UAE’s renowned makeup artist Lina Hussain talks about what makes the cat-eye makeup style such a sensuous one.
You&Eye (YE): What, according to you, makes the cat-eye makeup style such a sensual one?
Lina Hussain (LH): The magic of this makeup style is that it can bring out the multi-dimensional characters of a woman. With the right kind of makeup, every woman can be whoever she wishes to be in any situation – that is what makeup helps her achieve. It’s like fashion – we dress according to our moods.
Cat-eye makeup creates a flirtatious and almost dangerous appeal. Sometimes, the lines drawn with the eyeliner for this kind of style can be classy and simple, especially in the traditional style of this application; but it’s always seductive and powerful – just like every woman!
YE: Why are fashionistas and makeup artists bringing the cat-eye makeup back in fashion?
LH: History often tends to repeat itself. So, one season you will find smokey black eyes in fashion, then comes the turn of the nude makeup, then it’s colourful makeup, and so on. I don’t think there’s a particular reason for it, except basic human creativity and our tendency to get bored with our usual look. So every once in a while, old fashions come back in style – as we have seen with the cat-eye look.
The cat-eye makeup came back into vogue back in the 30’s when movie stars like Marilyn Monroe popularized it. Today, you can get that same look like Katy Perry or Adele who sport it regularly, by wearing liquid eyeliner or eye pencil in whatever colour or shape you wish.
YE: Who is the international celebrity who is renowned for wearing this eye makeup style?
LH: The people who come to mind are of course Marilyn Monroe and the late Amy Winehouse. Marilyn’s was seductive and classic while Amy’s was messy, rock and roll, and very extreme.
YE: What’s the best thing about the cat-eye makeup style?
LH: Any woman can wear it! Thick, thin, straight, upturned at 45°, curved, coloured, with or without false lashes, in the daytime or at night – cat-eye makeup always looks stylish.
YE: Does cat-eye style suit all kinds of face types or does it work only with certain kind of faces best?
LH: There are no rules to makeup. It’s a creative outlet and a form of art, so I don’t see why any woman wouldn’t pull it off.
YE: What kind of overall makeup complements the cat-eye makeup? And what kind of clothing and accessories complement it best?
LH: Depending on the style one wants, you can adjust your eye liner to suit it. So if you are feeling rock-and-rollish, apply an extreme eye liner and leave the lips nude. If you’re feeling classic, wear it soft with red lipstick. It’s a beautiful evening look, so it can work with a gown as well.
Also, filling in your eyebrows to thicken them may give your eyes a more defined look. Fill in your eyebrows only if they are light, sparse, or do not have the same shape.
YE: These days coloured eye makeup is in. So how does one pull it off with the cat-eye makeup?
LH: Oh yes, one can play with colour and even glitter very well while applying the cat-eye makeup! And the beauty of this look is that it can be complemented with any eye shadow colour, or even embellishments like tiny diamantes. I have seen many women who like to try eyeshadow colours like turquoise, brown, purple, or green and even glittery eyeliner with the cat-eye makeup – with good effect.
YE: What are some steps to avoid so that one gets the perfect cat-eye look?
LH: Practice, practice! If you have a shaky hand, steady it with your pinky finger placed
on your cheek. Getting a clean line is most important in achieving this kind of style.
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Portuguese makeup artist Sara Capela gives us the lowdown on getting the seductive ‘cat-eye look’.
Step 1: Use the right eye makeup brush – if you have difficulty lining in a precise manner with your current brush, check out different brush types. In here, an angular brush has been used that provides a steady and linear surface . Coat the brush evenly with product on both sides . Also, remove excess product onto the product lid or back of your hand for smoother results in application. If you are using a gel liner, keep the jar upside down to prevent air from drying out the product during application. Select an eyeliner with good colour payoff from brands like Bobbi Brown, MAC, etc.
Step 2: To achieve balance on both eyes, use a bit of tape where you want the line to go above and create the shape required. You can also try placing your brush from the outer corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eye on both sides to create symmetry while forming a guideline for application. Draw a line at an angle from your lash line and above your natural lash line. Stop in the middle of your eye. Follow the same procedure for both eyes.
Step 3: Now, simply join the tip you’ve created outside your outer corner to your lower lash line. If you have created a few gaps in the line, make sure to smoothen them out and fill in the gaps with precision. Define the lines you wish to achieve and balance both eyes. Increase thickness if you feel you need a more dramatic eye.
Step 4: Fill in the triangle you drew with colour. Refine the edges with a cotton bud soaked in makeup removing solution, if needed. Alternatively, you can continue the line towards your inner corner but make sure it is a thinner line than the one you drew earlier, and that it tapers as it progresses. You can also line your waterline for a more intense effect, along with your lower lash line.
Step 5: You are done! Now complete the rest of your makeup if you have to, otherwise a cat eye on its own is quite eye-catching! Suggested makeup add-ons for this liner: Filling in brows, lots of mascara, brown shadow on crease for natural effect. This look can be worn for the day, night, and pretty much anywhere as it is a classic and universally flattering!
