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It feels like cat-eyes have been a makeup trend pretty much since makeup has existed as a form of self-expression. So much so, that we're not sure if it's entirely accurate to call the look a "trend" anymore. So many people have taken on this glamorous look as their daily staple, winging out their liner before heading to work or out to dinner.
"A bold cat-eye is an all-time classic dating back to old-Hollywood glamour when eye makeup became more of the focus rather than the lips," New York City-based makeup artist Norah Salazar says. "Stars from Adele to Nicki Minaj always rock their own bold cat-eye looks, ranging from thin like Ariana Grande's to more bold exaggerated like those of the late, iconic singer Amy Winehouse."
But this fall, it's not just about the slick, black wings. The cat-eye look you're going to see all over the season (as seen on Altuzarra, Eckhaus Latta, and Collina Strada runways) is going to be bigger, with brighter colors, cooler shapes, and lots of head-turning looks.
"Cat-eyes are going bolder, with use of bright color and more edgy smokiness than the traditional liquid flick," makeup artist Emily Amick says. "Think Julia Fox over Marilyn Monroe."
- Norah Salazar, a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Emily Amick, a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Alexandria Gilleo, a makeup artist based in New York City and Miami.
- Lynn Simpson, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles.
How did the bold cat-eye become a trend for 2022?
Fox and other models walked the LaQuan Smith fall runway wearing smudged black eyeliner pulled into an extra-long, cat-eye with red eye shadow running along the crease the lid. Between the red and the smudged black was a smoky brown shadow that helped tie the whole thing together.
Color also played a major role at the Christian Siriano fall/winter 2022 show, with models sporting a layered cat-eye look with bright nearly neon blue sitting above a slick black flick. "Mixing and matching liners has been a trend for a minute now," makeup artist Alexandria Gilleo explains. "Using a bright or bold colored liner right above or onto of a black winged liner can look fun and create a double-wing effect."
Another fun way to use color is to add it to the inner corners of the eyes instead of layering, as seen at the Emporio Armani fall/winter 2022 show. Makeup artist Linda Cantello used bright shades of pink to add dimension to the look. "[This look] is fun because using a bright pop of color there, or darkening it, can completely change the way your eye and face appears," Amick says. Cantello also added a touch of shimmer to the look courtesy of small rhinestones sprinkled in among the black liner.
Beyond just using fun colors, you can also play around with the shape of the flick to create something new and interesting Take Molly Goddard’s fall/winter 2022 runway, for example. Makeup artist Thom Walker created a super-straight cat-eye that pulled straight out instead of up in order to give the retro look a modern twist.
How do you create a bold cat-eye?
Whether you're a natural at this point or a total beginner, the pros shared a few tips and tricks for creating a flawless cat-eye.
"The best way to make sure your cat-eye is taking the actual shape you want is to do most of the application with your eyes open and looking straight into the mirror," Amick says. "It might look great with your eyes closed, but if it doesn't look how you want it to when they're wide open, then you're kind of missing the point."
Makeup artist Lynn Simpson also recommends using your waterline as the guide for getting the right angle. "From the outer corner of the lower eye, use a straight or angled brush like the Luxie 215 to stamp your edge," she explains. (We also love the Best of Beauty-winning Merle Norman Cosmetics Makeup Artistry Eyes #2 Brush.) "Angle the brush from your lower lash line towards the end of your eyebrow and you will get the perfect angle on both eyes."
Gilleo says true beginners might want to use a folded tissue as their guide, placing it at an angle as if it's an extension of the lower lash line. "Beautyblender also has an eyeliner application tool that can be great for beginners," she continues, referencing the brand's liner designer.
If you're adding shadow to the inner corner of the eye à la the Emporio Armani look (or Zendaya's take above), Simpson says a flat shading brush is a must. "It's small and flat so you have all the control to place the color exactly where you want it," she says. Allure loves the Best of Beauty-winning Monika Blunder Beauty Hybrid Cream Brush.
The pros suggest using a gel or liquid liner like MAC's Fluidline or Stila's Stay All Day to get the job done. But if you already have an eye shadow shade that you love and want to use as a liner, Amick recommends using Inglot Duraline to turn the consistency into more of a gel-liquid to get a stronger, cleaner pigment. After all, if you're going bold you'll want the colors to pop.
How do I remove a bold cat-eye?
Along with angled brushes, tissues, and liner guides, makeup artists recommend keeping a clean-up tool close by. "A tiny cotton swab or Q-tip is a great tool to keep around when creating a cat-eye," Gilleo says. "This can help clean up any errors along the way and then assist in making the line even sharper." Salazar says this can be done using a touch of micellar water or foundation.
If you don't have Q-tips handy, Gilleo says this can also be done with a brightening concealer, like Tarte's Shape Tape. Allure also loves the Best of Beauty-winning Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Brighten & Correct Duo.
"Be bold and unique with your cat-eye looks, play with color," Salazar says. "As we enter fall, a bold cat-eye look is the perfect complement to a statement look. It elongates the eyes and adds dimension."
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