How to do it in 5 easy steps

Developing your lining skills involves mastering many shapes, to better highlight your current vibe. And where the kitten flick is a makeup gesture par excellence, the reverse cat eye has a rebellious side. “The reverse cat eye is a modern take on the classic cat eye, where winged eyeliner is applied to the lower lash line instead of the upper line,” says makeup artist Benjamin Puckey. “This bold approach creates a cool, slightly rebellious look, emphasizing the shape of the eyes and adding a sensual, smoldering effect.” Makeup artist Fara Homidi agrees. “It communicates sexiness, but also gives the vibe of someone willing to take risks.” Who knew a simple change could say so much?

While most proponents of the reverse cat eye would agree with the description above, the look can also refer to liner that extends to the inner corners of the eye as well as the outer corners. These details are optional, but positioning (an extension of the lower lash line) is the ultimate goal. “The reverse cat eye offers a lot of versatility, allowing you to play with different levels of boldness,” says Puckey, who suggests taking inspiration from Zendaya’s regular red carpet rotation (she’s a big fan of this look). “Opt for a clean, precise line or a smudged, smoky effect.”

When it comes to accompanying makeup, Homidi suggests keeping it neutral and letting your eyes make the statement they’re meant to make. For his part, Puckey prefers his inverted cat eye overseen by a powerful eyebrow. “Well-defined brows complement the boldness of the inverted cat eye,” he explains. Both artists recommend nude lips (Puckey opts for Clé De Peau Beauté’s Cream Rouge in Chocolate Cosmos) and a sculpted face. “A gentle cream contour stick, like Westman Atelier’s Face Trace, can define your cheekbones without overshadowing your eye makeup,” says Puckey. A touch of highlighter at the inner corner of the eye provides a luminous punctuation with a reverse liner look.

Read on to learn how to create a reverse cat eye in five easy steps.

Step One: Prepare Your Eyes

Proper preparation creates a foundation for a long-lasting look. “Apply an eye primer to ensure your eye makeup stays in place,” says Puckey. “I prefer the Rare Beauty Eye Primer because it provides a smooth base without causing product breakage.”

Step Two: Define the Lash Line

Migration from the classic wing to the lower lash line requires a few extra makeup moves. “To balance the emphasis on the lower lash line, add subtle definition to the upper lash line,” says Puckey. “I suggest using a waterproof gel pencil like Charlotte Tilbury’s Rock ‘N’ Kohl to draw a thin line along the upper lashes, then blend it with a pencil brush for a soft effect.”

Step Three: Sketch the Shape

“I always like to outline the shape with a softer pencil like Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner,” says Homidi, who suggests trying dark brown rather than black for a softer look. “Lightly trace your lower lash line with the pencil and use a small eye brush to smoke and manipulate the product to achieve the desired shape. » Puckey suggests drawing a wing that extends slightly upward, mirroring the direction of a traditional cat’s eye from below. “Continue the line from the outer wing to the inner corner, keeping it close to the lashes for a streamlined look, adjusting the thickness based on your preference,” he says. Finally, use a thin cotton swab to clean your wing, dragging the line to refine and finish the look.

Step four: set with powder

Now is the time to commit to your cat’s eye. “Once you’re happy with the shape, a pro tip is to add a touch of translucent powder on top to ensure the pencil doesn’t move,” says Homidi. Powder and primer mean your well-sharpened wing will stay perfect, strong and sharp, especially if you follow the last step.

Step Five: Intensify the Look

Since the reverse cat eye is all about drama, adding more definition and sharpness is a mandate. “Cover it with a liquid liner – Surratt Auto-Graphique is my favorite – to intensify the finish and set the look,” says Homidi. Increasing depth and saturation makes the already luxurious look even more glamorous.