Last updated: March 2026
What Is Cat Eye?
A cat eye is a classic winged eyeliner shape that flicks upward at the outer corner to elongate the eye and create a feline-inspired lift.
The cat eye is one of the most iconic and enduring makeup looks in history, dating back to ancient Egypt and popularized in the 1950s and 1960s by style icons like Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. The technique involves drawing a wing that extends from the outer lash line upward toward the tail of the eyebrow, creating the illusion of a lifted, elongated eye shape. While the basic concept is simple, the thickness, length, and angle of the wing can be adjusted to suit different eye shapes and occasions. It remains a go-to for both everyday and evening looks.
Tips
- Use the angle of your lower lash line as a guide for the wing direction—follow the natural upward slope toward your temple.
- Start with a thin line along the lash line and build thickness gradually rather than trying to draw a thick line in one pass.
- For hooded eyes, draw the wing with your eyes open so the angle remains visible when your eyes are relaxed.
- Clean up mistakes with a small flat brush dipped in micellar water or concealer for a crisp edge.
See it in action
Tutorials that use or demonstrate this technique: