Okay, so, you know I'm always on the hunt for the next big thing in beauty, right? And lately, I've been seeing this reverse cat eye look everywhere. At first, I was a little hesitant. Eyeliner on my lower lash line? Was that even a thing? But trust me, it's a thing, and it's about to be your thing too.
It's officially my new obsession, and honestly? I think it's even easier than the classic winged liner. Anyone else struggle to get their wings even? Because I definitely do. This? Way more forgiving. Plus, it's just so much cooler and more modern, don't you think?
What Is a Reverse Cat Eye, Anyway?
Basically, instead of focusing your eyeliner on the upper lid and creating a wing, you're focusing it on the lower lash line. You can keep it subtle with a smudged liner or go full-on graphic with a bold, defined line. It's all about playing around and finding what works for you.
We've actually talked about reverse cat eyes before! Check out these posts: Reverse Cat Eye? Obsessed Doesn't Cover It! and Obsessed with the Reverse Cat Eye! You will be too. They're full of inspo!
My Reverse Cat Eye Tutorial (Because You Asked!)
Okay, so here's how I've been doing my reverse cat eye. It's super easy, I promise!
Step 1: Prep Your Under-Eye Area
First things first, make sure your under-eye area is prepped and primed. I like to use a hydrating eye cream (I'm currently loving the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – it's amazing) and then set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. This will help prevent your eyeliner from smudging throughout the day. Trust me on this one!
Before eye cream though, I've been using a vitamin C serum in the mornings to help brighten the under-eye area.
Step 2: Choose Your Weapon (Eyeliner, That Is!)
Now, for the fun part! You've got a few options here, depending on the look you're going for:
* Pencil Eyeliner: This is great for a smudged, smoky look. I love the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. It's super creamy and easy to blend. You can't go wrong with this.
Gel Eyeliner: This is perfect for a more defined, graphic line. I'm a big fan of the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. It stays put all* day.
Liquid Eyeliner: If you're feeling really* bold, you can use a liquid eyeliner. But be warned, this requires a steady hand! I'd recommend the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. It is definitely one of my favourites.
* Eyeshadow: For the softest, most subtle look, use a dark eyeshadow and an angled brush.
Step 3: Line Your Lower Lash Line
Okay, time to get lining! Start by lining your lower lash line, as close to your lashes as possible. You can either do a thin line for a subtle look or a thicker line for something more dramatic. I usually start with a thin line and then build it up as needed.
Step 4: Smudge, Smudge, Smudge (If You Want!)
If you're going for a smudged look, use a small brush or a cotton bud to gently smudge the eyeliner. This will create a softer, more lived-in effect. I love using a smudging brush from the Sephora Collection for this step.
Step 5: Extend the Line (Optional)
This is where you can really get creative! You can extend the line outwards and upwards, creating a subtle flick. Or, you can extend it downwards for a more edgy, graphic look. Play around and see what you like best! I tried this last week and realised that extending the line downwards suits my face shape a lot more. This surprised me!
Step 6: Inner Corner Action (Also Optional!)
For an extra touch of drama, you can add some eyeliner to your inner corner. This will help to open up your eyes and make them look bigger. I like to use a white or shimmery eyeliner for this step. The Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner is gorgeous for the inner corner!
Step 7: Mascara, Mascara, Mascara!
No eye makeup look is complete without mascara! Apply a generous coat of your favourite mascara to your upper and lower lashes. I'm currently obsessed with the Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara. It makes my lashes look so long and full. Just try it, you'll thank me later.
My Honest Thoughts & Lessons Learned
Okay, so I'm not gonna lie, this didn't work for me perfectly at first. I definitely had some smudging issues when I first tried it. But that's why prepping the under-eye area is so important! And finding the right eyeliner is key. Some eyeliners just smudge more easily than others.
Also, I realised that the shape of the wing makes a HUGE difference. Extending it upwards looked a bit…off on me. But extending it downwards? Suddenly, it all clicked. So don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for your eye shape.
One time, I went out with a reverse cat eye and forgot to set my under-eye area properly. By the end of the night, I looked like a raccoon! Lesson learned: always, always set your under-eye area. In my experience, it's crucial.
Product Recommendations (Because You Know I Have Them!)
* Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
* Mascara: Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara
* Eye Cream: Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
* Inner Corner: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Eyeliner
* Smudging Brush: Sephora Collection Smudge Brush
Why You Need to Try It
Seriously, if you're looking for a way to spice up your makeup routine, you need to try the reverse cat eye. It's edgy, modern, and surprisingly easy to wear. Plus, it's a great way to switch things up if you're tired of the same old winged liner.
So go ahead, give it a try! And don't forget to tag me in your photos – I can't wait to see what you create!
Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think! I'm dying to know!