The cat eye eyeliner trend is still going strong and has, if anything, only branched out to include double wings, open wings, creative wings--your wing possibilities are endless these days! Sadly, more cat eye options doesn't automatically mean we've actually mastered the original. The struggle is still real for many of us who spend far too much time standing in front of our mirrors in the morning with a tube of liquid eyeliner and no clue where to begin.
So, let's talk cat eye eyeliner hacks. We need them in our lives--both to help get us get to work on time and to create the most va-va-va-voom eyes imaginable. Memorize these 9 hacks and prepare to slay with flawless winged eyeliner.
[Photo: Imaxtree]
Create dots and dashes before lines.
Unless you have a super steady hand, drawing a perfect winged line can be an impossible feat for most of us. Take it one step at a time instead by placing small dots along the upper eyelid and then connecting them with your gel, liquid or pencil liner. You can also mark three small dashes on your inner, middle, and outer lid and follow up with a thicker line joining them. Once you've outlined your line, draw over it with a liquid liner to give it a more dramatic appearance.
Covergirl Bombshell Intensity Eye Liner ($6.29)
Freeze your eyeliner.
There's nothing worse than gliding your pencil eyeliner along your lid, only to have it crumble in seconds. Prevent this from happening by placing your liner in the freezer for 8-10 minutes before you plan on using it. The cold temperature will help it regain its shape so it stays put while you're applying your makeup.
NYC New York Color HD Waterproof Automatic Eyeliner ($1.87)
Invest in stencils.
Take it from someone who is atrociously bad at applying her own eyeliner: Beth Bender Beauty Eyeliner Stencils are genius. These adhesive stencils are easily applied to the lid and can be used with all types of eye makeup--from powder eyeshadow to glitter eyeliner. They make it a cinch to create ombré winged liner, polka dot liner, you name it. Remove the stencils after you've painted your masterpiece and behold: the perfect cat eye is yours in seconds.
Grab a spoon.
Get acquainted with every beauty enthusiast's favorite non-makeup makeup tool: a spoon. First, using the handle of the spoon as a stencil, create a straight line from the outer corner of your eyelid about one inch out and up toward your eyebrows. Next, turn the curved end of the spoon over and place it on the lid so that it can be used to draw the curved upper line of your cat eye. Finally, fill in the outline with your eyeliner to complete your look.
Another option: a business card. The sharp edges on your business card or credit card make it a multipurpose tool with hidden makeup application benefits. Simply line the edge of the card along your outer eye and glide your liquid liner or a slanted eyeshadow brush dipped in gel liner upward and along the edge for a perfectly straight line.
Cheat by tightlining instead.
If you only have a few seconds, none of which you care to devote to drawing a proper cat eye, tightlining your liner and applying it in between your upper lashes instead of on the lid will create a more natural, but still polished, look. Gently lift your eyelid up with your finger and be sure to outline your entire upper waterline.
[Photo: Imaxtree]
Draw a backwards wing.
Create an even sharper line by drawing your wing toward your eye instead of away from it. Positioning your pencil, brush, or liquid liner this way will also help you make a better call on how far out you want to extend your line.
Erase imperfections with concealer.
We all make mistakes when applying eyeliner, but attempting to cover up a smudge with eye makeup remover and a Q-Tip will only fudge up your eye shadow and base in the process. A better option: dab a tiny dot of concealer over the problem area with your pinky finger and blend carefully. Then go back over the area with your eyeliner to correct the issue.
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer ($8.95)
Use nude eyeliner to correct mistakes.
It's time to explore the infinite ways a nude gel or pencil eyeliner can help you create a more beautiful and flawless eye makeup look. If you've smudged your dark liner, resist the urge to wipe it off and, instead, work a nude liner over the area to erase it. You can also use this liner to draw a line over your cat eye for a more precise finish. Last but not least, glide your nude liner along the innter bottom rim of your eye, which makes eyes pop and look bigger--and appears more natural than white eyeliner.
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner, Nude ($4.49)
