The cat eye makeup look has been a timeless and iconic beauty trend, adored by makeup lovers around the world for its ability to enhance the eyes, making them appear larger and more alluring. Whether you’re heading to a casual brunch, attending a formal event, or gearing up for a glamorous night out, the cat eye can elevate your look with its sharp, defined lines. However, creating the perfect cat eye can seem daunting, especially with its precision and winged flicks. That’s where these 19 essential cat eye makeup hacks come in. From beginner-friendly tips to advanced tricks, these hacks will help you master the art of the cat eye and make your eyes pop effortlessly. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most effective techniques to achieve the perfect cat eye, and we’ll even recommend some must-have Amazon products to ensure your makeup stays flawless all day and night. Let’s dive into the world of cat eye magic!
1. Use Tape for a Precise Line
source @detailbartt
For those who struggle to achieve symmetry in their cat eye, using tape can be a game-changer. Simply place a small piece of tape along the outer corner of your eye, extending from the lower lash line at a slight upward angle. This will act as a guide for your eyeliner, ensuring your flick is sharp and precise. The tape prevents any eyeliner from going astray, helping you create clean lines with minimal effort. This is especially helpful for beginners or anyone who wants to speed up their cat eye routine without sacrificing accuracy.
2. Create a Flick with an Angled Brush
source @tamysvanity
For a well-defined wing, try using an angled brush rather than a pencil or liquid liner. An angled brush gives you more control, allowing you to gradually build the shape of your flick with a steady hand. Start by dipping the brush into a gel eyeliner, and using short, controlled strokes, create a thin line that extends toward the end of your eyebrow. The angled brush lets you mimic the natural shape of your eyelid, creating a more flattering and symmetrical flick. This technique is perfect for those who prefer a soft, blended look rather than a harsh, solid line.
3. Use Gel Liner for Long-Lasting Results
source @brandsforyounepal
When it comes to creating a cat eye that lasts all day, gel eyeliner is one of the best options. Gel liners provide a rich, bold color and are less likely to smudge compared to liquid liners. For a long-lasting, smudge-proof cat eye, opt for a gel eyeliner formula that can withstand humidity, sweat, and oily skin. Gel liners are versatile and can be applied with an angled brush, making them perfect for beginners and makeup artists alike. Whether you’re creating a dramatic wing or a subtle line, gel liners give you the freedom to work with different textures and finishes.
4. Tightline Your Upper Waterline
source @moai_beauty
Tightlining involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline (the inner rim of the eyelid) rather than the traditional eyelid. This technique may sound tricky, but it adds subtle yet impactful definition to the eyes. Tightlining makes your lashes appear fuller and thicker without needing to apply a heavy line of eyeliner. The result is a more natural, yet defined, cat eye that looks like you have perfectly voluminous lashes. It’s especially effective for people with hooded eyes or anyone looking for a more understated cat eye look that still packs a punch.
5. Use a Felt Tip Pen for Control
source @viktorfarro
If you struggle with creating an even wing or controlling the flow of your eyeliner, a felt-tip liquid eyeliner pen is an easy solution. These pens are designed with a fine, pointed tip that allows for precise application, making them perfect for beginners. With a felt-tip pen, you can draw clean, sharp lines with minimal effort, allowing you to achieve the perfect cat eye every time. Plus, they are often designed to be smudge-proof and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day.
6. Try a Double Winged Look
source @makeup_glamour_by_sadia
For a more dramatic twist on the classic cat eye, try adding a second wing. The double-winged cat eye adds a bold statement, especially when you want to take your makeup from day to night. To achieve this look, start with your usual cat eye flick, and then add a second wing below the first, following the natural line of your lower lash line. The result is a bold, symmetrical design that makes your eyes appear even more striking. This look is ideal for those who love experimenting with their makeup and want to stand out from the crowd.
7. Define the Lower Lash Line
source @veronikabeautyboss
One of the keys to a well-rounded cat eye is ensuring that the lower lash line is just as defined as the top. A simple trick to achieve this is to apply a thin line of eyeliner along your lower lash line, or even add a bit of shadow for a softer effect. This not only complements your upper cat eye but also helps to define your eyes and make them appear larger. For a more intense look, use a darker shade of eyeliner on the bottom lash line to create contrast with the top wing.
8. Use White Eyeliner on the Waterline
source @trixiecosmetics
To make your cat eye look even more striking, add a touch of white or nude eyeliner to your lower waterline. This technique opens up your eyes, making them appear larger and brighter. The contrast between the dark eyeliner on the top and the light liner on the bottom makes the cat eye even more dramatic and noticeable. It’s a simple trick that doesn’t require much effort but makes a world of difference, especially for those with smaller or tired eyes.
9. Start with a Soft Pencil Liner
source @tokscosmetics.shop
For those who are new to the cat eye look or just want to keep things simple, starting with a soft pencil eyeliner is a great way to ease into the technique. Pencil liners are less intimidating than liquid or gel formulas and provide a softer, more diffused line. This is ideal if you prefer a more subtle cat eye that doesn’t scream for attention. Pencil liners also give you the flexibility to smudge and blend the line for a more natural, less defined wing, making them perfect for everyday looks.
10. Extend the Flick for a More Dramatic Look
source @bpolishedbeautysupply
If you’re ready to go bold, extend the flick of your cat eye beyond the natural lines of your eyes. A longer wing not only creates a more dramatic, striking effect but also lifts and elongates your eyes. To pull this off, be sure to use an eyeliner formula that’s easy to build and won’t smudge when you create the extended flick. This look works well for evening makeup, parties, or events where you want to stand out and show off your artistic skills.
