Cat eye makeup is one of the most timeless and complicated beauty trends. This classic eyeliner technique has been popular in the beauty world for many years. It adds depth, drama, and elegance to any look. You can choose a subtle flick or a bold wing.
Mastering the cat eye can improve your makeup skills. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to achieve the perfect cat eye.
What Is Cat Eye Makeup?
Cat eye makeup look is all about creating an elongated eye shape with a lifted outer corner using eyeliner. This technique goes back to ancient Egypt.
Women used kohl to highlight their eyes. It made their eyes look like the sacred cats of that time. Today, the cat eye remains a go-to makeup look for its ability to make the eyes appear bigger, sharper, and more defined.
Must-Haves for a Perfect Cat Eye
To create the perfect cat eye, you’ll need the right tools and products. Here’s what should be in your makeup bag:
- Eyeliner – Choose between pencil, gel, felt-tip, or liquid eyeliner depending on your skill level and desired intensity.
- Eyeshadow – Neutral and darker shades can help enhance the shape of your eyes.
- Primer – Helps prevent smudging and ensures long-lasting wear.
- Mascara – Adds volume and definition to your lashes, complementing the cat eye look.
- Cotton Swabs & Micellar Water – Useful for cleaning up any mistakes and achieving a sharp wing.
- Makeup Mirror! – The right mirror allows you to see every detail, making it easier to create a sleek, defined cat eye.
How to Make Easy Cat Eye Makeup: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cat eye:
Step 1: Prep Your Eyes
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply an eyeshadow primer or a thin layer of foundation over your eyelids to create a smooth base. This helps prevent creasing and extends the wear of your eyeliner.
Step 2: Map Out Your Wing
Using a pencil liner or an angled brush with eyeshadow, lightly sketch the shape of your wing. A helpful trick is to place a piece of tape at the outer corner of your eye as a guide for a sharp, clean wing.
Step 3: Draw the Wing
Start at the outer corner of your eye and draw a small line angled upward toward the tail of your brow. The length and thickness of the wing depend on the look you want. You can choose long and sharp for a dramatic cat eye makeup effect. Or, you can go for short and soft for a more natural style.
Step 4: Line Your Upper Lash Line
Connect the wing to your upper lash line by drawing a smooth, even line from the inner corner outward. Make sure there are no gaps between the liner and your lashes for a seamless look.
Step 5: Perfect the Shape
Once you’ve created the desired shape, go over the liner to darken and refine the edges. Use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to clean up any mistakes and sharpen the wing.
Step 6: Apply Mascara and Finish Your Look
Complete your cat eye with a few coats of mascara to enhance your lashes. If desired, apply false lashes for extra volume and drama.
Adjusting Cat Eye Makeup for Different Eye Shapes
Every eye shape requires slight adjustments to achieve the most flattering cat eye. Here’s how to tailor the look based on your eye shape:
- Hooded Eyes – Create a slightly thicker wing so that it remains visible when your eyes are open. A "bat wing" technique can help prevent the liner from disappearing into the crease.
- Round Eyes – Extend the liner outward rather than upward to elongate the eye shape.
- Monolid Eyes – Opt for a bold, straight wing to add definition and create the illusion of depth.
- Downturned Eyes – Focus on lifting the outer corners by angling the wing slightly upward.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even experienced makeup lovers can make mistakes when applying cat eyes makeup. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Uneven Wings – Use tape as a guide or step back from the mirror to check symmetry before finalizing your look.
- Liner That Smudges – Set your liner with a matching eyeshadow or use a waterproof formula for longer wear.
- If your liner is too thick, use a small brush with concealer or micellar water to clean the edges.
- Skipping Primer – Always apply a primer or a light layer of powder to prevent smudging and creasing.
Day vs. Night Cat Eye Makeup
The cat eye look is incredibly versatile, and you can adjust it based on the occasion:
- Daytime Look – Keep it soft with a brown or gray liner and a slightly smudged wing for a natural effect.
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Evening Look – Go for a smokey cat eye makeup with intense black wing, glittering eyeshadow, and voluminous lashes.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the cat eye takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a go-to look for any occasion. You can choose a subtle flick or a bold wing.
This classic eyeliner technique makes your eyes stand out. It also adds elegance to your makeup routine. Experiment with different styles, colors, and liner formulas to find the perfect cat eye that suits you best.
Are you ready to perfect your cat eye? Grab your eyeliner and start practicing!
