Cat Eyeliner Tricks to Make Your Eyes Look More Striking

The eyes are one of the most important parts of the human face, and how we adorn them is how we express ourselves to the world. Cat eyeliner has become one of the most popular makeup techniques, with its bold, swooping lines and dramatic effect. Cat eyeliner, or cat-eye makeup, dates back to the early 1950’s and the heyday of the classic Hollywood starlets. Today, it’s a timeless look that can be tailored to create numerous styles, from casual evening dinners to full-on glamour. This article will outline some of the best cat eyeliner tricks to make your eyes look more striking and confident.

What Is Cat Eye Makeup?

Cat eye makeup is a timeless look that takes its name from the feline-inspired shape it creates around the eyes. It usually involves a black, smoky pencil liner, extending away from the eye in an elongated, lined shape. To create a more defined look, some people may use a liquid or gel liner, which allows for greater precision when creating longer, more intricate lines.

Cat eye makeup can be used to create a variety of looks. Depending on the look you’re going for, the cat eye can be done with a subtle hint of color or a very dramatic, striking look with heavy black liner. The most basic look involves drawing a thick line on the upper eyelid, extending it outward and slightly upward to create a subtle cat eye. This can be worn as a daily look or it can be made more bold or exotic by extending or accentuating the liner.

Achieving the Perfect Cat Eye Look

Looking your best in cat eyeliner can certainly be a challenge, but with the right techniques and a little bit of patience, you can easily achieve the perfect look. Here are the best cat eyeliner tricks for making your eyes look more striking.

Use a Liquid or Gel Eyeliner: For a more dramatic look, a smoky liquid or gel eyeliner is the way to go. Using a liquid eyeliner will give you more control and allow you to create longer lines.
Get the Right Brushes: When using a gel or liquid eyeliner, make sure you have the right brushes. A stiff angle brush will give you precise control and allow you to create thicker lines.
Prep Your Eyelids: Prep your eyelids before you start. Use an eye cream to hydrate and moisturize the skin, as well as to decrease the chance of eyeliner smudging.
Start with the Outer Corners: Start your application from the outside corner of your eye and work your way inwards. This will give you more precise control and will allow you to create seamless lines.
Tweeze Away the Hairs: Take a tweezer or mustache comb and lightly brush away any stray hairs from the corners of your eyes. This will help the liner blend more evenly and create a smoother line.
Follow Your Natural Lash Line: Follow your natural lash line when applying the liner to avoid creating a heavy, artificial look. Start by drawing a thin line that follows the shape of your eye and make it thicker after each application.
Smudge the Liner: Once the liner is applied, use your finger or a soft brush to smudge the line a little bit. This will soften the edges and create a more natural, subtle look.
Finish with Mascara: Finally, use mascara to finish the look. Mascara will add some extra definition to your eyes and complete the cat eye look.

Tips for Making Cat Eyeliner Last Longer

Once you’ve perfected the cat eyeliner look, the last thing you want is for it to fade or smudge throughout the day. Here are some tips for making your eyeliner last longer:

Choose the Right Formulation: Make sure you’re using the right formulation for your eyeliner. If you’re looking for something long-lasting, opt for a waterproof or smudge-proof liner.
Set with Setting Spray: After you’ve applied your cat eyeliner, set it with a setting spray to help it stay in place all day.
Use an Eyelid Primer: Before applying your eyeliner, use an eyelid primer. This will give you a smooth base and help your eyeliner to last longer.
Seal with Setting Powder: Once you’ve finished applying your cat eye makeup, use a setting powder to help it last longer. This will help to keep your makeup in place and reduce smudging or creasing.
Start with a Clean Eye: Before applying your cat eyeliner, make sure your eye area is clean and free of any residue from other products. This will help the liner blend better and last longer.

Cat eyeliner is one of the most classic and timeless makeup looks that have been around for decades. It has the power to instantly make your eyes look more striking and confident. While it may take some practice to perfect, with the right tools, tools and tricks, you can easily master the cat eye look. From prepping your eyelids to ensuring that your eyeliner lasts, these tips should give you a good foundation to create a beautiful, dramatic look.