The cat eye is a timeless makeup look that exudes confidence, sophistication, and a touch of mystery. It’s no wonder this iconic style remains a favorite among beauty lovers and makeup artists alike. While the sleek, winged liner might look intimidating to achieve, with the right tools and techniques, you can master it like a pro. This guide offers step-by-step instructions, expert advice, and product recommendations to help you create a flawless cat eye with liquid eyeliner.

Step 1: Prep Your Canvas

Preparation is key to achieving makeup that not only looks great but also lasts all day. Before applying liquid liner, ensure your eyelids are ready to serve as the perfect canvas.

Start with a Clean Base

  • Gently cleanse your eyelids to remove any residual oils or makeup. This prevents smudging and ensures your eyeliner glides on seamlessly.
  • Use a lightweight eye primer (e.g., Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion) to create a smooth surface for liner application. A primer also helps your liner stay in place.

Optional Step: Eyeshadow First

If you’re planning to wear eyeshadow, apply it before your eyeliner. Neutral tones can create a soft base for a classic look, or you can add drama with bold, smoky hues.

Pro Tip: Use a matte eyeshadow on the crease and a slightly shimmery shade on the lid to enhance your eye shape without overpowering the liner.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tools

The star of this look is, of course, your liquid eyeliner. Selecting the right product is essential for precision and control.

Best Liquid Eyeliners for a Cat Eye

  • Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner: Perfect for beginners, this liner offers a precise tip and long-lasting formula.
  • Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen: A high-end dual-ended liner that delivers unparalleled precision and intensity.
  • Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner: Known for its ultra-black pigmentation and smooth application.

Additional Tools

  • Angled Makeup Brush (optional): Helps clean up lines or smudge liner for a softer look.
  • Micellar Water and Cotton Swabs: Essential for fixing any uneven edges.

Step 3: Map Your Shape

Creating a cat eye begins with understanding the best angle and shape for your unique eye structure. This step ensures symmetry and guides your application.

Find Your Wing Angle

  • Hold a makeup brush or pencil diagonally from the outer corner of your nostril to the outer edge of your eyebrow. This line marks the natural angle for your wing.
  • If you prefer a more lifted look, tilt the line toward the temple. For a softer, elongated wing, keep the angle slightly flatter.

Lightly Sketch the Wing

  • Use the very tip of your liner or a pencil eyeliner to mark where your wing will end. Start small—you can always extend it later.

Pro Tip: Beginners can gently press a piece of tape along the lower lash line toward the temple, creating a stencil for a sharp, clean wing.

Step 4: Draw the Cat Eye

The fun begins as you bring your cat eye to life. Follow these simple steps for a flawless application.

Step 1: Start with the Lash Line

  • Begin at the inner corner of your upper lash line. Using short, precise strokes, draw a thin line as close to the lash line as possible.
  • Gradually thicken the line as you move toward the outer corner of your eye.

Step 2: Create the Wing

  • Place the tip of your liner at the outer corner of your eye, aligning it with your earlier mark or guide.
  • Draw a small flick outward at the angle you’ve chosen. Start with a short wing—you can extend it as needed.

Step 3: Connect the Wing

  • Starting at the tip of the wing, draw a diagonal line back toward the outer corner of your lash line, creating a triangle shape.
  • Fill in the triangle with your liner for a bold, sharp wing.

Step 4: Refine the Details

  • Smooth out the line along your lash line to ensure it’s even and connected seamlessly to the wing.
  • Keep your hand steady by resting your elbow on a flat surface.

Pro Tip: Use a light hand and build the intensity gradually to avoid overdoing it.

Step 5: Balance and Perfect

Once you’ve completed your cat eye on one side, match the other eye using the same steps. Symmetry is key, and minor adjustments can make all the difference.

Check for Evenness

  • Sit in front of a well-lit mirror and look straight ahead. This makes it easier to spot any differences in shape or angle.
  • Use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to clean up any uneven edges or smudges.

Enhance the Look

  • Tightline your upper waterline with a waterproof pencil liner (e.g., Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner) to make your lashes appear fuller.
  • For an ultra-defined look, add a small flick to the inner corner of your eye.

Step 6: Final Touches

The finishing touches can elevate your cat eye into a polished, head-turning look.

Curl and Mascara

  • Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler (e.g., Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler) to open up your eyes.
  • Apply two coats of volumizing mascara (e.g., Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara) to complete the look.

Optional Enhancements

  • If you’re feeling bold, pair your cat eye with dramatic false lashes for extra flair. Choose wispy, winged lashes to complement the liner shape.
  • Add a pop of shimmer to your inner corners for a subtle glow.

Pro Tip: Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to highlight your liner. A soft blush and neutral lipstick work beautifully with this look.

Tips for Mastery

  • Practice Makes Perfect: The cat eye is all about technique and muscle memory. Practice different wing shapes to find the one you love.
  • Rest Your Hand: To keep a steady hand, rest your pinky finger against your cheek while applying liner.
  • Start Small: Always begin with a thin line and a short wing—you can build on it as needed.
  • Choose the Right Formula: Matte liquid liners provide a sleek, classic look, while glossy formulas add a modern twist.

Mastering the cat eye with liquid liner is an art that combines precision, patience, and a touch of creativity. With the steps and product recommendations in this guide, you’re fully equipped to create this iconic look with confidence.