The Ultimate Guide to Flawless Cat Eye Makeup

From the runways to the high street, and all over your Insta feed, one makeup look that never goes out of style is the cat-eye look. Whether you're channelling old Hollywood glamour or going for a fierce, modern vibe, mastering the purr-fect cat eye makeup look is a beauty must-have. It instantly lifts and defines your eyes, making them pop with that sultry, feline flair we all love. If you've struggled with getting that wing just right (we’ve all been there!), don’t worry – with the right tips, tricks, and product recommendations, you’ll be creating flawless cat eye makeup looks in no time.

Instead of bold red lips, the timeless cat eye makeup is totally stealing the show. And why not? It's a universally flattering and fun way to express your mood while framing your peepers. From sleek cat-eye shadow to striking catty eyes, eyeliner is essential for any glamorous look. Ready to perfect your flick?

What Is ‘Cat Eye’?

Think fierce, feline-inspired eyes that give you that sultry, elongated shape – just like a cat’s. It's all about that sharp-winged liner, but there’s so much more to explore with different cat-eye makeup looks. The most basic way to achieve this cat eye makeup is to usually start with a sleek, winged eyeliner that flips up at the outer corner, creating those iconic, catty eyes. You can keep it classic with just liner, or level up with cat eye shadow for added depth and drama. A bit of smokey eyeshadow in the crease, or a shimmery cat eyeshadow makeup to make those eyes pop? Yes, please.

How To Do Cat Eye Makeup?

Step 1: Prep Your Lids

Before you even think about that wing, prepping your eyelids is a must. A good primer will ensure your makeup lasts all day (and night, if you're planning on a night out). We highly recommend PAT McGRATH LABS + IntensifEYES Longwear Primer – it’s a cult favourite for a reason. Just apply a tiny bit to your lids and blend it out with your finger. Trust me, when I say, this will prevent any smudging or fading.

Step 2: Add Some Depth with Cat Eye Shadow

For the perfect base, start by sweeping a soft, neutral shade across your lids to give it some depth. Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eye Shadow is perfect for this. Go for a light beige or soft brown for a natural transition shade. Blend this into your crease to define your eyes without overpowering the liner that’s coming next. This will help create that lovely gradient look we absolutely stan.

If you’re feeling a bit more daring with your cat eyeshadow makeup, add a touch of shimmer or metallic to the centre of your lids. Something like the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise will give you just the perfect pop of shine.

Step 3: Outline Your Wing

Probably the most dreaded part, winging it. It can be tricky, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a little hack to make it easier. First, grab a soft eyeliner pencil, like Rimmel London Scandaleyes Exaggerate Eye Definer. This gives you more control, and if you mess up (we’ve all been there), it’s easier to clean up.

Start by drawing a small dot or line where you want your cat eye wing to end. A good rule of thumb is to follow the natural line of your lower lash. Then, lightly trace from the outer corner of your eye towards the dot, creating the wing shape. This will act as your guide for the next step.

Step 4: Liquidate Your Liner

Now it’s time to go in with the liquid liner for that sharp, bold finish. Kay Beauty Quick Dry Liquid Eyeliner in Black Canvas will be your absolute saviour as it’s ultra-precise and super long-lasting. Start at the inner corner of your eye and gradually build your line towards the outer edge, following the guide you made earlier.

For a classic eye makeup cat look, keep the line thin near the inner corner, gradually thickening it as you reach the wing. And don’t worry if you need a few tries to get it perfect. Keep some Q-tips and micellar water handy to tidy up any mistakes.

Step 5: Tightline Your Eyes for Extra Definition

For that sultry, intense gaze, applying kajal to the tight line of your eyes is an absolute necessity. This is where you line your upper waterline (the bit between your lashes and your eye) to make your lashes look fuller and give your eyes that feline fierceness. A gel liner like Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner With Expert is what we recommend.

