Cat Eye Makeup Done Easy: 2014’s Purrfect Fall Makeup Trend

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Fall is all about that sexy cat eye makeup, from winged liner to metallic to pops of color.

Although I tend to gravitate towards a strong lip I must admit that a beautiful eye, artfully embellished, does catch my attention. Cat eye makeup may seem like a lot more work than simply swiping on some lip color, but in fact, dramatic results can be achieved rather easily. With so many fabulous products and a little know-how you’ll be wondering why you’ve hesitated to try something new. Let’s begin with eyeliner.

A perfectly applied winged liner is, in a way, the eye version of a classic red lip; simple but dramatic. And even though it may seems intimidating, with a little practice it’s quite do-able

All you need is the right product, and good technique. Liquid eyeliner has come a long way from its original cake version.

With so many options at so many price points there is sure to be some thing for everyone.

Here are my 2 top picks for cat eye makeup products and tips on how to use them.

For the beginner, the product:

NYX Two Timer Dual Ended Eyeliner

This liner has three great things going for it: price, versatility and convenience.

Did I mention price? At $10,  it’s an inexpensive way to try out stand-out cat eye makeup with out having to break the bank.

NYX Two Timer Dual Ended Eyeliner has two sides, a twist up pencil and a liquid liner, and for a novice this combination makes for a wonderful tool to achieve the illusive the liquid liner look.

The technique:

Start by using the pencil side and applying it along the upper lash line. Take your time getting the shape just right (follow the lashline and make sure not to make the line too thick). When you get to the outer corner of the lid, open the eyes and follow the upward curve of the lower lash line to create the most flattering “wing” for your individual eye shape (you need not extend the line too far). Repeat on the other eye and adjust as needed.

Pro tip: I keep Hollywood Fashion Secrets’ eye makeup remover swabs on hand when creating liner looks to adjust and balance the “wings”. Once the shape has been perfected use the liquid liner over the guide you’ve created with the pencil to finish the purrfect cat eye look.

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Another option is a more smudged rock and roll version. Line the eyes as above with the pencil this time making the line a bit thicker. With your finger or a small synthetic brush smudge the edge of the line furthest from the lashline. Once blended apply liquid liner along the lash line to intensify the look, a bit of black mascara and Voilá, Kate Moss has NOTHING on you!

 

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For the expert, the product:

Benefits’ They’re Real Push Up Liner

This intense black gel liner also has three great features (One of which is revolutionary as far as liquid liners go). Long wear, creamy application and the convenience of a pen. And not just a pen but a very different angled applicator tip that makes the formula glide on smoother and easier than a brush.

I have always used a flat angle brush to apply liquid liner. I feel there is so much more control with it than with a long narrow brush. Because of this, for me there wasn’t much of a learning curve. However, for those of you used to a traditional liner brush it may take a couple of tries. Once you make the transition the ease of application is well worth the adjustment. You may find you don’t ever want to go back to a brush. As for formula I was pleasantly surprised at the long wear of the formula. In my experience using the product I found the only touchup I needed before dinner (after a long day of working on location) was at the inner corners of the eyes.

Remember; the thicker the line and longer the wing the more dramatic the look. With this product it’s easy to go from subtle to super dramatic.

The technique:

Start by turning the end of the pen a few times until product appears at the tip of the applicator. Point the small end of the applicator towards the nose and use a continuous flowing movement along the upper lash line towards the outer edge of the eyes. Take your time getting the shape just right (and make sure not to make the line too thick unless you are trying to achieve a very dramatic look). When you get to the outer corner of the lid, open the eyes and follow the upward curve of the lower lash line to create the most flattering “wing” for your individual eye shape (you need not extend the line too far if you are attempting a more subtle version of the look). Repeat on the other eye and adjust as needed. (Even with this gel formula the Hollywood Fashion Secrets’ eye makeup remover swabs really help adjust any imperfections both along the lashline as well as balance the “wings”.) Once the shape has been perfected, apply 2 coats of mascara to finish the purrrfect cat eye look.

Double the fun!

For a simple day to evening transition when wearing liner try adding a second line of gold right above the black. It adds drama with minimal work and the flash of gold every time you blink is sure to attract attention.

Splurge $19 Urban Decay Heavy Metal Liner in Midnight Cowboy (gold) or Steal $5 SRP NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Gold.

Find Fatima on Twitter @fatimaolive

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Top image: Sonny Vandevelde; Dolce & Gabana Fall 2014 RTW