Tips on Perfecting Your Cat Eye

Do you struggle with getting the perfect cat eye? You’re not alone! The cat eye is a classic and timeless makeup look that adds instant glamour to any outfit. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or an experienced beauty enthusiast, perfecting the cat eye technique can be challenging. But fear not, we’re here to help! In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect cat eye, as well as tips from professional makeup artists. So grab your eyeliner and let’s get started!

What is a Cat Eye?

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of creating the perfect cat eye, let’s first understand what it is. A cat eye, also known as winged eyeliner, is a makeup technique that creates a dramatic, elongated shape around the eye. It involves drawing a precise line along the upper lash line and extending it outward, creating a wing-like effect. The cat eye can vary in thickness and length, depending on your preference and the shape of your eye.

How to Create the Perfect Cat Eye

Now that you know what a cat eye is, let’s discuss how to create the perfect one. To begin, make sure you have a steady hand and a high-quality eyeliner. There are various types of eyeliners available, such as liquid eyeliner, gel eyeliner, and pencil eyeliner. Choose the one that you feel most comfortable using and suits your desired outcome. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Prep your eyes: Before applying any makeup, it’s essential to prepare your eyes. Start by cleansing your face and applying a moisturizer or eye cream. This will ensure that your skin is smooth and hydrated, providing the perfect canvas for your cat eye.

2. Choose the right angle: To create a precise cat eye, you need to determine the angle at which you want the wing to extend. Using a straight edge, such as a small makeup brush or a piece of tape, align it from the outer corner of your eye to the end of your eyebrow. This will give you a guideline to follow when applying the eyeliner.

3. Draw the line: Starting from the inner corner of your eye, draw a thin line along your upper lash line. Use short, feathery strokes to create a smooth and even line. Once you reach the outer corner, gradually thicken the line and extend it upward following the angle you determined earlier.

Tips from Professional Makeup Artists

Creating the perfect cat eye can be daunting, but professional makeup artists have some tricks up their sleeves to make it easier. Here are a few tips from the experts:

– Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes suggests using a gel eyeliner and an angled brush to create the perfect cat eye. The gel formula provides more control and precision, allowing you to create a crisp line with ease.

– Makeup artist Nikki DeRoest recommends using an eyeshadow brush to soften the edges of your cat eye. This will give a more diffused and blended look, perfect for a subtle and everyday cat eye.

– Makeup artist Pat McGrath suggests starting with a thin line and gradually building it up. This will prevent any mistakes and allow you to achieve a flawless cat eye.

Choosing the Right Eyeliner for Your Cat Eye

The type of eyeliner you use can greatly impact the outcome of your cat eye. Here are a few options to consider:

– Liquid eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner is known for its intense pigmentation and long-lasting formula. It typically comes with a fine brush or felt tip, allowing for precise application. Liquid eyeliner is perfect for achieving sharp and dramatic cat eyes.

– Gel eyeliner: Gel eyeliner comes in a pot and needs to be applied with a brush. Its creamy texture glides smoothly onto the eyelids, making it easy to create a clean line. Gel eyeliner is great for those who prefer a softer, smudged cat eye look.

– Pencil eyeliner: Pencil eyeliner is the most beginner-friendly option. Its soft texture makes it easy to apply, and it can be smudged for a more effortless look. However, keep in mind that pencil eyeliner may not give you the same precision as liquid or gel eyeliner.

Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the Perfect Cat Eye

Preparing Your Eyes for Makeup

Before diving into the cat eye application process, it’s essential to prepare your eyes. Follow these steps to ensure your eyes are in prime condition:

1. Cleanse your face: Start by cleansing your face and removing any makeup residue. This will allow the makeup to adhere better to your skin and prevent any smudging or creasing.

2. Moisturize: Apply a hydrating eye cream or moisturizer to your eye area. This will keep your skin moisturized, preventing any dry patches or flakiness.

3. Prime your lids: Use an eyeshadow primer or a small amount of foundation/concealer on your eyelids. This will create a smooth and even base for your eyeshadow and eyeliner and also help prolong the wear of your makeup.

Not all cat eye techniques are one-size-fits-all. The shape of your eyes plays a significant role in determining the most flattering cat eye shape for you. Here are a few techniques suited for different eye shapes:

– Hooded eyes: If you have hooded eyes, where the crease is less visible, focus on creating a thinner, more subtle cat eye. Keep the wing short and close to the lash line, extending it slightly upwards to lift the eyes.

– Almond eyes: Almond-shaped eyes are considered the ideal shape for a cat eye. Embrace the winged liner look by creating a bold and elongated wing, following the natural shape of your eyes.

– Round eyes: To elongate round eyes, create a cat eye with a more pronounced and extended wing. Keep the line thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken it towards the outer corner, extending it beyond the lash line.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While practicing the cat eye technique, it’s common to make a few mistakes. Here are some common errors to avoid and how to fix them:

– Uneven wings: If your wings are not symmetrical, don’t panic. Take a cotton swab or a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover and gently adjust the shape. Once you’re happy with the symmetry, go over the line with your eyeliner again to intensify the color.

– Smudged eyeliner: If your eyeliner smudges after application, make sure to set it with an eyeshadow of the same color. Using an angled brush, lightly press the eyeshadow over the eyeliner to lock it in place.

– Thick and chunky line: If your line ends up thicker than intended, use a concealer or foundation on a small brush to clean up the edges. This will create a sharp, precise line.

Enhancing Your Cat Eye Look with Eye Makeup

Adding Eyeshadow to Your Cat Eye

Once you’ve mastered the art of creating the perfect cat eye, you can take it a step further by adding eyeshadow. Here’s how to incorporate eyeshadow into your cat eye look:

1. Apply a base shade: Start by applying a neutral-colored eyeshadow all over your lids. This will create a seamless and blended look.

2. Define the crease: Use a slightly darker eyeshadow shade to define your eye crease. Blend it lightly using a fluffy eyeshadow brush to create depth and dimension.

3. Highlight the brow bone: Apply a shimmery or matte highlight shade to your brow bone to lift and brighten the area.

Tips for Applying Mascara to Complement Your Cat Eye

Mascara is the finishing touch to any eye makeup look, and it plays a vital role in complementing your cat eye. Here are some tips for applying mascara to enhance your cat eye:

– Curl your lashes: Before applying mascara, use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes. This will open up your eyes and help the lashes blend seamlessly with the cat eye.

– Apply mascara to both upper and lower lashes: To balance out the look, apply mascara to both your upper and lower lashes. This will create a cohesive and polished appearance.

– Layer your mascara: For an extra voluminous look, apply multiple coats of mascara. Wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes and then slowly pull it upward to add length and volume.

Creating Different Eye Makeup Looks with a Cat Eye

A cat eye is a versatile technique that can be incorporated into various eye makeup looks. Here are a few ideas to experiment with: