There’s a reason this iconic makeup trend has been around for so long.  It’s elegant, sexy, edgy, classic, chic and sultry all at the same time.  Whether you pair it with a crisp Theory suit, a Simone leather jacket and ripped jeans or a sexy lingerie set – it’s hot!  Here are six easy steps to create the perfect winged cat eye that is all your own.  Remember, although this look appears to have been achieved in one clean swoop, that is not the case.  Just take your time and practice.

Step 1: Starting with a bare, clean eyelid, smooth a sheer layer of eyelid primer from the lid all the way to your brow.  Some primers come with a handy applicator.  Otherwise, you can use a flat brush or your fingertips for a smooth, even application across the entire lid.  Eyelid primer is essential as it keeps your eye makeup from creasing and it allows for the pigment of your shadow to really come through.

Step 2: Depending on what you’re most comfortable with, you can create a beautiful cat eye with either a felt tip eyeliner pen or a small angled brush and gel liner.

Starting at the inner corner, draw a thin line and take it all the way to the outer corner using small, steady strokes.  You may want to gently pull your lid upward so that you can get as close to your lash line as possible.  This will give you a base line to work with that follows the shape of your eye.

*Before you begin, practice drawing lines on the back of your hand by applying more/less pressure until you are familiar with how it affects the width. More pressure = wider strokes; Less pressure = thinner strokes.

Step 3:  Tilt your head down slightly while looking straight into the mirror.  Starting at the outer corner, draw a line that extends upward from your bottom lash line.  Use the natural angle of your bottom lash line as a guide while you carefully draw the outside of the wing.  For a natural look, extend just slightly past the top lash line.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 on your other eye to ensure that you are content with the position of the wing on both sides.

Step 5:  Now from the top of the wing, gently draw a line inward and downward to join your top lash line – almost like an obtuse triangle.

Step 6: Finally, complete the look by filling in the blank space in the middle of the triangle.   Add a coat or two of mascara and you’re ready to go!

Clara Isabella is a featured Fashion & Beauty contributor and a well known makeup artist who has been featured on Refinery29 and Touchpuppet, as well as on NBC’s Thread | NY. For more about her click here for her full bio and all of her articles! read more →