the foxy eye, stick to synthetic.
    • Example: If you’re creating a subtle foxy eye using a matte brown eyeshadow, a natural-bristled angled brush can help you softly smoke out the outer corner for a diffused lift.
• Bristle Firmness/Stiffness:
  • Firm/Stiff Bristles: Essential for sharp, defined lines, especially with gel or cream liners. These bristles offer maximum control and prevent the brush from bending or splaying during application.
    • Example: When drawing a precise, upward flick from your lower lash line, a very stiff angled brush will ensure a clean, unblotted line.
  • Medium Firmness: Suitable for a slightly softer line or for blending powder shadows.
    • Example: If you want to create a slightly smudged yet lifted look with a kohl pencil, a medium-firm angled brush can help blend the line upward and outward.
• Brush Size/Angle:
  • Small, Sharply Angled: Ideal for intricate details, inner corner work, and creating very thin, precise lines.
    • Example: To draw a tiny, sharp inner corner wing that extends towards your nose bridge, a small, sharply angled brush is indispensable.
  • Medium-Sized, Moderately Angled: A versatile choice for most foxy eye applications, offering a good balance of precision and coverage.
    • Example: For drawing your main eyeliner wing along the upper lash line, a medium-sized angled brush provides enough surface area for a smooth sweep while maintaining control.
  • Angled Eyeliner Brush vs. Angled Brow Brush: While similar, eyeliner brushes typically have thinner, stiffer bristles for more precise lines, whereas brow brushes might be slightly thicker for filling in brows. For the foxy eye, opt for a dedicated angled eyeliner brush.

Essential Products for Your Foxy Eye Arsenal

While the angled brush is your primary tool, the products you pair it with will significantly influence the final outcome.

• Eyeliner Formulas:
  • Gel Liner (Pot): A favorite for foxy eyes due to its intense pigmentation, long wear, and creamy consistency, which allows for smooth application and ample playtime before setting.
    • Example: Dip your angled brush into a black gel liner, ensuring both sides of the bristles are coated. This is perfect for creating that classic, opaque foxy wing.
  • Liquid Liner (Pot with Dip Brush or Pen): Liquid liners offer the sharpest, most defined lines. While some liquid liners come with their own brush, dipping your angled brush into a liquid liner pot can give you more control than a pen applicator.
    • Example: For an extremely sharp, almost razor-thin foxy wing, use a liquid liner applied with a small, fine-tipped angled brush.
  • Cream Liner/Shadow Stick (Smudgable): Can be used as a base for powder, or for a softer, smudged foxy effect. These offer less precision than gel or liquid but are excellent for building up intensity.
    • Example: Apply a dark brown cream shadow stick along your upper lash line and then use your angled brush to extend and lift it into a soft wing before it sets.
  • Eyeshadow (Powder): For a softer, more diffused foxy eye, particularly for daytime looks or for those new to eyeliner.
    • Example: Dampen your angled brush slightly and dip it into a matte dark brown or black eyeshadow. This creates a softer, more forgiving line than liquid or gel.
• Support Products:
  • Eyeshadow Primer: Crucial for creating a smooth canvas, enhancing color payoff, and preventing smudging or creasing, especially important for a long-wearing foxy eye.

  • Concealer & Small Flat Brush: For cleaning up any mistakes or sharpening your lines.

  • Setting Powder: To set concealer and prevent creasing.

  • Mascara & Lash Curler: To complete the lifted look.

  • Nude Eyeliner (Waterline): To open up the eye and further enhance the elongated effect.

Preparing Your Canvas: The Pre-Foxy Eye Ritual

Proper preparation ensures a smooth application and a long-lasting foxy eye.

1. Cleanse and Moisturize: Start with a clean, dry eye area. Apply a lightweight eye cream, allowing it to fully absorb.
   • Example: After washing your face, gently pat your under-eye area dry and apply a small amount of a non-greasy eye cream.
2. Apply Eyeshadow Primer: Dot a small amount of primer onto your eyelids and blend it out evenly with your finger or a brush. This creates a tacky base for your eyeliner and shadow.
   • Example: Use a pea-sized amount of primer for both eyes, spreading it from your lash line up to your brow bone.
3. Set Your Primer (Optional but Recommended): If your primer is tacky, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over it. This prevents creasing and makes blending smoother.
   • Example: Take a fluffy brush and lightly tap it into a translucent powder, then sweep it over your primed eyelids.

