Obsessed with the Reverse Cat Eye! You will be too

Okay, besties, gather 'round! I've got a new makeup obsession, and I'm practically bursting to share it with you. You know how we're always hunting for something fresh, something that gives us that 'oomph' without feeling like we're trying too hard? Well, say hello to the reverse cat eye! It's my new fave.

I know, I know, it sounds a bit intimidating, right? Eyeliner... under the eye? But trust me on this one. It's surprisingly flattering, super versatile, and honestly, it's a lifesaver when you're feeling a bit 'meh' about your usual makeup routine. I tried this last week and I had compliments all day! I was buzzing!

What's the Deal with the Reverse Cat Eye?

So, what exactly is a reverse cat eye? Basically, it's the classic cat eye, but flipped! Instead of creating a winged liner on your upper lid, you're focusing all the drama on your lower lash line. Think smoky, edgy, and a little bit mysterious. It's been popping up everywhere lately – on celebrities, beauty influencers, and all over my TikTok feed. And honestly, I'm not mad about it! It's such a cool alternative to the traditional winged liner, especially if you're after something a bit more modern and unexpected. I've found it gives me that certain je ne sais quoi.

Why I'm Loving It

* It's Edgy: Look, here's the thing... sometimes we just want to feel a bit rebellious, right? The reverse cat eye is the perfect way to add a touch of edge to your look without going overboard.

* It's Surprisingly Flattering: I was a bit worried that it would make my eyes look smaller, but actually, it does the opposite! By defining the lower lash line, it really opens up the eyes and makes them pop. This surprised me.

* It's Versatile: You can go as subtle or as dramatic as you like with this look. A soft, smudged line for daytime, or a bold, graphic wing for a night out – the possibilities are endless!

* It's Easier Than a Regular Cat Eye (Maybe!): Okay, this might be controversial, but I actually find the reverse cat eye easier to do than a traditional winged liner. Getting that perfect flick on the upper lid can be such a pain, but with the reverse cat eye, you have a bit more room for error. In my experience anyway!

My Reverse Cat Eye Tutorial (The Emma Sterling Way!)

Alright, let's get down to business! Here's my step-by-step guide to creating the perfect reverse cat eye, with all my tried-and-tested tips and tricks. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't nail it on the first try. We've all been there!

What You'll Need

* Eyeliner: This is the star of the show, so choose wisely! I personally love a creamy, smudgeable pencil liner for this look. It's easier to blend and create that smoky effect. My current favourite is the Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Bedroom Black. It's super pigmented and lasts all day (and night!). I also really like the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. If you want something even more dramatic, you could use a gel liner and a fine-tipped brush, like the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and the Sigma E05 Eyeliner Brush.

* Small Angled Brush: This is optional, but it can be really helpful for smudging and blending the liner. I use the Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush.

* Eyeshadow (Optional): If you want to add some extra dimension, you can use a dark eyeshadow to set the liner and create a more smoky effect. A matte black or dark brown shadow works best. I love the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette for this, specifically the shade 'Cyprus Umber'.

* Cotton Buds: For cleaning up any mistakes! We all make them, so don't worry.

* Concealer: To sharpen the wing and clean up any smudges around the eye. I use the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.

* Mascara: To complete the look and make your lashes pop! My go-to is the Benefit They're Real! Mascara.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prep Your Eyes: Start with a clean, moisturised eye area. Apply your usual eyeshadow primer to ensure your liner stays in place all day. I swear by the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – it's a lifesaver!

Line Your Lower Lash Line: This is where the magic happens! Take your eyeliner pencil and carefully line your lower lash line, starting from the inner corner of your eye and extending outwards. Try to get as close to the lash line as possible. Don't worry about making it perfect just yet – we'll be blending it out in the next step.

* Emma's Tip: If you're a bit nervous, start with a thin line and gradually build up the intensity. You can always add more, but it's harder to take away!

Smudge, Smudge, Smudge! This is key to creating that smoky, lived-in effect. Use your small angled brush (or even your finger!) to gently smudge the liner along your lower lash line. Focus on blending the edges to create a soft, diffused look. You can also smudge the liner slightly downwards to create a more dramatic effect.

