Okay, girls, gather 'round! Let's talk reverse cat eye. You know I love a good beauty trend, but this one? This one’s got me hooked. I've been playing around with it non-stop, and I just had to share my tips and tricks with you. Forget the usual winged liner for a bit. We're flipping the script (literally!) and focusing on that lower lash line.
Why Reverse Cat Eye? Seriously!
Why am I so obsessed? Well, for starters, it's just so darn different. It's unexpected, edgy, and instantly elevates any makeup look. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to achieve once you get the hang of it. I was a bit intimidated at first, but trust me, if I can do it, you totally can. It's also super versatile. You can go for a subtle, smoky vibe or a bold, graphic statement – it's all up to you and your mood! And the best part? It makes your eyes look bigger and more defined. Who doesn't want that?
If you need further convincing, I did a whole post on why I'm Obsessed with the Reverse Cat Eye! You will be too. Check it out!
My Go-To Reverse Cat Eye Tutorial
Ready to jump in? Here's my step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect reverse cat eye:
1. Prep Your Under Eyes
This is crucial! You want a smooth, hydrated canvas for your eyeliner. I always start with a good eye cream. My current favourite is the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. It's super hydrating and helps to minimise any fine lines. Let it sink in for a few minutes before moving on. Seriously, don't skip this.
Before that though, I always make sure my skin is clean. At the moment, I'm using the Aveeno Oat Cleanser. It's so gentle.
2. Choose Your Weapon (Eyeliner, That Is!)
Okay, so you have a few options here. I've tried them all, and here's what I've found:
* Pencil Eyeliner: This is the easiest option for beginners. It's forgiving and blendable, allowing you to create a soft, smoky look. I love the Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil. It's creamy, pigmented, and doesn't budge once it's set.
* Gel Eyeliner: This is my personal favourite for a more defined, graphic look. It requires a bit more precision, but the payoff is worth it. I swear by the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. It's super long-lasting and doesn't smudge. In my experience, it's worth the extra effort.
* Liquid Eyeliner: This is the most challenging option, but it can create the most dramatic effect. I'd recommend this for more experienced eyeliner users. I like the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, but it needs a steady hand!
* Eyeshadow: Don't underestimate using a dark eyeshadow with a fine angled brush! This is great for a softer, more diffused look. I've been using the dark brown shade from my Urban Decay Naked2 Basics palette.
3. Line Your Lower Lash Line
Okay, deep breaths! This is the trickiest part, but don't worry, we'll get through it together.
* Start in the Outer Corner: Begin by lining your lower lash line from the outer corner inwards. Use short, light strokes to build up the intensity. Don't try to draw one solid line – it's much easier to control if you build it up gradually.
* Extend the Wing: Now, extend the line outwards and upwards, following the natural curve of your lower lash line. The length and angle of the wing are up to you! I usually go for a slightly shorter, more subtle wing for everyday wear, and a longer, more dramatic wing for evenings.
* Connect the Inner Corner (Optional): You can choose to connect the liner to the inner corner of your eye for a more intense look. I sometimes do this, but I find it can make my eyes look smaller, so I usually skip it. This really depends on your eye shape, so play around and see what works best for you!
4. Smudge (If You Want To!)
If you're going for a softer, smokier look, now's the time to smudge! Use a small, angled brush or a cotton bud to gently smudge the eyeliner along the lower lash line. Be careful not to overdo it – you still want to maintain some definition.
5. Set It and Forget It
To prevent smudging and ensure your reverse cat eye lasts all day (or night!), it's important to set it with powder. Use a small, angled brush to apply a matching eyeshadow over the eyeliner. This will lock it in place and prevent it from migrating.
6. Mascara, Mascara, Mascara!
No eye makeup look is complete without mascara! Apply a generous coat of mascara to your top and bottom lashes. This will help to balance out the look and make your eyes pop. My current favourite is the Benefit They're Real! Mascara. It gives amazing length and volume.
7. Clean Up Any Mistakes
Don't worry if you make a mistake – we all do! Just dip a cotton bud in makeup remover and gently clean up any smudges or uneven lines. I keep a bottle of Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water on hand for quick and easy touch-ups.
Product Recommendations
Here's a quick recap of my favourite products for creating the perfect reverse cat eye:
* Eye Cream: Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
* Pencil Eyeliner: Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil
* Gel Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
* Liquid Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
* Mascara: Benefit They're Real! Mascara
* Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
My Reverse Cat Eye Fails (So You Don't Have To!)
Okay, so it wasn't all smooth sailing. I had a few reverse cat eye fails along the way. Here are a few things I learned:
* Don't use too much product: Less is more! Start with a small amount of eyeliner and build it up gradually. It's much easier to add more than it is to remove excess. I tried this when I started and looked like a raccoon.
* Choose the right eyeliner for your eye shape: Some eyeliners will suit hooded eyes better than others. Experiment to find what works for you.
* Practice makes perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Just keep practising, and you'll get there!
Final Thoughts
The reverse cat eye is such a fun and versatile trend. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Whether you go for a subtle, smoky look or a bold, graphic statement, I guarantee you'll turn heads. So go ahead, flip the script and rock that under eye liner! Let me know how you get on in the comments below. I'd love to see your reverse cat eye creations! It's seriously addictive once you nail it.