The Anatomy of a Foxy Eye: Understanding the Angles

The foxy eye isn’t just a simple wing; it’s a strategic manipulation of angles to create an illusion of lift and elongation.

• The Upward Sweep from the Lower Lash Line: This is the cornerstone. Instead of drawing a wing directly from your upper lash line, the foxy eye wing typically originates from the outer corner of your lower lash line, extending upwards towards the tail of your brow. This immediately creates a lifted effect.
  • Example: Imagine a diagonal line extending from the outer corner of your lower lash line up towards the outer edge of your eyebrow. This is the initial guide for your foxy wing.
• Connecting to the Upper Lash Line: Once your initial upward sweep is established, you’ll connect it back to your upper lash line, usually around two-thirds of the way in, creating a triangular shape.

• The Inner Corner Snatch: For a truly “snatched” foxy eye, a small, sharp inner corner wing is drawn, extending slightly downwards and inwards towards the bridge of your nose. This elongates the eye horizontally.

• Tightlining (Optional but Enhancing): Lining your upper waterline can create the illusion of fuller lashes and a more seamless eyeliner look.

The Angled Brush in Action: Step-by-Step Foxy Eye Creation

Now, let’s get down to the practical application. Remember to work in thin layers and build up intensity.

Method 1: The Classic Gel/Liquid Liner Foxy Eye (Sharp & Defined)

This method yields a crisp, long-lasting foxy eye, perfect for a striking look.

1. Load Your Brush: Dip your angled brush into your gel or liquid liner. For gel, press the brush into the pot, coating both sides. For liquid, dip it carefully, ensuring no excess drips. Wipe off any excess on the rim of the pot.
   • Concrete Example: If using a gel liner, press the flat side of your angled brush into the gel, then turn it over and repeat. Gently swipe off any excess on the pot’s rim.
2. Map the Lower Lash Line Extension: Looking straight ahead into a mirror, identify the outer corner of your lower lash line. Place the angled brush at this point, aligning the angle of the brush with the desired upward trajectory of your wing. This line should aim towards the tail of your eyebrow. Draw a short, straight line upwards, about 1-2 cm, depending on your desired drama. This is your initial guide.
   • Concrete Example: Place the longest point of your angled brush exactly at the outer corner of your lower lash line. Angle the brush so it points towards the end of your eyebrow. Press gently and draw a crisp line approximately 1.5 cm long.
3. Connect to the Upper Lash Line: From the tip of the line you just created, draw a line downwards, connecting it to your upper lash line. This connection point should typically be around two-thirds of the way across your upper lash line, starting from the outer corner.
   • Concrete Example: From the very tip of your initial upward stroke, pivot your brush and draw a straight line down to your upper lash line, aiming for a point just beyond the middle of your eye. You’re essentially creating the top edge of your wing.
4. Fill in the Triangle: Carefully fill in the triangular outline you’ve created with your gel or liquid liner, ensuring even, opaque coverage. Use the flat side of your angled brush for this.
   • Concrete Example: With the flat side of your brush, gently press and drag the liner into the empty space of your wing, ensuring no gaps or patchiness.
5. Refine the Upper Lash Line: Starting from the inner corner of your eye, draw a thin line along your upper lash line, connecting it seamlessly to your newly formed wing. Keep this line as thin as possible, especially towards the inner corner, to maintain the lifted effect. You can gradually thicken it as you move outwards if desired.
   • Concrete Example: Rest the angled brush on its side at your inner corner, just above your lashes. In short, connected strokes, drag the brush along your lash line until it meets the inner edge of your wing, ensuring a continuous line.
6. The Inner Corner Snatch (Optional but Recommended): For an extreme foxy eye, use the very tip of your angled brush to draw a tiny, sharp point from your inner corner, extending slightly downwards and inwards towards the bridge of your nose. This elongates the eye horizontally.
   • Concrete Example: Dip the absolute tip of your angled brush into a small amount of liner. Place it at the inner corner of your upper lash line and gently pull a tiny, sharp point downwards and inwards, barely extending past your tear duct.
7. Clean Up and Sharpen: If any lines are wobbly or need sharpening, take a small, flat brush or a cotton swab dipped in micellar water or makeup remover and carefully clean up the edges. For ultimate precision, a small amount of concealer on a flat brush can define the lower edge of your wing.
   • Concrete Example: Dip a flat, stiff brush into a tiny amount of concealer. Carefully run it along the bottom edge of your wing, creating a razor-sharp line.

