From beauty vloggers to A-list starlets, everyone who rocks a perfectly done cat-eye makes it seem like it’s oh-so simple to create. In reality, it’s not always a piece of cake to do. While it can be done, even if you aren’t an expert with eyeliner, this is definitely one look that takes practice to perfect, not to mention a few little tricks to make it doable. Makeup artist Rhona Samuels of Giorgio Armani Beauty lets us in on the secrets of how she does it.
All you really need are a good liquid eyeliner, some tape or eyeshadow shields, a steady hand and some patience—makeup remover and a gob of Q-tips aren’t a bad idea to have on hand, too.
“To get that perfect cat-eye, my go-to products are Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro and Liquid Liner ($34), which are really easy to use—excellent for beginners—and Shadow Shields. First, I apply the Eye & Brow Maestro in a black color (#1) along the lash line using an angled brush. Then, I extend the line toward the temple and go outward,” says Samuel.
“Shadow Shields are a must for a cat-eye. They’re a half-moon shaped shield that you apply on the outer part of the eye up toward the brow. Next, apply liquid liner on top of what you’ve already laid on the lid, starting at the inner corner of the eye and going outward along the lash line,” she explains. “If you want more of a feline look, just extend the liner out even more and flick it up to finish.”
