8 Hacks For the Perfect Cat Eye

If you’re obsessed with eye makeup, you’ve likely noticed that the winged eyeliner trend maintains its popularity. However, it can feel difficult to bring a precise cat eye to life because it’s a tricky skill to master. Using the wrong eyeliner or not having a steady hand can get in the way of drawing on a flawless flick. So, if you’re ready to make failed cat eye attempts yesterday’s news, we’re here to assist. Ahead, we’re sharing eight cat eyeliner hacks to help you perfect the winged look—without the fuss.

CAT EYE HACK #1: PRIME YOUR EYES TO GET AN EVEN CANVAS

In order for your perfect cat eye to last, you’ll need to lay the groundwork for your makeup application by applying an eye primer. This makeup essential helps to create an even canvas and allows your makeup to last longer throughout the day. Smooth on a thin layer of primer before reaching for your essentials to allow your makeup to set better. If you’re all out, a dab of concealer or foundation will do the trick.

CAT EYE HACK #2: START WITH THE WING FIRST TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE

Winging out your eyeliner may not come naturally to you, but it’s OK. Instead of working outward and waiting until the end to add a flick, switch the order in which you’re applying liner, and draw the wing first. Use a felt tip liquid eyeliner—like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner—to draw the wing, then continue lining along your upper lash line.

CAT EYE HACK #3: RELY ON TAPE AS A GUIDE

No rule says that you have to freehand your cat eye. Turn to an office supply staple—adhesive tape—for help. Place a small rectangle-shaped piece of tape at the outer corner of your eye, going up toward the end of your eyebrow. Apply your eyeliner, using the tape as a guide for your line. Once you’re done with lining, carefully peel off the tape, and you’ll have a super-sharp cat eye. Bonus: for a more colorful look, consider the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Deep Violet.

CAT EYE HACK #4: TRY A WING STENCIL TO EASILY DRAW A FLICK

Achieve a precise look by using a wing stencil. This makeup essential is not too different from the stencils you used in elementary school to color in between the lines, but this time it’s made especially for your eyes. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner, which comes with a removable wing stencil.

Place the open part of the stencil at the outer edge of the eye and lay it flat on your skin. Carefully fill in the stencil to draw the wing. Remove the stencil from your eye. Continue to line across your lid in small strokes to score a flawless cat eyeliner look. 

CAT EYE HACK #5: ALTERNATE EYES TO MAKE SURE WINGS MATCH

Instead of lining your eyes one at a time, we recommend switching between eyes as you work. Everything you do to your left eye, do the same to your right before moving on to your next step. This way, you’ll be more likely to end up with wings that appear to be symmetrical.

CAT EYE HACK #6: LAYER DIFFERENT LINERS AS AN EASY APPROACH

If you’re struggling to keep your hands steady enough to apply liquid eyeliner, but don’t want to forgo the sleek look it provides, try using a pencil eyeliner first. After creating your cat eye with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, simply follow the pencil path with liquid liner on top.

CAT EYE HACK #7: USE EYESHADOW TO CREATE A SOFT LOOK

Cat eyes don’t have to feature harsh lines. If you prefer something softer, replace your eyeliner with eyeshadow. Dip an angled eyeliner brush into a black shadow shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Noir Cest Noir and line your eyes. Not only is the softer look ideal for the daytime, but it comes with the bonus of making imperfections less obvious.

CAT EYE HACK #8: CLEAN UP WITH A COTTON SWAB

Don’t feel defeated if you’re struggling to master the winged look, even eyeliner pros mess up from time to time. When you aren’t happy with your cat eye, there’s no need to get upset or start over from scratch. All you have to do is reach for a makeup remover like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types to clean things up. This micellar water works to purify and hydrate your skin all in one step—no rinsing or rubbing required. Saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water to touch up any mistakes.

Next up: If you’re up for more eyeliner expertise, we can show you the way. Here are 7 Nude Eyeliner Hacks To Add To Your Makeup Routine.