Method 2: The Soft-Focus Foxy Eye with Eyeshadow (Subtle & Daytime Friendly)

This technique creates a softer, more diffused foxy eye, perfect for a natural look or for those starting out.

1. Prepare Your Shadow: Choose a matte dark brown, grey, or black eyeshadow. For more intensity, you can dampen your angled brush with a setting spray or water before dipping it into the shadow.
   • Concrete Example: Select a matte deep brown eyeshadow. Spritz your angled brush lightly with setting spray until it’s just damp, then press it firmly into the eyeshadow pan to pick up pigment.
2. Map the Lower Lash Line Extension: Similar to the gel liner method, place your angled brush at the outer corner of your lower lash line and extend a soft, diffused line upwards towards the tail of your brow. The key here is to keep it soft and slightly smudged.
   • Concrete Example: Starting from the outer corner of your lower lash line, lightly feather the damp, shadow-loaded angled brush upwards in short, delicate strokes, creating a soft, smoky line towards your temple.
3. Connect and Soften: From the end of this soft line, bring it down to your upper lash line, just like with the liquid liner. Then, use a clean blending brush or your finger to gently diffuse and soften the edges, creating a smoky, lifted effect.
   • Concrete Example: Once you have your soft upward line, gently sweep your angled brush from the tip downwards to connect to your upper lash line. Immediately afterward, use a small, clean blending brush to gently buff and smudge the edges, softening the line.
4. Define the Upper Lash Line (Optional): You can either leave the upper lash line bare for a very subtle look or lightly define it with the same eyeshadow, keeping it close to the lash line and thin.
   • Concrete Example: For a bit more definition, gently press your angled brush (loaded with the same eyeshadow) along your upper lash line from the inner corner outwards, creating a very thin, soft line that merges with your wing.
5. Inner Corner Softening (Optional): Instead of a sharp inner corner, you can use a very light touch with a slightly lighter shadow to subtly extend the inner corner for a softer elongation.
   • Concrete Example: Dip a tiny, clean angled brush into a very light nude or champagne eyeshadow. Lightly press it onto your inner corner and drag it slightly inwards, creating a subtle opening effect.

Advanced Angled Brush Techniques for Foxy Eyes

Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider these advanced techniques to elevate your foxy eye.

• Layering for Depth: Start with a softer eyeshadow base, then layer a darker gel or liquid liner over it for added intensity and dimension.
  • Example: Create a soft foxy shape with a medium brown eyeshadow. Once set, use a black gel liner with your angled brush to create a sharper, thinner line on top of the eyeshadow for more impact.
• Ombre Effect: Use two different shades of liner or eyeshadow to create an ombre effect within your wing, with the darker shade at the outer corner and a lighter shade towards the middle.
  • Example: Apply a deep plum gel liner for the main wing. Then, using a fresh angled brush, pick up a shimmering violet eyeshadow and lightly blend it over the outer half of your plum wing, creating a subtle gradient.
• Lower Lash Line Smudge: For an even more intense, smoky foxy eye, lightly smudge a dark eyeshadow or kohl pencil along your lower lash line, focusing on the outer third, and then use your angled brush to gently flick it upwards and outwards, connecting it to your upper wing.
  • Example: Apply a black kohl pencil to the outer third of your lower lash line. Immediately take a small, clean angled brush and gently smudge the pencil, flicking it slightly upwards and outwards to seamlessly blend with your top wing.
• The “Invisible” Liner: For a more natural foxy eye, focus on creating a very thin, precise line right at the base of your upper lashes, almost invisible, but extending it outwards into a subtle foxy flick. This gives definition without obvious eyeliner.
  • Example: Using a very fine-tipped angled brush and a dark brown gel liner, press the brush directly into the roots of your upper lashes. Wiggle it slightly to deposit pigment, then draw a tiny, upward flick at the outer corner, keeping it extremely close to your lash line.
• Strategic Lash Placement: Apply individual or half-strip lashes that are longer at the outer corners. This further enhances the lifted, elongated effect.
  • Example: After completing your foxy eye liner, apply a few individual lash clusters with longer lengths (e.g., 12mm) to the outer half of your upper lash line, focusing on the very outer corner.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best tools and intentions, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to troubleshoot common foxy eye issues:

