A classic and refined look that instantly elevates your style is cat eye makeup. Whether you’re dressing for an elegant evening event or a laid-back daytime out, it’s a popular option. Professionals and makeup enthusiasts alike love the cat eye because of its dramatic flair and well-defined lines.
Don’t worry if you’ve always admired this look but were put off by its accuracy—making the ideal cat eye is simpler than it looks. A steady hand, the appropriate equipment, and some practice can help anyone become proficient in this timeless look. It all comes down to figuring out which technique is best for you and making little tweaks as you go.
We’ll break down how to get a perfect cat eye in this guide. You can create a gorgeous cat eye look that complements the shape and style of your face with our comprehensive guide, which includes everything from the best eyeliner to tips on creating those sleek, winged lines. Now let’s get going!
Basic rules of cat eye makeup:
Traditionally, dark tones are used for cat eye makeup. This usually draws attention to all of the skin’s imperfections and unevenness. Because of this, the skin needs to be properly prepped for makeup. Make sure your skin tone is perfect before applying eye makeup.
Since cat eye makeup is all about the eyes, the area beneath the eyes needs to be prepped as well. Use liquid concealer to cover up minor bruises and signs of sleep deprivation in order to achieve this. Here, we’ve already covered how to conceal signs of exhaustion.
Do you feel that this makeup is too much for you? Not at all! Just remember these aspects of your facial structure when applying such makeup:
- If you have close-set eyes, you can visually increase the distance between them by drawing the arrow not from the inner corner of the eye, but slightly retreating to the outer corner. It is better not to line the lower eyelid.
- Widely spaced eyes need to be visually brought closer to the nose. To do this, draw the arrow to the border of the inner corner of the eye. The arrow on the lower eyelid can also be drawn a little closer to the nose.
- If you have round eyes, draw a thin arrow on the upper eyelid, without emphasizing the lower eyelid. Narrow eyes will visually “open” wide arrows on the upper eyelid, tapering to the outer corner of the eye.
- For small eyes, use a soft eye pencil instead of eyeliner. You should also avoid clear lines and dark shades.
How to avoid mistakes when doing cat eye makeup?
If you’ve chosen to apply cat eye makeup on your own, here are some pointers to help you avoid making mistakes:
Put the hand you are using to hold the pencil or eyeliner down on your elbow on the table. If your hand is hanging, it might tremble at the most important time, making it impossible for you to draw anything, not even arrows.
The arrow should appear to "grow" from the lash line and not start off extremely sharp.
The arrow should be thinner the closer it is to the inner corner of the eye. As it gets closer to the outer edge of the eyelid, the line may get thicker.
You won’t likely apply flawless makeup on your first try. You should practice multiple times first. You used the wrong colors if, even after this, you are unable to apply makeup that looks good.
Like any makeup application, choosing the right shades is crucial when applying cat eye makeup. How do I locate the appropriate ones?
Gold and brown tones work best on girls with brown eyes. Brown eyeliner and mascara work well on blondes, but black mascara works best on brunettes.
Green-eyed girls can play around with a violet-lilac range, as well as emerald and olive shadows.
Girls with blue eyes will look good in a black and white palette, where using a few gradations of gray is acceptable.
Smoky eye makeup and cat eye makeup are frequently confused. While the end result might be comparable, the methods used are entirely different. The primary distinction is that while the lines in cat eye are either barely shaded or remain completely clear, in smoky ice the pencil and shadows are meticulously shaded.
If you want to look like a bold hooligan for a photo shoot, party, or whatever occasion, follow our photo tutorial to create a basic yet vibrant cat eye makeup look that reflects the newest catwalk styles.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids for a smooth base. |
| 2 | Use a neutral eyeshadow shade over the entire lid to create a base color. |
| 3 | Choose a darker shade and apply it to the crease for depth. |
| 4 | Take a liquid or gel eyeliner and draw a thin line along your upper lash line. |
| 5 | Extend the line outward, creating a wing for that cat-eye effect. |
| 6 | Fill in the wing and ensure it"s even on both eyes. |
| 7 | Apply mascara to your lashes for a finished look. |
Getting the ideal cat eye makeup look can be enjoyable and satisfying. You can achieve that iconic, sharp winged liner that instantly amplifies any look with a few easy steps and practice. Every eye shape and style can be complemented by cat eye makeup, whether you like a bold, elongated wing or a subtle flick.
For maximum longevity of your eyeliner, start with a primed and clean eyelid. Whether you use a liquid, gel, or pen, using a high-quality eyeliner will streamline the application process and help you get a more accurate line. Don’t worry if you make a mistake; all you need is some cotton swabs and makeup remover to do quick fixes.
Try varying the wing’s length, thickness, and angle to see what best accentuates your eyes. Above all, exercise patience. It might take some practice to get the hang of the cat eye, but with each try, you’ll get better and more assured of your abilities.
So go ahead and try the cat eye and see how it changes the way you look. It’s a makeup classic for good reason, and with a little work, you can make it a regular fixture in your routine.
Finding the ideal balance between accuracy and audacity is key to doing flawless cat eye makeup. This classic style, which is distinguished by a smooth, upward wing at the outer corner of the eye, can add a dash of drama and elegance to your appearance in an instant. Whether you’re a makeup novice or expert, you can pull off this classic look with a few easy steps: starting with the right eyeliner, applying it steadily, and understanding how to fix errors.
