What Is the Foxy Eye Trend and Why Is It Dominating 2023?
The foxy eye trend is a makeup and aesthetic technique designed to create an almond-shaped, lifted eye appearance reminiscent of a fox. This look emphasizes elongation and an upward tilt at the outer corners, accentuating the eyes for a bold, sleek, and slightly dramatic effect. While it’s been around for a few years, 2023 has seen a resurgence of this trend, blending retro glamour with modern minimalism.
Origins of the Foxy Eye Trend
The trend gained momentum in the late 2010s, popularized by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, whose naturally upturned eyes became a beauty standard. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplified its reach, with makeup artists and influencers showcasing techniques to achieve the “fox-eye” effect using makeup, tape, or even non-invasive procedures. The trend also draws inspiration from East Asian beauty aesthetics, where almond-shaped eyes are often celebrated. However, its 2023 iteration focuses on subtlety and accessibility, steering away from earlier controversies around cultural appropriation.
Why Is It So Popular in 2023?
The foxy eye trend aligns with 2023’s emphasis on “soft glam” and sculpted facial features. Here’s why it’s dominating beauty routines this year:
- Versatility: The look can be tailored for natural daywear or intensified for evening glam, using techniques like winged eyeliner, contouring, and eyebrow lifting.
- Anti-Aging Appeal: The upward lift creates an illusion of tighter, youthful skin around the eyes, appealing to those seeking a non-surgical rejuvenation effect.
- Social Media Influence: Short-form videos showcasing quick foxy eye hacks—like using concealer to “lift” the brow or strategic eyeshadow placement—have gone viral, making the trend accessible to beginners.
- Crossover with Fashion: Designers are pairing the foxy eye with sleek, minimalist outfits, reinforcing its status as a symbol of modern sophistication.
How to Achieve the Foxy Eye Look
Whether using makeup or styling tricks, here’s how to nail the trend:
- Eyeliner Lift: Extend your eyeliner slightly upward at the outer corner, connecting it to the lower lash line for a seamless wing.
- Contouring: Use a matte eyeshadow or bronzer to shade the crease and outer V of the eye, blending upward to enhance the lift.
- Brow Tweaking: Groom brows with a slight arch to mirror the lifted eye shape. Clear brow gel can help hold hairs in place.
- Face Tape or Stickers: For a temporary lift, some use specialized tape to pull the skin at the temples upward—though caution is advised to avoid irritation.
The Cultural Shift Behind the Trend
Beyond aesthetics, the foxy eye trend reflects a broader shift toward embracing bold, eye-catching features while prioritizing simplicity. It also ties into the rising popularity of “model-off-duty” beauty, where effortless yet polished looks reign. Critics argue the trend risks homogenizing beauty standards, but proponents see it as a celebration of individuality—anyone can adapt the technique to enhance their unique eye shape.
Conclusion
The foxy eye trend’s 2023 dominance underscores society’s love affair with transformative yet wearable beauty. By combining nostalgia, modern techniques, and social media virality, it offers a fresh take on classic glamour—and proves that sometimes, a little lift is all you need to make a statement.
How to Achieve the Perfect Foxy Eye Look: Step-by-Step Tutorial
The “foxy eye” trend has taken the beauty world by storm, thanks to its lifted, almond-shaped appearance that mimics the sleek allure of a fox. Popularized by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, this look emphasizes elongated outer corners and a subtle cat-eye effect. Follow this step-by-step guide to master the perfect foxy eye makeup at home.
Step 1: Prep Your Eyes
Start with a clean, moisturized eyelid. Apply an eyeshadow primer or a dab of concealer to create a smooth base and ensure your makeup stays put. Set the base with a translucent powder to prevent creasing.
Step 2: Map Out the Winged Liner
Using a fine-tip eyeliner pencil or gel liner, draw a thin line along your upper lash line. Extend the line slightly upward and outward beyond the outer corner of your eye, following the natural curve of your lower lash line. This creates the signature lifted effect. Pro tip: Use a piece of tape or a straight edge as a guide for a sharp, clean wing.
Step 3: Lift the Outer Corner with Eyeshadow
With a small angled brush, apply a matte brown eyeshadow along the extended winged line. Blend upward and outward toward your temples to accentuate the lift. Use a lighter shade in the inner corner of your eye and a darker hue on the outer corner to add depth and dimension.
Step 4: Tightline and Define
Tightline your upper waterline with a black or brown eyeliner to make your lashes appear fuller. For added drama, line the lower lash line with a soft pencil, focusing on the outer third. Blend gently to avoid harsh lines.
Step 5: Highlight the Brow Bone and Inner Corner
Apply a shimmery highlighter or light eyeshadow just below your brow bone and on the inner corners of your eyes. This step brightens the eyes and enhances the lifted effect. Avoid over-applying to maintain a natural yet polished finish.
Step 6: Add Mascara (or False Lashes)
Coat your upper lashes with volumizing mascara, wiggling the wand from root to tip. For extra drama, apply wispy false lashes that flare out at the outer corners. Trim the lashes to fit your eye shape and use tweezers for precise placement.
Step 7: Final Touches
Clean up any smudges with a cotton swab dipped in micellar water. Groom your brows with a clear gel to frame the look. For a truly snatched effect, pair the foxy eyes with a nude lip color to keep the focus on your eyes.
Mastering the foxy eye look takes practice, but with patience and the right techniques, you can achieve that coveted feline flick. Experiment with eyeshadow colors, liner thickness, and lash styles to customize the look to your preference!