11. Use a Smudge-Proof Eyeliner
source @g_w_t_g
To avoid having to touch up your eyeliner every few hours, choose a smudge-proof eyeliner formula that ensures your cat eye stays intact throughout the day. Whether you’re running errands, attending a wedding, or going out for drinks, a smudge-proof eyeliner will keep your look fresh and sharp. The last thing you want is for your cat eye to disappear by lunchtime, so investing in a high-quality, smudge-proof product is a must for long-lasting results.
12. Layer Different Liner Types
source @eyelashesbyeden
Another great trick for achieving a cat eye is layering different types of eyeliner. For example, you can start with a gel or pencil liner for the base of your cat eye, then layer a liquid eyeliner on top to define the wing. This layering method adds depth to your cat eye and makes it appear fuller, especially if you’re looking for a more intense look. It also helps to set your liner in place, ensuring your cat eye stays intact for hours.
13. Experiment with Colored Eyeliner
source @saachikhurana
While classic black eyeliner is a staple for any cat eye look, don’t be afraid to experiment with colored eyeliners. Try shades like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep plum to add a fun and unique twist to your makeup. Colored eyeliners can complement various outfits and bring out the natural tones in your eyes, adding an unexpected pop of color. Plus, they make your cat eye look even more bold and creative.
14. Set Your Liner with Eyeshadow
source @reveline.official
After applying your eyeliner, set it with a matching eyeshadow to ensure that your cat eye stays put throughout the day. Choose a matte shadow in the same shade as your liner and lightly apply it over the liner using an angled brush. This technique not only helps to set the eyeliner but also adds depth to the cat eye, making it appear more polished and professional. The eyeshadow works as a barrier to prevent the eyeliner from smudging, which is particularly useful for those with oily eyelids or anyone planning to wear their makeup for extended periods. Using an eyeshadow as a liner setter also softens the line, creating a more blended and seamless look.
15. Use a Wing Stamp for Perfection
source @toplashofficial
For anyone looking to achieve the perfect wing with minimal effort, a wing stamp can be a game-changer. Wing stamps are specifically designed to help create symmetrical cat eyes in seconds. These stamps come in various sizes and shapes, so you can select the one that works best for your eye shape and the intensity of the wing you want. Simply press the stamp onto the outer corner of your eye, and the shape of the wing is transferred onto your eyelid. You can then fill in any gaps with liquid eyeliner for a defined, flawless look. This is particularly helpful for beginners or anyone who struggles with drawing consistent lines by hand. Wing stamps also save valuable time when you’re in a rush but still want to look like you’ve put in the effort to perfect your cat eye.
16. Make the Wing Higher for Hooded Eyes
source @chelsea.k.pearson
If you have hooded eyes, you may find that traditional cat eye techniques don’t quite work the same way. The natural fold in your eyelids can make the wing less defined, as the eyeliner might get hidden under the hood when your eyes are open. To adjust for this, angle your cat eye wing higher and more outward toward the outer edge of your eyebrow. This trick opens up the eyes, giving them a lifted and more elongated appearance. By raising the wing, you create the illusion of larger, more awake eyes. The trick is to extend the wing above the natural crease of your eyelid, so when you open your eyes, the wing remains visible and defined. This is a must-try hack for anyone with hooded eyelids who wants to achieve a bold, dramatic cat eye without it disappearing into the folds.
17. Apply Liner with a Steady Hand
source @elleinks
One of the most important aspects of creating a perfect cat eye is ensuring you have a steady hand while applying the eyeliner. This is especially true when creating the precise flick at the outer corner of your eyes. To improve your steadiness, try resting your elbow on a flat surface while doing your makeup. This helps to stabilize your arm, making it easier to create smooth, controlled strokes. Another helpful tip is to apply your eyeliner in small, short strokes rather than trying to draw the entire line in one go. If you make a mistake, don’t panic. Simply use a cotton swab or makeup remover to clean up any areas where the line is uneven or too thick. By taking your time and applying the eyeliner in small, controlled motions, you can achieve a cat eye that’s sharp and clean without unnecessary smudges or jagged lines.
18. Try a Liquid Glitter Liner for Sparkle
source @kinda_blonde_beauty
If you’re heading to a special event or want to make your cat eye pop even more, consider incorporating a liquid glitter liner. This eye-catching addition will give your cat eye a dazzling finish, perfect for parties, weddings, or festive occasions. Liquid glitter liners come in a variety of shades and can be applied directly over your regular eyeliner to add a shimmering effect without the mess of loose glitter. They’re easy to use and add just the right amount of sparkle, creating a glamorous look that is bound to turn heads. You can use the glitter liner only along the top line of your cat eye, or apply it to both the top and bottom for a more dramatic effect. The key is to keep the rest of your makeup relatively simple to ensure that your glittered cat eye remains the focal point of your look.
19. Finish with Mascara for Volume and Length
source @obsession_cosmetics
No cat eye makeup look is complete without a generous coat of mascara to add volume, length, and definition to your lashes. Mascara helps to enhance the overall impact of your cat eye by drawing attention to the eyes and lifting the lashes. Focus on applying mascara to the base of your lashes, wiggling the wand as you move upward to coat each lash individually. For an even more dramatic effect, consider using a volumizing or lengthening mascara that will add extra dimension to your lashes. If you’re looking to really make your eyes pop, apply mascara to both your top and bottom lashes, being sure to separate and define each lash. This finishing step helps to balance the boldness of the cat eye and opens up your eyes for a larger, more striking appearance.
