Cat Eye

The classic retro lift.

Cat Eye is a classic makeup technique that uses liquid or gel eyeliner to create a sharp, winged flick at the outer corners of the eyes. Originating in ancient Egypt and popularized during the mid-twentieth century, this universally flattering style mimics an elongated, lifted feline eye shape. It instantly adds a retro, glamorous, and structural dimension to any makeup look.

To create the Cat Eye, prepare your lids with a matte primer. Draw a sharp, angled flick from the outer corner upward toward your brow. Connect the tip back to the upper lash line to form a triangle, and fill it in. Trace the remaining lash line, and sharpen the bottom edge with concealer for a lifted finish.

Eyes Retro Sharp Classic Universal Party Work

~15 min 5 steps 7 products

The Kit

Matte Concealer
Translucent Powder
Fluffy Eyeshadow Brush
Black Liquid Eyeliner
Precision Cotton Swab
Micellar Water
Small Flat Brush

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How to Create Cat Eye

Prime the Eyelids

Apply a thin layer of matte concealer across the eyelids and set it with translucent powder. This creates a smooth, oil-free canvas that prevents eyeliner from transferring or bleeding.
Map the Flick

Using a black liquid eyeliner, draw a thin diagonal line extending from the outer corner of the eye. Angle it upward toward the tail of your brow, following the natural upward trajectory of your lower lash line.
Create the Triangle

Place the eyeliner tip just below the top of the flick and draw a straight line connecting back to the center of your upper lash line. Fill in the empty triangular space completely with ink.
Line the Inner Eye

Glide the eyeliner pen from the inner corner of your eye across the lash line to seamlessly meet the middle section. Keep this line extremely thin and stamped right into the lash roots.
Sharpen the Edge

Dip a precision cotton swab into micellar water and gently swipe it directly under the bottom edge of the wing. For a highly contrasted retro finish, trace just below the wing with a small flat brush and a tiny amount of matte concealer.

Pro Tips

Look straight ahead into a mirror with your eyes relaxed and open when mapping your initial flick. If you stretch the skin or look down, the wing will droop or warp when your face rests.
If your hands tend to shake, rest your elbow on a flat surface and plant your pinky finger on your cheek for added stability while drawing the lines.
To ensure perfect symmetry, draw the initial outer flick on both eyes first before moving on to filling in the triangles. It is much easier to match two simple lines than two fully drawn wings.

Common Questions

What does a classic Cat Eye look like?

A classic Cat Eye is defined by a distinct, upward-angled flick of eyeliner at the outer corners of the eyes. This creates an elongated, feline-inspired shape that visibly lifts the eye.

What kind of eyeliner is best for a Cat Eye?

A liquid eyeliner pen with a flexible felt or brush tip is ideal for achieving the crispest wing. Gel eyeliners applied with a fine angled brush also offer excellent control for beginners.

Is the Cat Eye suitable for hooded eyes?

Yes, but the technique needs slight adjusting. Instead of drawing the wing with your eyes closed, look straight into the mirror and map the flick over the hood to ensure the shape does not distort when your eyes are open.

What is the difference between a Cat Eye and a winged liner?

While often used interchangeably, a winged liner simply features a tail that extends past the lash line. A true Cat Eye goes a step further by lining the entire upper lash line and inner corners to create a fully connected, feline silhouette.

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