Many women have a love-hate relationship with winged eyeliner. We love it because of how bright it looks, but we hate it because of how hard it can be to create.
To create a flawless cat eye look, you need patience, a steady hand and a certain amount of precision.
Despite what many tutorials will tell you, there isn’t one universal way to achieve the look that dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. Celebrity makeup artist Jenna Kristina offers some super simple and surprisingly easy winged eyeliner hacks.
Celebrity makeup artist Jenna Kristina, responsible for Allison Williams’ fierce cat eye look at the Met Gala, offers some super simple and surprisingly easy winged eyeliner hacks
The most classic beauty trend in history
A cat’s eye is one of the oldest and most classic makeup looks, dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was loved by women like Cleopatra and Nefertiti.
Fast forward to the ’50s and ’60s, silver screen sirens like Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren exuded Hollywood glamor with their flawless winged eye makeup.
Music icon and civil rights activist Nina Simone also made the flirty look relevant with her timelessly elegant spin on it.
Making eyes look wider and bigger, it’s no wonder the beauty trend has been embraced by today’s biggest names.
Contemporary stars like Adele and Taylor Swift have mastered the uptilt flick, ranging from a thin line like Ariana Grande’s to a more dramatic style like Allison Williams at the Met Gala, created by Jenna.
Sirens on a silver screen like Brigitte Bardot exuded Hollywood glamor with their flawless winged eye makeup
Tips for the beginner
A cat eye is one of the trendiest makeup looks, but it can be very difficult to get it right even after years of practice.
To create a neat wing, the go-to medium is usually a liquid eyeliner, but this may not be the brightest tool for a beginner.
“I suggest using a pencil that can smudge but also hardens after about 30 seconds,” says Jenna, who has worked with Megan Fox, Lucy Hale, Rebecca Rittenhouse, and many more A-listers.
“This helps prevent clutter and gives you more control.”
Another option for a beginner is to make a wing with shadow and a wet brush.
The expert suggests using a very firm corner brush and working in small sections.
“It’s easier to nail down small sections of eyeliner,” she explains.
Add: “You can also use this as a template or guide for where to place the liquid eyeliner when you’re ready.” Apply the shadow or gel eyeliner and then draw the liquid eyeliner over it.’
Products make the difference
To get that super intense vinyl black cat eye look on Allison at the Met Gala, Jenna used the Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in black.
She likes it for its deep color and applicator for fine hair. She also favors Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid liner.
For those who prefer a pencil, Jenna Too Faced cosmetics suggests Killer Liner 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner.
She is also a fan of Maybelline’s Tattoo Studio gel pencil.
Music icon and civil rights activist Nina Simone made the flirty look relevant with her timelessly elegant twist
Perfect the movie
“I actually start at the outer edge of the eye,” Jenna tells me.
“But if it feels too overwhelming, I suggest aiming the liquid liner with the narrowest point toward the hairline and pressing down gently, almost like a postage stamp.”
For a natural look, keep the wing tip short. The further you extend the feline movement, the bolder the look.
Avoid shaking hands
To experience total control, you must master the grip.
“Make sure you’re holding the pen/pencil/brush lightly, that helps the movement flow more easily,” says Jenna. “Think delicate and graceful.”
While some products are easier to grip than others, “the best way to hold your hand is the way that’s most comfortable for you.”
A steady hand is also crucial for creating a precise line across the lash line.
Always use a hands-free mirror, and some suggest leaning the elbow of the drawing hand against a stable surface like a counter for support.
A sharp cat eye is part of Grammy Award winner Ariana Grande’s signature look
Create balance
To keep both eyes looking symmetrical, “Always stare straight into the mirror with your eyes open,” instructs Jenna.
‘That way you know exactly what it will look like when it’s finished.
“I always tell people not to pull your skin out, the skin will go back indefinitely and thus change the shape of the line you just drew.”
Fix mistakes without starting over
Anyone who has tried a winged eye knows that mistakes are virtually inevitable.
But instead of starting over and making an even bigger mess, dip a pointed cotton swab in makeover remover and gently dab the unwanted product with it.
If the wing isn’t as sharp as you’d like, use concealer and a flat brush to fine-tune it.