Cat Eye Makeup: Classic and Bold Styles You Need to Try
The cat eye makeup is a timeless classic in the beauty world, known for its ability to enhance and dramatize the eyes. Over the years, the technique has evolved, giving rise to bold variations that offer unique twists on the original style. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle, everyday look or something more experimental, there’s a cat eye style for every occasion.
Below, we explore the different ways you can master this iconic makeup technique, from the classic to more daring and creative approaches.
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Classic Cat Eye
The classic cat eye is perhaps the most universally recognized makeup style. It involves drawing a clean, sharp line along the upper lash line and extending it outward, creating a flick at the outer corner of the eye that mimics the shape of a cat’s eye. This timeless look adds drama and sophistication, making it perfect for both day and night.
The technique is relatively simple: Start by drawing a thin line close to your upper lash line. Then, with your eyes open and looking straight ahead, determine the angle at which you want the wing to extend. Draw a straight line from the outer corner of your eye and connect it back to the lash line. This style can be adjusted based on your eye shape, making it versatile for anyone.
Reverse Cat Eye
The reverse cat eye is a fresh take on the traditional look, shifting the focus to the lower lash line. This variation creates a smoky, sultry effect by extending the liner outward from the bottom corner of the eye.
Popularized on platforms like TikTok, this trend adds a bold, edgy vibe to any makeup look.
To achieve this style, start by applying a neutral-toned eyeshadow to your upper lid. Then, use a black gel liner on your waterline and extend it toward the outer corner of the eye, creating a wing. The key here is to blend the liner with a brush, creating a smudged, yet polished finish.
The result is an inverted feline look that emphasizes the lower lash line in a way that feels modern and bold.
Winged Liner
Winged liner is a close cousin to the classic cat eye, but with a more prominent, dramatic wing. This style adds a more exaggerated flick at the end, which can be tailored to your mood or occasion.
The process involves applying the liner in small strokes, gradually building up the wing for more control.
For hooded or downturned eyes, the winged liner is especially useful as it helps lift the outer corners of the eye. A common technique is to use the lower lash line as a guide for the angle of the wing, ensuring that it lifts the eye shape rather than dragging it down.
Whether you’re going for a subtle or bold effect, this style is all about achieving a sharp, defined look.
Smudged Cat Eye
For those looking for something less precise and more effortlessly cool, the smudged cat eye offers a softer, smokier alternative. This style involves using a kohl pencil to draw a cat eye and then blending it out with an angled brush for a diffused, slightly undone look.
Start by applying the kohl pencil close to the lash line, creating a wing as you would with a classic cat eye. Then, using a blending brush, smudge the liner outward in smooth motions to create a soft, blurred edge.
The result is a sultry, smoky eye that’s perfect for evening events or when you want a more relaxed, yet impactful, makeup look.
Graphic Eyeliner
Graphic eyeliner takes the cat eye to an entirely new level, incorporating geometric shapes, bold lines, and pops of color. This avant-garde style has gained popularity thanks to influencers and shows like Euphoria, where makeup is seen as an art form and a tool for self-expression.
To create a graphic cat eyeliner makeup look, the emphasis is on sharp, clean lines that frame the eye in an artistic way. Makeup artists recommend starting with a liquid or gel liner to map out the design, which can range from thick, exaggerated wings to more intricate patterns.
Precision and symmetry are key to mastering this style, but with a bit of practice, it’s an eye-catching trend anyone can experiment with.
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