Step 6: Mascara It Up

No catty eyes makeup look is complete without some fluttery lashes. Get yourself a Nykaa Black Magic Waterproof & Smudgeproof Mascara - Extreme Black– and coat your lashes for that. Two coats should do the trick, but if you're going for full-on glam, feel free to add a third!

If you really want to take your eye makeup to the next level, pop on some false lashes. PAC Tapered Lash - 54 are perfect as they’re fluttery but not too dramatic, perfect for enhancing your cat eye without stealing the spotlight.

Step 7: Highlight for That Final Pop

Finally, add a touch of highlighter to your inner corners and brow bone to make your eyes look bigger and brighter. You can use the Swiss Beauty Fusion Highlighter. Just a little dab with a small brush will do the trick – it’ll catch the light and make your eyes stand out even more.

Cat Eye Makeup Looks – Experiment and Have Fun!

With the basics down, don’t be afraid to play around with different cat-eye makeup looks. Whether you want a bold, dramatic wing or something a bit more subtle for daytime, you can tweak the thickness and length of your wing to suit your vibe.

For a more dramatic, cat makeup eyes look, try adding a dark cat eye shadow to the outer corners of your eyes and blending it towards the crease for a smoky effect. Or, switch up your colours! A deep navy or dark green liner can look stunning for a twist on the classic black cat eye. The Nykaa GLAMOReyes Waterproof & Smudgeproof Coloured Liquid Eyeliner comes in so many fun shades – definitely worth experimenting with.

Expert Tips

If you're after that fierce feline flick, then perfecting your cat eye makeup is an absolute must! It’s all about getting that sharp, sleek wing that instantly gives you that sultry, lifted look. Start by prepping your lids with a neutral cat eye shadow– something soft like a beige or taupe works beautifully. Then, grab your favourite liquid liner and follow your natural lash line, extending it upwards for those ultimate catty eyes makeup vibes.

Here’s a tip: use a bit of tape to get that flawless wing if you’re a newbie! You can also blend a smoky shadow along the wing for a stunning cat eyeshadow makeup look. Don’t forget to finish with a couple of coats of mascara to enhance those cat-makeup eyes. With a bit of practice, your cat eye makeup looks will be on point every time.

Conclusion

Mastering the perfect cat eye makeup can totally transform your look, giving you that fierce and fab vibe we all adore. Whether you're pairing it with a sultry cat eye shadow or going bold with dramatic catty eye makeup, the key is practice and precision. Don’t forget to experiment with different cat eye makeup looks to find your signature style. So, grab your favourite liner, and a fab cat eyeshadow makeup palette, and go for it, babe! Practice will purrr-fect your cat-eye look.

FAQs

1. What eyeliner is best for cat eye makeup?

   For that perfect feline flick, a liquid or gel eyeliner is your best bet, darling! They give you that crisp, sharp line that cat eye makeup is known for. But if you're after something softer, pencil liners work too, just make sure to sharpen them for a fine tip.

2. Can I create a cat eye with pencil eyeliner?

   You can definitely create a cat eye with pencil eyeliner, but it might take a little more patience. To get that sleek, sharp wing, opt for a pencil with a creamy texture. You can always go over the wing with an angled brush to smooth out the lines. For extra definition, set it with a matching shadow.

3. What eye shapes are best suited for cat eye makeup?

   Cat eye makeup looks fab on almost everyone, but it’s especially flattering on almond-shaped eyes as it naturally enhances their shape. However, if you have round or hooded eyes, you can still totally rock the look! Just adjust the angle of the wing to flatter your unique eye shape – a slightly upward flick works wonders for hooded eyes, while a longer, elongated wingsuits rounder eyes perfectly.

4. What variations of cat eye makeup exist?

   You can go classic with a sleek black liner or add some drama with a smokey cat eye shadow look. For a modern twist, try the double-winged cat eye for extra flair or experiment with coloured liners for a bold pop. You can even mix in metallics for a stunning cat eyeshadow makeup moment.