• Uneven Wings: This is the most common challenge.
  • Solution: Take a step back from the mirror and view your eyes from a distance. If one wing is higher or longer, use a tiny amount of micellar water on a pointed cotton swab or a small, flat brush with concealer to carefully adjust. Always fix the smaller/shorter wing to match the larger/longer one, rather than trying to remove the larger one entirely.

  • Concrete Example: If your right wing is slightly higher than your left, dip a small, flat brush into concealer. Gently run it along the lower edge of your left wing to lift it slightly, making it match the right.

• Jagged Lines: Often due to too much product, a shaky hand, or an improperly loaded brush.

  • Solution: Ensure your brush isn’t overloaded. Use short, connected strokes rather than trying to draw the entire line in one go. Rest your elbow on a stable surface for steadiness.

  • Concrete Example: Instead of trying to draw the entire upper lash line in one sweep, use short, overlapping strokes, connecting them seamlessly. Brace your pinky finger against your cheek for stability.

• Smudged Liner: Can happen with oily eyelids or if the liner isn’t set properly.

  • Solution: Always use an eyeshadow primer. For gel liners, lightly dust a matching eyeshadow over the top to set it. For liquid liners, ensure they are fully dry before blinking or touching your eyes.

  • Concrete Example: After applying your gel liner, take a matching matte black eyeshadow on a small, stiff brush and gently pat it over the liner to lock it in place.

• Lack of Lift: If your eye still looks downturned.

  • Solution: Re-evaluate your initial upward flick from the lower lash line. Ensure it’s angled sharply enough towards your eyebrow tail. Also, consider the inner corner “snatch” to further elongate horizontally.

  • Concrete Example: If your foxy eye isn’t looking lifted enough, try extending the initial lower lash line flick slightly higher and more directly towards the tail of your brow.

• Too Thick/Heavy: Can make the eyes look smaller or droopy.

  • Solution: Start with a very thin line and gradually build up thickness. The foxy eye often works best with a thinner line closer to the inner corner, thickening only at the outer wing.

  • Concrete Example: When drawing your upper lash line, begin with the absolute lightest touch, aiming for a hair-thin line. Only when you reach the outer two-thirds of your eye should you consider thickening it slightly.

The Power of Practice and Patience

Creating a flawless foxy eye with an angled brush is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Set aside time to experiment with different techniques, angles, and products. Observe how minor adjustments impact the overall look.

• Practice on a Clean Face: Before applying a full face of makeup, dedicate some time to just practicing the liner application. This reduces pressure and allows for more experimentation.
  • Example: On a day when you’re not going anywhere, cleanse your face and just practice drawing foxy eye wings on both eyes for 15-20 minutes. Don’t worry about perfection, just focus on the motion and angles.
• Use a Magnifying Mirror: A magnifying mirror can help you see details and precise placement, but don’t rely on it entirely, as it can distort your perception. Step back often to see the overall effect.
  • Example: Use a magnifying mirror for the initial precise placement of your angled brush, then switch to a regular mirror to check symmetry and overall impact.
• Take Photos: Taking photos of your progress can help you identify areas for improvement and track your development.
  • Example: Take a selfie of your foxy eye from different angles to see where the lines might need adjustment or if the lift is truly apparent.

By consistently applying these techniques and understanding the nuances of your angled brush, you’ll soon master the art of the foxy eye, transforming your gaze into one of captivating allure.