History and Techniques of Cat Eye Makeup in 2024
The root of the Cat Eye Makeup can be traced back to old Egypt, where Cleopatra wore a shroud over her face. Women adorned their eyes with green and black, painted in rich colors made of various precious stones, including copper and malachite. Eyeliner was good for health and also protected against the evil eye.
At the same time, Kohl was gaining popularity in the Middle East. Bedouin men and women first wore kohl (highly soluble in sulfite) as a way to protect the delicate eye area from the harsh desert climate, before it became cthe modern wing along with Arab beauty.
The cat eye became a worldwide phenomenon in the early 1950s when brands like Maybelline and Max Factor were invented. Egyptian actresses Souad Hosny, Hind Rostom and Shwikar are dominating the big screen with cat eyes painted in different styles. Whether it followed the sharp lines closely or extended beyond his temples, it worked like a beautiful song in his dark eyes. Meanwhile, across Europe, French actress
Brigitte Bardot created a beauty signature with a bold look as much as her bombshell hair, and others quickly followed suit.
The cat eye look has enchanted fans for decades with its alluring lift and flick. Let’s explore the rich timeline of this trend.
A Retro Revival: The Evolution of Cat Eye Makeup
The inception of cat eye makeup can be traced back to ancient Egyptians, who exaggerated their eyes with kohl to symbolize health, beauty, and social status. However, the modern cat eye truly gained prevalence in the 1940s when pin-up models like Betty Grable popularized the flick.
In the following decade, it became a staple on the silver screen thanks to femme fatales like Rita Hayworth. The sultry shadow and liner emphasized their smoldering gazes and dated allure. Through the 1950s, celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn sported the look’s retro revival.
While cat eyes took a backseat in the free-spirited 1960s, they reemerged full force during the glam rock era of the 1970s. Artists like David Bowie featured feline flicks thick with glitter and sequins. Today, the cat eye remains a sultry favorite, seen on the modern icons Rihanna, Selena Gomez, and Lady Gaga at events. Its timeless technique works for any mood or makeup collection.
Nailing the Purr-fact Flick: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a cat eye look takes practice, but with the right tools and techniques, anyone can achieve sophisticated liner. Here is an illuminating guide:
Choosing Your Feline Friends: Eyeliners for All Lifestyles
Liquid, pencil, gel – each provides benefits for creating the ideal feline flick. Liquid allows for smooth, editable lines ideal for precise shapes. Pencil offers convenient, buildable pigment perfect for daily definition. Gel mixtures stay vibrant all night with little smudging. Some top-rated options include: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, and NYX Glitter Primer & Liner.
Prepping Your Kitty Pads: Priming Lids for Purrr-fection
To help eyeliner glide on and last, use primer on clean, moisturized lids. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion tame oils and creasing for prolonged purrsuasion.
Marking Your Meow-terpiece: Easy Guide Lines
Use a neutral matte shade like makeup geek’s “Hipster” along your upper lash line and slightly above as guide lines. Then, trace slightly above your outer eye corner toward the tail.
Applying With Aplomb: Creating the Come-Hither Cat Eye
With a steady hand and felt or angular brush, slowly draw a thin line from the inner corner out almost to the guide line tail. Connect the inner and outer corners, then thickly fill in the base shape.
For the flick, start halfway along the lash line and drag the tip diagonally. Blend the tail upwards and outwards with a brush dipped in eyemakeup remover for a seamless point. Define the upper lash line and inner corner with more liner.
Smoothing Imperfections: Perfecting Your Purrfect Pair
Use a clean brush or cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to tidy any uneven areas. For a bolder look, darken the flick and upper lash line with additional sweeps of liner. Seal the feline filter with a few coats of volumizing mascara.
Fixing Faux Paw-s: Tips for Touch-Ups
Should an unexpected smudge occur, gently erase with a Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover before reapplying. Set it with powder or primer to prevent further mischiefs. Makeup wipes also work in a pinch for on-the-go touch-ups.
Choosing Shadows to Accentuate Your Eyes’ Allure
The right eyeshadow shapes up any cat eye. For day, pair taupe or brown shades like Makeup Geek’s “Barcelona Beach” in the crease with shimmery nude lids à la Urban Decay’s “Sin” all over.
After hours calls for smoky selections. Try black or deep gray crease shades like Morphe’s “Transition” and smudge on the upper lash line. Top with shiny navy or burgundy likeColourPop’s “Betch!” all over lids for sultry allure. Dust sparkly charcoal like Makeup Geek’s “Coco Bear” in the inner corners and brow bone to balance depth.
Long-Wear Cosmetics for Your Feline Fancies
Maximum staying power lets your cat eye prowess prowl all day and night. Top-rated options that keep flicks flawlessly in place include:
Eyeliners
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
- Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner & Serum
Eyeshadows
- Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Palettes
- Urban Decay Naked Palettes
- Morphe Brush Eyeshadow Palettes
Mascaras
- L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise
- Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
Primers
- NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
- Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Solving Common “Cat Eye” Cosmetics Concerns
How do I make both eyes match? Practice weekly and use a business card, ruler, or mirror as placement guides.
What face shapes suit cat eyes? Round, oval and diamond shapes showcase cat eyes beautifully.
How can I make my flick last longer? Always apply primer before liner and set it with powder or a product like NYX Proof It! Waterproof Eyeshadow Primer.
With diligent repetition using long-wearing feline favorites from trusted brands, your cat eye technique is sure to become as signature as your smile. Share your sleek styles with the hashtag #catEYEcosmetics to connect with other fans.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer subtle definition or sultry drama, the cat eye look enhances eyes of all shapes and colors. Use this guide to find your perfect products and hone your technique. With confidence and catwalk flair, you’ll wear the timeless trend beautifully for any occasion. Now get practicing and please your inner pin-up!
