Cat Eyeliner 101: How to Create a Classic Cat Eye

If you’ve ever envied the fierce flicks and sultry stares of Hollywood starlets, it’s time to unleash your inner cat-eye queen. That’s right, we’re diving into the world of the timeless cat eye makeup trend, where precision meets glamour, and every brush swipe holds the power to transform your look from meow to wow.

Before you go on a wild shopping spree, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide on creating the perfect cat eye that won’t smudge or fade. So grab your liquid liners and sharpen those pencils because it’s time to create a captivating look that’s always on trend.

The Origin of Eyeliner

Eyeliner has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia were among the first to embrace eyeliner as a cosmetic staple.

• Eyeliner in ancient Egypt: In ancient Egypt, eyeliner was regularly used for beauty and also had religious and medicinal significance. They used a substance called kohl, made from a mixture of lead, copper, and other ingredients. The Egyptians popularized the iconic cat eye look with their distinctive elongated winged liner.
• Eyeliner in ancient Mesopotamia: Mesopotamians also used eyeliner, but their style differed slightly from the Egyptians. Instead of a winged look, they created a thick line along the upper and lower lash lines. They used a substance called antimony, believed to have protective and healing properties.
• Influence of Hollywood icons: In the early 20th century, Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe popularized the cat eye look on the silver screen. Their glamorous and seductive makeup styles inspired women worldwide to embrace this timeless trend.
• Popularity in the 1950s and 1960s: The cat eye look gained significant popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, with icons like Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren sporting this fierce and alluring style. It became synonymous with femininity, sophistication, and confidence.

The Tools You’ll Need

Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s gather the essential tools and products you’ll need:

• Eyeliner: You can use liquid eyeliner, gel eyeliner, or pencil eyeliner, depending on your preference and skill level.
• Eyeshadow: Optional, but you can use eyeshadow as a base to help your eyeliner adhere and to blend out any mistakes.
• Eyeliner Brush: If you’re using gel or pencil eyeliner, a small angled eyeliner brush will be useful for precision.
• Q-Tips or Makeup Remover: These are handy for fixing smudges or mistakes.
• Eyelash Curler and Mascara: Curling your lashes and adding mascara will enhance the cat eye effect.
• Concealer: To clean up any uneven lines and make your cat eye crisp.

Now that you have your tools ready, let’s get started!

Step 1: Prime Your Eyelids

Start by applying an eyeshadow primer or a concealer on your eyelids. This will create a smooth canvas for your eyeliner and help it stay in place all day.

Step 2: Apply Eyeshadow (Optional)

To add depth to your cat eye, you can apply a neutral eyeshadow shade to your eyelids. This will create a nice contrast and make your eyeliner pop. Blend the eyeshadow well for a seamless look.

Step 3: Create the Wing

Now comes the most crucial part of the cat eye—the wing.

Follow these steps to create a perfect wing:

If using liquid eyeliner, start at the inner corner of your eye and draw a thin line close to your lash line. As you move towards the outer corner, gradually increase the thickness of the line. Picture an imaginary line extending from the outer corner of your eye towards your eyebrow. This is where your wing should point.

To create the wing, draw a diagonal line from the outer corner towards the imaginary line you just visualized. Connect the end of the wing to the rest of the liner, creating a triangle shape. Fill in the triangle and any gaps along your lash line.

If using gel or pencil eyeliner with an angled eyeliner brush, dip it into your chosen eyeliner. Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line from the inner corner. Extend the line outward, following the shape of your lower lash line. Connect the outer tip to your upper lash line to create a wing. Fill in the wing and any gaps along your lash line.

Step 4: Clean Up and Perfect

Use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover or concealer on a small brush to clean up any uneven lines or mistakes. This step is crucial for achieving a sharp and polished look.

Step 5: Curl Your Lashes and Apply Mascara

Using an eyelash curler, gently curl your lashes to open up your eyes. Then, apply mascara generously to both your upper and lower lashes. This will frame your eyes beautifully and complete the cat eye look.

Step 6: Optional Lower Lash Line

You can line your lower lash line with a pencil eyeliner for an extra touch of drama. Keep it relatively thin and close to the lash line to maintain the classic cat eye shape.

Step 7: Practice Makes Perfect

Creating a classic cat eye can be challenging, especially if you’re new to makeup. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few attempts to get it right. Practice makes perfect, and over time, you’ll become more confident and skilled at achieving the perfect cat eye flick.

Tips for Maintaining a Steady Hand

• Use Small Strokes: Don’t try to create the perfect line in one sweep. Use small strokes to build up the liner gradually.
• Experiment with angles: The angle and length of your wing can dramatically change the look of your cat eye. Experiment to find the style that suits you best.
• Don’t rush: Take your time and be patient. Rushing often leads to mistakes.
• Choose the right eyeliner: Different types of eyeliners have varying levels of precision and control. Choose one that you’re comfortable with.
• Set Your liner: If you’re concerned about smudging, you can set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow color. This will also make it last longer.

Mastering the classic cat eye is a skill every makeup enthusiast should have in their repertoire. It’s a versatile look that can be easily dressed up or down for any occasion. With the right tools and practice, you can create a flawless cat eye that enhances your eyes and adds a touch of elegance to your makeup routine. So, grab your eyeliner and start practicing—you’ll be a cat-eye pro in no time!