Three simple cat eyeliner looks to try

The beauty world has been having a love-in with the perfect cat eye ever since it prowled into popularity during the ’50s and ’60s. As a striking and artful way to define the eyes, it’s become a go-to among makeup experts, celebrities and everyday beauty lovers. The first step is mastering an even line along the base of the upper lashes. The insider secret here is to use short strokes to create a connected line—much easier than attempting one continuous line. With this technique you can simply trace over any areas or gaps to fill in or thicken the line as needed. Adjusting the angle of your head also helps. Tilting back away from the mirror, rather facing it head on, opens up access to your lash line. What else does every stylish cat eye need? A fierce tail. This more challenging part of the makeup look used to require a natural sense of symmetry and a knack for precision. But L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Liner is a game-changing tool that does all the hard work for you. The brush-tip waterproof formula comes with an easy-to-use stencil. Hold it at an outer eye corner, place the triangular cut-out shape where you’d like your cat eye tail to appear, and then fill in the space. Repeat on the other eye, and you’re done! With a cat eye mastered, you’re set to take on these three stylish looks.

#1) Double Cat Eye

Two heads are better than one, and so are two tails! Double cat tail eyeliner features two flicked ends at the outer corners of your eyes, with one on top and one below, plus liner along the lower lash lines. This is the black panther of cat eyes: totally unmissable. To create this eyeliner trend, start by tracing liquid eyeliner along the upper lash line to make a traditional cat eye. Then, line all the way along the lower lash line from the inner to the outer corner. For an extra-dramatic shape, you can angle the liner down slightly along the tear duct. The second tail should hover just below the first, swooping upward from the lower liner. Use the point of the eyeliner to mark where you’d like the second tail to end, then connect the tip of the second tail to the lower lash line. Working backwards from the end of the tail to its base, rather than drawing a line out towards your temples, ranks among the top eyeliner tips. It’s praised by makeup artists and beauty fans for allowing better control and precision when working with liquid liner.

#2) Negative Space Cat Eye

The cat eye will always look cool, but creating negative space in the tail portion lends it an edgy vibe. It’s also a simple way to upgrade a typical cat eye. Start by drawing on the usual winged shape, but make sure to keep the line skinny. A thin line will help provide more negative space to display. Next, create a triangle shape at the tail by drawing a second line that connects diagonally back to the base of the lashes. Take the line across the middle of the eyelid, reaching to the inner eye corner. Use a pointed cotton swab dipped in L’Oréal Paris Gentle Eyes and Lips Makeup Remover Waterproof to tidy up lines and emphasize the negative silhouette.

#3) Beyond Black Cat Eye

If you love the look of a cat eye using black eyeliner but want something extra, this is for you! Try incorporating other shades to elevate the look. Once you’ve created your best cat eye, try adding a sliver of coloured eyeliner right above it. Vibrant cool-based tones are universally flattering, but to make eyes pop, take into account your eye colour. Purple eye makeup, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Purple, can enhance the appearance of brown or hazel eyes, while cobalt blue makeup like L’Oreal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Liner can add intensity to the look of blue or green eyes. Dabbling in metallic tones opens up a whole other world of fun. Silver, bronze or gold eyeshadow dusted on lids or along the lower lash lines can illuminate a classic cat eye. And adding a colour that’s technically not a colour is another transformative option. Placing crisp white eyeliner or white eyeshadow, using an angled brush, along the top of your cat eye emphasizes the silhouette for a striking retro-inspired look.