* Emma's Tip: Don't be afraid to get messy! The beauty of the reverse cat eye is that it's not meant to be perfect. A little bit of imperfection actually adds to the edgy vibe.

Create the Wing (Optional): If you want to take your reverse cat eye to the next level, you can add a wing! Extend the liner outwards and slightly upwards from the outer corner of your eye, following the natural curve of your lower lash line. You can make the wing as long or as short as you like, depending on your preference. This didn't work for me at first, but I realised I needed to keep my eye open and look straight ahead while drawing the wing – that made all the difference!

* Emma's Tip: Use a cotton bud dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes and create a sharp, defined wing.

Set with Eyeshadow (Optional): To make your liner last even longer and create a more intense smoky effect, you can set it with a dark eyeshadow. Use a small brush to gently pat the eyeshadow over the liner, focusing on the outer corner of your eye. This will also help to blend the liner and create a seamless finish.

Clean Up and Conceal: Use a cotton bud dipped in makeup remover to clean up any smudges around your eye. Then, apply a small amount of concealer under your eye to brighten the area and sharpen the wing. This will also help to create a more polished and professional look.

Mascara Time! Finish off the look with a generous coat of mascara on your upper and lower lashes. This will help to open up your eyes and make them pop. I like to wiggle the mascara wand at the base of my lashes to create extra volume.

* Emma's Tip: If you're feeling extra bold, you can also add a coat of mascara to your lower lashes. Just be careful not to get any mascara on your skin!

Admire Your Work! Step back and admire your gorgeous reverse cat eye! Take a selfie, post it on Instagram, and tag me – I want to see your creations!

Product Recommendations (Because You Know I Have Them!)

Okay, you know I can't resist sharing my favourite products! Here are a few of my go-to's for creating the perfect reverse cat eye:

* Eyeliner:

* Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Bedroom Black: As I mentioned before, this is my current obsession. It's creamy, pigmented, and lasts all day.

* Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: Another great option for a creamy, smudgeable liner. It comes in a ton of different colours, so you can experiment with different looks.

* Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner: If you're after a more dramatic look, this gel liner is your best bet. It's super pigmented and long-lasting.

* Eyeshadow:

* Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette: This palette has everything you need to create a smoky eye, including a range of matte and shimmer shades. 'Cyprus Umber' is my go-to for setting the liner.

* MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon: A classic matte black eyeshadow that's perfect for creating a dramatic smoky effect.

* Brushes:

* Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush: This brush is perfect for smudging and blending the liner.

* Sigma E05 Eyeliner Brush: If you're using a gel liner, this brush will help you create a precise wing.

* Mascara:

* Benefit They're Real! Mascara: My all-time favourite mascara. It lengthens, volumizes, and curls my lashes like no other.

* L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara: A great drugstore option for lengthening and defining your lashes.

Troubleshooting Tips

* Liner Smudging Everywhere? Set your under-eye area with powder before applying liner. This creates a barrier and helps prevent smudging. I like the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.

* Wing Not Sharp Enough? Use a cotton bud dipped in micellar water to clean up the edges and create a crisp line. Or, use tape as a guide – just like you would for a regular cat eye!

* Eyes Looking Too Small? Keep the liner thin and close to the lash line. Avoid lining the inner corner of your eye, as this can make your eyes look smaller. Use a nude or white eyeliner on your waterline to brighten your eyes. Just try this, you'll thank me later!

* Can't Get the Wing Even? Don't stress! It happens to the best of us. Practice in front of a mirror and take your time. Remember, the goal is to create a look that you love, so don't be afraid to experiment!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my ultimate guide to the reverse cat eye! I hope you're feeling inspired to give this trend a try. It's such a fun and easy way to switch up your makeup routine and add a touch of edge to your look. Remember, makeup is all about experimenting and having fun, so don't be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you. And if you do try the reverse cat eye, be sure to tag me in your photos – I can't wait to see your creations!

Happy experimenting, my loves! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if there are any other makeup trends you'd like me to try. Until next time, stay fabulous!

Lots of love,

Emma xoxo