Cat Eye Makeup Tutorial: Master Classic & Creative Eyeliner Styles

8 min read

Key Takeaways

• Understanding eyeliner types and tools for flawless application.
• Step-by-step process to achieve a classic cat eye look.
• Tips for perfecting winged, graphic, fox eye, and goth eyeliner styles.
• Key techniques like steadying your hand, mapping angles, and cleaning edges.
• Recommended products and troubleshooting hacks for every skill level.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Basics of Eyeliner
• Cat Eye Makeup Tutorial
• Winged Eyeliner Tips
• Graphic Eyeliner Looks
• Fox Eye Makeup Trend
• Eyeliner Styles Goth
• Conclusion

Section 1: Understanding the Basics of Eyeliner

Eyeliner is a powerful tool that frames your eyes by tracing the lash line. It adds depth, shape, and drama, setting the stage for any look.

Why Eyeliner Matters

• Makes eyes look larger or more awake.
• Gives a sultry, smoky effect.
• Serves as the foundation for advanced eyeliner art.

Looking to deepen your smudge skills? Check out our Smokey Eye Makeup Look tutorial for seamless smoke and drama.

Types of Eyeliner

• Pencil: Soft, blendable, and beginner-friendly.
• Liquid: Fluid pigment for sharp, precise lines.
• Gel: High-pigment, blendable for bold or smudged effects.
• Felt-tip Pen: Precision of liquid liner in a pen form.

Tools & Aids

• Brushes:
  • Angled liner brush (best for gel).
  • Fine-tipped brush (ideal for graphic details).
• Accessories:
  • Q-tips and makeup remover for quick fixes.
  • Tape or business cards to map out perfect angles.

Mastering these basics prepares you for flawless cat eyes, winged lines, and beyond.

Section 2: Cat Eye Makeup Tutorial

A cat eye is defined by a lifting flick at the outer corner that elongates and “lifts” the eye. Follow these steps for a flawless feline flick.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep & Shape
   – Cleanse lids and apply eye primer for smooth, long-lasting wear.
   – Groom brows to frame your eyes.
   – Map your wing by drawing an imaginary line from the lower lash toward your brow tail.
2. Draw Outline
   – Use liquid or gel liner to trace a thin line from the inner lash line to the wing start.
   – Extend a diagonal flick upward at the outer corner.
3. Connect & Fill
   – Link the wing tip back to the upper lash line, forming a triangle.
   – Fill in the triangle for a solid flick.
4. Refine Edges
   – Dip a Q-tip in remover to clean jagged edges.
   – Add concealer under the wing for a crisp finish.
5. Final Touches
   – Curl lashes and apply mascara or false lashes for extra drama.
   – Keep lips nude and skin fresh to let the eyes stand out.

Pro Tips

• Use short strokes for better control and smoother curves.
• Beginners should start thin and build thickness slowly.
• Fix mistakes immediately with a pointed Q-tip.
• Visual aids like step-by-step photos help clarify each move.

Section 3: Winged Eyeliner Tips

Winged eyeliner features a subtle to pronounced flick from the outer eye corner. It’s a versatile look that flatters every eye shape.

Why It Works

• Adds lift and definition.
• Transitions easily from daytime subtle to nighttime bold.
• Pairs well with any makeup look.

Step-by-Step Hacks

1. Steady Your Hand
   – Rest your elbow on a flat surface for stability.
2. Use a Stencil
   – Place tape or a business card at the outer corner to guide your angle.
3. Outline First
   – Sketch a thin wing outline before filling it in.
4. Clean Up
   – Smooth edges with a concealer brush or Q-tip dipped in remover.

Winged vs Cat Eye

• Winged: Thinner flick, often skips lower lash line.
• Cat Eye: More dramatic, links to the lower lash for a feline effect.

Section 4: Graphic Eyeliner Looks

Graphic eyeliner uses art-inspired shapes to turn your lids into a canvas. Bold, experimental, and head-turning.

Best Products & Tools

• Pigmented gel or liquid liners in black or color.
• Fine-tipped brushes for precision.
• Angled brushes for sharp corners.

Design Process

1. Sketch Lightly
   – Use a pencil liner to draft your shape.
2. Build in Layers
   – Add pigment gradually and perfect each edge.
3. Play with Space
   – Try negative space, double wings, or floating crease lines.
4. Clean Lines
   – Use concealer on a small, flat brush to sharpen edges.

Graphic eyeliner demands precision but rewards you with show-stopping style.

Section 5: Fox Eye Makeup Trend

The fox eye trend combines straight-lined wings and strategic shadow to lift and elongate your gaze.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Extended Wing
   – Draw a wing that extends straighter and longer than a cat eye.
2. Tightline Waterlines
   – Use a dark pencil on upper and lower waterlines for a seamless lift.
3. Shadow Blend
   – Sweep matte shadow from the outer corner toward the temple to pull the eye back and up.

Blending Tip: Soften the outer edge with a small, fluffy brush to make the look wearable daily.

Section 6: Eyeliner Styles Goth

Goth eyeliner is all about intense, dramatic wings and smudged or graphic details.

Techniques

1. Thick Top & Bottom
   – Apply gel or liquid liner heavily on both lids.
   – Extend into batwing shapes for maximum drama.
2. Smudged Edges
   – Use a smudging brush or pencil to blur edges for a smoky vibe.
3. Corner Details
   – Add spikes, dots, or teardrops at inner or outer corners for extra flair.

Product Picks

• Waterproof gel liners hold intense color all day.

Styling Tip: Pair with dark eyeshadows and volumizing mascara to complete the goth aesthetic.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how to nail the cat eye makeup tutorial, master winged eyeliner tips, explore graphic eyeliner looks, try the fox eye trend, and rock goth styles. Each technique adds its own flair and drama—experiment, mix and match, and develop your signature look.

Also, for camera-ready results, check out our Expert Photoshoot Makeup Tips guide. For personalized feedback on your eyeliner precision, explore Makeup Check AI.

FAQ

• Best eyeliner for beginners? Pencil or felt-tip pens are easiest to control.
• How to stop smudging? Set liner with matching eyeshadow and choose waterproof formulas.
• Tips for even wings? Lightly map out flicks before going over them with liquid liner.