If you struggle to apply winged eyeliner, you’re certainly not alone. Even for seasoned makeup pros, it can be challenging to get it just right and make sure that the liner is symmetrical on both sides. Plus, if you’ve had even a small amount of caffeine, shaky hands can make it nearly impossible to draw a straight line. But before you give up on the cat-eye look altogether, you may want to consider a new makeup technique that’s making winged eyeliner easier than ever to achieve: kitten eyeliner.
Professional makeup artists are calling the trend the “kitten eye,” and it’s essentially a smaller and more subtle version of the cat-eye. Instead of a strong, defined line over the entire eyelid that extends into a sweeping wing, kitten eyeliner involves a very thin, short line across the top lash line with a super-subtle flick at the outer corner. The result is less dramatic than traditional winged looks but just as chic and more in line with today’s minimalist makeup aesthetic.
“Smaller lines are starting to be a trend because they are easier to execute,” celebrity makeup artist Tarryn Feldman told Glamour. “I also feel that people want a cleaner eyeliner look, and because the kitten eye requires less liner, it can be cleaner and easier to do.”
Not only is kitten eyeliner much easier to achieve, but it’s also universally flattering. While certain eye shapes struggle to wear a full-on wing without creasing or smudging, the kitten eye can be modified to fit all. “Kitten eyeliner looks good on everyone; it’s just a little pop,” Feldman added. “Overall, every eye shape can do many different types of liner, so never get discouraged that you can’t rock a cool liner or try something new.”
Want to try out the trend? The technique is pretty simple. Using a liquid eyeliner pen, which creates the most precise lines, start lining your upper lid from the center of your eye and working out using short strokes. When you reach the outer corner, tilt the pen to create a tiny triangle that extends ever so slightly. No need to worry about perfectly symmetrical wings, either. Since kitten eyes are smaller and more subtle, it’s much harder to notice mistakes.
Check out some more kitten eyeliner inspiration below.
Kitten Eyeliner Looks:
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