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Creating a classic eye look, cat eye makeup poses challenges for many. The trickiness lies in adjusting the application and placement to match your eye shape. Working with your unique features becomes essential. Cat eyeliner, especially, is known for its difficulty, leading to the existence of winged eyeliner stamps and stencils. However, armed with your preferred gel eyeliner, angled brush, eyeliner pencil, or waterproof liquid liner, you can design a custom eyeliner look that complements your natural eye shape. Just keep makeup remover and cotton swabs handy to correct any mistakes along the path to achieving the perfect cat eye.
How to Do Cat Eye Makeup in 5 Steps
A cat eye is similar to a winged liner, but usually with a thicker wing that includes both the top and bottom lash line. Here’s how to do a basic cat eye:
Step 1:
Begin by prepping the eye area. Apply concealer or eyeshadow primer under your eyes and on the eyelids to achieve a smooth and even base for your makeup. This will also help your makeup adhere better. Optionally, curl your eyelashes for an added lift. Keep concealer nearby to easily correct any mistakes during the process.
Step 2:
If you prefer, apply eyeshadow on top of the prepped base. For a striking cat eye, opt for a more subtle eyeshadow shade to make your eyeliner stand out. Alternatively, for a glamorous look, go for a darker shade if you’re combining a smoky eye with your cat eye. This will enhance the overall effect and create a captivating appearance.
Step 3:
Create the first line of the cat eye by drawing a short, thin line from the outer corner of your eye up towards the end of your eyebrow at a 45-degree angle. This angle generally suits most eye shapes, but check below to see if you need to adjust it. If you find it challenging to achieve a smooth line freehand, consider making a series of small dots and then connecting them. Alternatively, use a piece of tape, a stencil, or even a credit card as a guide to assist you in getting the perfect angle and shape.
Step 4:
Line the lash lines with liquid eyeliner. Start by drawing a thin line across your upper eyelid, following the natural curve of your upper lash line from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eye. Repeat the process for the lower lash line, ensuring a precise and defined look. The liquid eyeliner will help create the classic cat eye shape, emphasizing the wings and completing the overall appearance.
Step 5:
Build out the lash lines by connecting the wing you created in the previous step to both your upper and lower lash lines with smooth, curved lines. This will give your cat eye a cohesive and polished appearance. If there are any gaps in the eyeliner, fill them in with more eyeliner to ensure a seamless and flawless finish. Take your time to refine the shape until you achieve the desired look, and your cat eye makeup will be ready to mesmerize!
Different Types of Cat Eye Makeup Looks:
Once you’ve mastered the classic cat eye, don’t hesitate to experiment with various styles to suit your preferences. Here are some options to consider:
1. Smokey cat eye:
- Create the cat eye using a smudgeable pencil.
- Use a brush to smudge and soften the line while maintaining the flick shape.
- Apply the pencil liner to the lower lash line and smudge it as well.
- Enhance the flick by applying concealer underneath for a sultry, feline appearance.
2. Eyeshadow:
Add a little something extra. Go the long mile and apply some eyeshadow.
- Apply eyeshadow and blend it well.
- Create the cat eye with your preferred eyeliner. It’s as easy as that!
3. Bright Semi-Smokey:
For those who prefer a black cat eye but want to add a splash of color, this option allows you to play with different shades.
- Create the classic cat eye as you normally would.
- Add a fun bright color of your choice, such as bright blue, to your eyeliner.
- Apply the bright color along your bottom lash line for a stylish smokey effect. There you have it, a vibrant and eye-catching cat eye!
4. Glitter cat eye:
Pop some glitter under the eyes to make it stand out.
- Create a classic cat eye using eyeliner.
- Add a smokey effect by using brown eyeshadow near the lower lash line as a base.
- Opt for a glitter liner or use glitter pigment with a fine brush if you don’t have one.
- Apply the glitter under the eyelashes to create a bright and sparkly look that’s sure to catch everyone’s attention!
How to Do a Cat Eye for 9 Different Eye Shapes:
1. Tips for Deep-Set Eyes
For those with deep-set eyes and a strong brow bone that may hide their eye makeup, these tips can help enhance the look. To make your eye makeup visible when looking straight-on, opt for a thicker line of eyeliner. Start with a thinner line on the inner halves of your eyes, gradually thickening it towards the outer halves. Accentuate the outer corners with slightly thicker eyeliner and eyeshadow to draw attention to that area and create a more lifted appearance. Curl your lashes to open up your eyes, then finish with a coat of mascara or try false eyelashes for added definition. Avoid heavy under-eye makeup, as it can accentuate the depth of your eyes, and instead, use a light concealer to brighten the area if needed. Feel free to experiment with these techniques to find what works best for your unique features.
