How to Do a Cat Eye Like a Makeup Pro

Eye makeup trends come and go, but the timeless cat eye is here to stay. Depending on the mood and occasion, you may opt to modernize your cat eye with color or perhaps even put it in reverse. But before you explore the many cat eye variations out there, first it's essential to get back to the basics by mastering the classic version. To help us out, we reached out to celebrity MUAs for their expert advice.

Keep scrolling for six pro tips on how to do a cat eye.

Choose the Right Eyeliner

When it comes to which eyeliner to use for the perfect cat eye, there's no one-size-fits-all. Comedian and cat eye enthusiast Cat Cohen uses the Maybelline Matte Precise All Day Liquid Liner to land a precise line, however, liquid liners may work best for those with more advanced eyeliner skills. Another option? Pencil liners.

"They are so versatile," pro makeup artist and beauty expert Shannon O'Brien, tells us. "Pencils are a bit easier to control and are a bit more forgiving when applying. You can also get multiple looks and textures from a pencil. With one pencil you can get the look of a liquid or gel slick cat eye — or blend it out with a brush to get something a little more relaxed and soft." We recommend Maybelline's Tattoo Studio Pencil Liner in case you're interested.

Trace, Extend, And Blend

Once you have your eyeliner picked out, begin your cat eye by tracing your upper lid with your liner, instructs celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. Then, work on stretching the wing by following the curve of your bottom lash line. "Extend the pencil beyond the end of the eye and blend out until there is a wash of color left," instructs O'Brien.

Clean Up and Correct

If you're not liking how your cat eye is turning out, Cohen offers some advice: "Keep some micellar water and Q-Tips handy to correct any mistakes." The Q-Tip and micellar water combo will even help to shape and define your cat eye for a more precise look. "I love it because it's so simple yet creates such a dramatic effect," says Cohen.

You can also swipe out micellar water for an oil-free makeup remover. "With a tight cotton bud dipped in oil-free makeup remover, clean up the bottom, sweeping the cotton bud up and out," says O'Brien. The result? A lovely, lifted cat eye.

Practice, Practice, Practice

"The biggest advice on a cat eye is practice," says Sonia Valencia, a TikTok influencer who focuses on beauty for the over-40 crowd, "Don't be afraid of color and there are no limits to what a cat eye can bring to your look. Cat eye is timeless and is for every age."

Consider the Stamp Kit Hack

If you've got a shaky hand or aren't armed with enough patience to get your cat eye just right, you might be interested in the Kaja Wink Stamp. All you have to do is line your lid and then press the little triangle-shaped stamp at the corner of your eye and voilà — an instant cat eye.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

"Makeup washes off, so don't stop experimenting," emphasizes makeup artist Kim White. What you shied away from previously might look great now. Focus on your eye shape and be deliberate with your placement, application, and colors."

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