The typical black cat-eye: we’ve all seen it. While it’s simple to apply, some days call for a more dramatic eyeliner look. It may appear scary at first, but adding new curves and vibrant colours isn’t that difficult. We met with a few beauty experts to get all the information we needed on how to apply eye makeup.
People should not be scared to include graphic designs liner into their eye makeup look, says Lorin Cole, a cosmetic artist based in New York City. “My best piece of advise is to be creative and pursue your own vision.” More makeup lesson guidance from an expert: “Before putting it to your face, plan out your design and practise it on paper.” This will assist you in working out the kinks.
Deborah Altizio, a cosmetic artist in New York, feels that ancient styles and concepts resurface in present times. According to her, the graphic and pop-up liquid eyeliners seen on TikTok and runways now had their origins in the 1960s.
“For example, a few years ago, the Chanel presentation in New York City employed black-and-white lines around the eyes,” Altizio explains. “Twiggy wore it as a defining look in the 1960s. Fashion has a way of replicating itself and becoming the current trend.
Okay, so how do the uninitiated attempt on a glam cat-eye? Lorin says she starts with a pencil like MAC Eye Kohl as a guideline once she’s practised on paper and is ready to go on to her face. Lorin refines the line’s wing using a cake liner (a water-activated product) like Kryolan Aquablack and a finely-pointed art brush (we favour Make Up For Ever’s choice).
Rhinestone Liner
Ask content creator Sophia Levaughn, the artist behind this delicate bronze and blue combo, about adding rhinestones to any eyeliner look. This one has a minimalist upper wing and a baby blue liner on the waterline to balance it all out. We adore utilising self-adhesive rhinestones like the Half Magic Face Gems or the ELF Face and Body Gems.
Butterfly Shadow
You might be wondering how easy it is to draw a full butterfly on your lid. To be honest, it isn’t. However, Trulee, a content producer, revealed her hidden hack. Instead of attempting and failing to draw this intricate pattern, she applied temporary tattoos on her lid over a smoky eye. This also means you can wear the look all day without having to touch it up. These temporary tattoos from Inked by Dani are suitable for usage on the face. If you have hooded eyes, Allure contributor Tynan Sinks recommends applying eye shadow higher in the crease of your eyelids — even up to your orbital bone.
Siren Eyes
With this Bella Hadid reference: downturned white cat-eye and black siren-eyed borders, content producer Royjar makes it appear effortless. For those of us who enjoy black liner, this may be a nice way to break up the monotony. Makeup expert Lily Keys previously told Allure that siren eyes are created by combining eye shadow and eyeliner. (We like to use the Catrice 20H Ultra Precision Gel Eye Pencil in combination with the Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette.)
Always start with lighter colours before applying darker ones,” Keys says. Apply the taupe base with a fluffy brush, concentrating more of the colour on your lash line and blending upward and outward to start the wing.
A Classic Winged Liner
Always start with lighter colours before applying darker ones,” Keys says. Apply the taupe base with a fluffy brush, concentrating more of the colour on your lash line and blending upward and outward to start the wing.
Blossom Eyes
TikToker @ChloeandCosmetics was inspired by her birth month flower Astor for this eyeliner, which has a blossom directly on the wing. When applied in this shadow effect, gel eyeliners tend to linger longer — we prefer Inglot Playinn Waterproof Eyeliner Gel, which comes in eight vibrant colours. We also like how this style leaves the bottom lash line naked, emphasising what’s on top.
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