The Allure of Cat Eyes: Makeup Tips for Achieving the Perfect Feline Look

Fashion trends come and go, but there are certain styles that cement their place within the industry vaults. One such classic trend is the ‘feline look’ or the cat eyes. Dating back to centuries, the look was first popularized by historical figures including the Egyptian queens Nefertiti, and later Cleopatra, who utilized rare minerals to create little flicks that stretched parallel to the brow. In contemporary history, some of the leading TV stars are recognized as bringing the style to vogue.

In this article, we will be exploring tips that will help you to masterfully apply the cat eye look. 

But first, let’s rewind time to explore a bit about this unique style’s early adopters.

A Brief History of Cat Eyes

The 50s and the 60s saw the emergence of makeup products on a commercial scale. This was the time period when liquid eyeliner was invented, which rewrote the rules of makeup and made it more accessible to women than ever before.

This landmark invention coincided with household names, such as the iconic Marilyn Monroe, Italian superstar Sophia Loren and British model Twiggy, applying the cat eyes look extensively to captivate audiences worldwide. In fact, such was the popularity of the style that there’s an advertisement from the 50s by fashion house Borghese, which sheds light on the novel look to unsuspecting Italian women.

Now that we’ve traced its roots, let’s see how you can apply the cat eyes look for achieving the perfect feline look.

Tools of the Trade

As is the case with any other form of art, you need the right tools at your disposal. Start by getting your hands on a black liquid eyeliner. You can easily find many options on Sephora, Debenhams and Bloomingdales for around AED 100. Read reviews online to see which one has the longest-lasting formula with subtle application.

Start with the Shadow

But before you put your eyeliner to use, you first need to create a base to work with. Use an angled shadow brush and a soft black powder shadow to roughly draw the shape of the cat eye. Sketch a precise stroke drawn near your lash line, angled upward at the outer edge of your eye, towards your eyebrow. Starting off with the shadow technique gives you a fair idea of the final look. You can always wipe it and reapply to your discretion

The Right Technique

Position your head parallel to the mirror – your eyes should be aligned with the mirror. Be gentle and avoid eyelid tugging. In case of adjustments, makeup remover and micellar water should come in handy; so, keep them where you can easily reach them.

Sketching the Cat Eye

Creating beautifully symmetrical cat eye wings requires astute planning beforehand. It’s all about finding the right angles. Begin by sketching a line from the outer corner of your eye and connecting it all the way with your eyelid crease. Now, begin from the end of the dash and trace a line back towards the center of your upper lash line to create the upper boundary of your wing.

Start from the inner corner of your eye and sketch a line along your upper lash line towards the wing, forming the foundation of your liner.

Determine if you prefer a crisp flick or a softer, curved wing. Modify the angle and contour as you apply.

Remember, it’s important to control the thickness of the wing by increasing or decreasing pressure on your applicator. Thicker lines will result in a bolder and more daring look, whereas thinner lines will give a more subtle and sophisticated appearance.

Perfecting the Look

Once you’re done sketching, now is the time to fine tune your appearance. Keep an angled brush dipped in micellar water to refine any uneven edges or fumbles. Once you’re happy with the result, use a small quantity of concealer to cover up any blemishes.

Like with all things in life, perfecting a cat eye look yourself takes skill, time and patience. But once you get it right, this is a look that will instantly get you noticed. On the other hand, if you’re someone who has the resources, Dubai has an abundance of premium salons and personal grooming centers that offer a host of procedures and treatments aimed at elevating your appearance. 

Aesthetic Clinics offers a range of procedures to enhance your appearance; such as a face thread lift, bum filler solutions, Botox, mesotherapy, face lifts and more.