Foxy Eye Trend Must-Haves: Essential Products for a Lifted Effect
The foxy eye trend has taken the beauty world by storm, offering a sultry, lifted look that mimics the almond-shaped eyes of a fox. Achieving this coveted aesthetic requires strategic makeup application and the right products to enhance your natural features. Whether you’re new to the trend or a seasoned pro, these essential tools and formulas will help you master the lifted eye effect with ease.
1. Eyelid Tapes or Strips
For an instant lift, eyelid tapes or strips are a game-changer. These discreet adhesive strips are applied to the eyelids to create a temporary crease, lifting the eyes upward. Opt for ultra-thin, skin-toned tapes for a seamless finish. They’re ideal for monolids or hooded lids, providing structure and symmetry before applying makeup.
2. Lifting Eyebrow Gel
Brows play a pivotal role in the foxy eye look. A lifting eyebrow gel with strong hold helps brush brow hairs upward and outward, elongating the eye shape. Choose a tinted gel to add definition or a clear formula for a natural finish. Focus on lifting the tail of the brow to emphasize the lifted effect.
3. Contour Eyeshadow or Eyeliner
Use a matte contour eyeshadow or pencil eyeliner in a deep brown or taupe shade to create depth. Apply along the outer crease of the eyelid, blending diagonally upward toward the tail of the brow. This technique visually “pulls” the eyes upward, enhancing the fox-like shape. Pair it with a lighter shade on the inner corner to brighten and balance the look.
4. Winged Eyeliner
A sharp, elongated winged eyeliner is non-negotiable for this trend. Opt for a waterproof liquid or gel liner to sketch a precise wing that extends slightly upward toward the temples. Keep the line thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken it toward the outer edge. Pro tip: Use tape or a straight edge as a guide for a flawless wing.
5. Volumizing Mascara
Lashes that fan outward amplify the lifted effect. A volumizing mascara with a curved brush helps lift and curl each lash. Focus on coating the outer lashes more heavily to create a cat-eye illusion. For extra drama, apply individual falsies to the outer corners of your eyes.
6. Highlighter for the Inner Corners
Brighten the inner corners of your eyes with a shimmery highlighter. This step adds contrast, making the eyes appear wider and more lifted. Choose a champagne or pearl-toned formula for a subtle yet impactful glow. Pair it with a touch of highlighter under the brow bone for added dimension.
7. Setting Spray with a Matte Finish
To keep your foxy eye makeup locked in place, finish with a matte setting spray. This ensures your eyeliner stays sharp and your eyeshadow doesn’t crease, maintaining the lifted effect all day or night. Avoid dewy formulas, as they can diminish the structured appearance of the look.
Mastering the foxy eye trend is all about precision and the right products. By combining these essentials—eyelid tapes, brow gels, contouring shadows, and long-lasting liners—you’ll achieve a captivating, lifted gaze with minimal effort. Remember, practice makes perfect: experiment with angles and product combinations to tailor the look to your unique eye shape!
How to Customize the Foxy Eye Trend for Your Eye Shape
The foxy eye trend, inspired by the lifted, almond-shaped eyes of foxes, has taken the beauty world by storm. However, achieving this look isn’t one-size-fits-all. To rock the trend confidently, it’s crucial to adapt techniques to complement your unique eye shape. Here’s how to tailor the foxy eye effect for different eye types!
1. Almond Eyes: Enhance Your Natural Shape
If you have naturally almond-shaped eyes, you’re already halfway to the foxy look! Focus on elongating the outer corners to amplify the lifted effect. Use a thin, sharp eyeliner to extend the wing slightly upward, following your eye’s natural contour. Add a touch of shimmer eyeshadow to the inner corners and a matte shade in the crease for depth. Avoid overly thick lines, as they can overwhelm your balanced shape.
2. Round Eyes: Create an Elongated Illusion
For round eyes, the goal is to create a longer, more angular appearance. Start by applying eyeliner close to the lash line, thickening it toward the outer third of the eye. Extend the wing diagonally upward and outward—this helps “pull” the eye shape sideways. Use a dark eyeshadow to blend along the lower lash line’s outer half, avoiding the inner corner. Pair with false lashes concentrated on the outer edges for added drama.
3. Hooded Eyes: Focus on Visible Lid Space
Hooded eyes often have less visible lid area, so strategy is key. Opt for a batwing eyeliner: draw the wing with your eyes open to ensure it remains visible when your eyes are relaxed. Keep the liner thin near the inner corner and gradually thicken it toward the outer edge. Apply a lighter shade on the mobile lid and a deeper color slightly above the crease to create the illusion of height. Matte finishes work best to avoid emphasizing texture.
4. Monolid Eyes: Play with Depth and Graphic Lines
Monolid eyes can shine with the foxy trend by emphasizing dimension. Use a gradient eyeshadow technique—darkest at the outer corner and blended inward. A sharp, upward-flicked eyeliner will add lift, though you might extend the wing higher than usual for visibility. Consider a double-winged liner or graphic shapes to enhance the lifted effect. Highlight the brow bone and inner corners to draw attention upward.
5. Downturned Eyes: Lift and Redirect
Downturned eyes naturally tilt downward at the outer corners. To counteract this, “map” your wing by drawing it slightly above your natural eye line. Angle the wing toward the tail of your brow for a subtle lift. Use a light-colored eyeshadow on the center of the lid and a darker shade on the outer V to create depth. Tightline the upper waterline with black liner to add definition without weighing down the shape.
Pro Tip: No matter your eye shape, well-groomed brows are essential! A slightly arched brow enhances the foxy effect by framing the eyes and reinforcing the upward lift. Use a brow gel or pencil to sculpt your natural shape, avoiding overly rounded or flat arches.
Remember, the foxy eye trend is about enhancing your natural beauty, not masking it. Experiment with these tweaks, and don’t be afraid to adjust angles or intensity until you find your perfect balance!