2. Tips for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes share similarities with deep-set eyes but have an additional layer of skin over the brow bone, creating a slight slope or overhang that obscures the crease and eyelid. When working with hooded eyes, it’s essential to adjust your winged eyeliner technique. Start the wing tip at the beginning of your hood, ensuring that the wing will be visible even when your eyes are open. After drawing the initial 45-degree wing line, consider adding a diagonal line from the inner corner of the wing line down to your upper lash line, forming an upside-down checkmark at the outer corner of your eye. This checkmark can serve as a guide to ensure your eyeliner is correctly placed within your hooded eye area. If you can’t see the entirety of the checkmark, your lines may be too deep inside your hood. Use this technique to confidently build out your eyeliner, adapting it to suit your unique hooded eye shape.
3. Tips for Wide Set Eyes
To complement wide-set eyes, opt for shorter and upward-facing wings, as extra-long wings may further emphasize the distance between the eyes. When lining the inner lash lines, ensure that the two lines meet at the inner corner of the eye and consider extending that line slightly for better balance. For added drama, make your eyeliner thicker in the center and inner corner of your lash lines, gradually tapering it out towards the ends. This technique can create a visually appealing effect, drawing attention to the center of your eyes and balancing the overall look for wide-set eyes.
4. Tips for Close Set Eyes
To complement close-set eyes, consider extending the wings of your eyeliner outward and keeping them relatively horizontal, avoiding a 45-degree angle. When lining the waterline or lashline, refrain from bringing the lines to meet at the inner corner of the eyes. Instead, focus on accentuating the outer corners of the eyes to create a more balanced appearance. Alternatively, you can start your eyeliner in the middle of your eye to give the illusion of wider spacing. Brighten up the inner corners of your eyes and your brow bone with a touch of highlighter or concealer to open up the area. For a striking look, experiment with a double wing, featuring two sets of parallel wings – one extending from the upper lash line and the other from the lower lash line. This style can add a unique touch and enhance the allure of close-set eyes.
5. Tips for Small Eyes
Avoid tight, precise lines that can make your eyes look smaller. Opt for a smoky cat eye by smudging pencil eyeliner or using a liquid eyeshadow with an eyeliner brush. Experiment with colored eyeliners in metallic or glittery shades to reflect light and add dimension to your eyes, instead of using the standard black eyeliner.
6. Tips for Almond Eyes
For those with round or almond-shaped eyes, most eyeliner methods will work well for your eye shape (lucky you!). Keep the eyeliner thin until you reach the outer third of the eye, where you can begin creating your wing. Follow your natural eye shape and gradually build thickness towards the outside of the eye for a flattering look.
7. Tips for Upturned Eyes
Upturned eyes are perfect for a cat eye look as you can effortlessly achieve a classic wing by following the natural upward curve of your bottom lash line. Feel free to experiment with both thicker and thinner winged eyeliner styles to find the one that best suits your preference and complements your eye shape beautifully.
8. Tips for Downturned Eyes
To flatter downturned eyes, begin your winged eyeliner at the middle of your eye, and angle the wing at 45 degrees from the corner of your eye towards your eyebrow. Keep the wing short and leave the bottom lash line bare to create a lifted and uplifted appearance. This technique will help enhance your eye shape and accentuate your natural beauty.
9. Tips for Monolids
Monolids are characterized by the absence of a crease, making it essential to apply eyeliner very closely to the lash line or tightlined (applied directly between the eyelashes) for visibility. To achieve a more dramatic look, consider a thicker coating of liner near the middle of your eye, coupled with a shorter wing that starts just before the corner of your eye. This technique will accentuate your eyes and create a striking appearance that complements the unique beauty of monoids.
Tips To Be Followed While Applying Cat Eye Makeup
Here are some helpful tips to follow while applying cat eye makeup:
- Avoid pulling the skin near your brow bone when creating the flick. This can distort the shape and ruin the look.
- Look down while applying the eyeliner to ensure a smooth canvas for precise application.
- Invest in a makeup mirror to focus on the small details and achieve a polished look.
- Use a vanity or dressing table for application to maintain a good body position. Resting your elbow on the table will give you a steadier hand and result in a smoother outcome.
The classic cat eye look is adored by many and is universally flattering. While perfecting this eyeliner technique may seem daunting, it’s actually easier than it appears with a bit of patience and practice. To help you achieve the look effortlessly, check out the following infographic featuring the easiest cat eye makeup tutorial. If you want to add a unique twist to your look, consider trying white contacts for a bold and striking appearance. With these simple steps, you’ll be rocking a flawless cat eye in no time!
In conclusion, mastering the classic cat eye makeup is achievable with some patience and practice. This iconic eyeliner technique is a cult favorite for a reason, as it looks stunning on everyone. By following the step-by-step tutorial provided in the infographic, you can easily achieve the desired cat eye look. Remember, it’s all about taking your time and experimenting to find the perfect winged eyeliner style that suits your unique features. So, go ahead and embrace the art of cat eye makeup to add a touch of glamour and allure to your overall look!
