It’s likely that the first makeup product you set your eyes on as a teen (or child) was eyeliner. There’s something intriguing about lining your eyes to appear bigger, bolder, darker and more appealing. But let’s be honest, lining your eyes might be the most challenging part of your makeup routine.
Once you master a basic liner look, more advanced options like cat eyes and graphic lines seem to be pro-level and nearly impossible. For tips on how to achieve the perfect winged liner look, we went straight to the expert: L’Oréal Paris celebrity makeup artist Sir John, who flawlessly beautifies the faces of celebs like Beyoncé, Ashley Benson and Ashley Graham. “Creating a cat eye is all about precision and taking your time,” John says. “A pro tip I use on my clients is to deposit the product to the end of the eye, then take your finger and pull the liner out before it dries.” John also has a stash of cotton swabs in his makeup bag to swipe away any imperfections.
If you’re trying to create this look at home, we rounded up a few foolproof eyeliner picks to help you perfect a cat eye, even if you’re a makeup rookie.
[ Next: 35 Cool Winged Eyeliner Ideas to Feast Your Eyes On ]
Want To Master A Cat Eye? Then You Need These Fool-Proof Liners
-
L'Oréal Paris
Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner, $8.99 at Ulta Beauty
The ultra fine tip on this felt tip pen allows you to create lines, both thin and thick, with ease.
-
NUDESTIX
Rock N’ Roller Easy Eyeliner Ink, $24 at Sephora
The rollerball applicator makes straight lines a breeze with this pigmented ink liner.
-
Almay
Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Sticks, $4.99 at Target
Don’t stress if you make a mistake. These cotton swabs filled with makeup remover make corrections and touch-ups simple.
-
NYX Professional Makeup
The Curve, $15 at NYX Cosmetics
If you find liquid liner to be the bane of your makeup existence, this ergonomically shaped liner was made for you. It allows for precise and steady application of this liquid formula.
-
Woosh Beauty
Even Eye Stencils, $16 at Woosh Beauty
These silicone stencils are mistake-proof. Create even lines and avoid shadow fallout with these peel-off stencils.
-
Lancôme
Grandiôse Liner, $32 at Saks
For sure, a bendable wand makes unique eye looks easy as pie. This unique applicator adapts to your eye shape and helps you get close to your lash line for sleek, rimmed peepers.
-
E.L.F. Cosmetics
Mascara & Shadow Shield, $3 at E.L.F. Cosmetics
Need a solution for on the go? This shield is thin enough to fit in your makeup bag and protects from smudges and smears.