The Best Eyeliners For Creating The Perfect Cat Eye

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Winged eyeliner is one of the most iconic eye makeup looks. Who can forget the classic look of the sex symbol, Bridget Bardot, with her voluminous hair and the perfect cat eye in the '50s and '60s? We've also seen timeless beauties like Audrey Hepburn, Alexa Chung, and Angelina Jolie complete their look with this beauty trend, which made their eyes the focal point, per Harper's Bazaar. Can you imagine Cleopatra without eyeliner? The fascinating history of cat eye makeup extends way beyond Hollywood. It is believed that men and women in Egypt, ancient Asia, and the Middle East have been drawing both subtle and dramatic forms of the winged eyeliner as far back as 3000 BC (via Vogue). The search for "cat eye" has over 2.6 million results on Instagram at the time of writing, too, which shows that it's immensely popular.

The versatility of cat eye liner makes it entirely acceptable for work or a night out. It is timeless, classic, and sexy, and anyone can rock it with confidence. Unfortunately, drawing a cat eye can be a little challenging at first, but you can create the perfect flick with enough practice — and the right eyeliner. We have to admit it is one skill totally worth learning, and we have chosen the best of the best eyeliners for your perfect cat eye.

Best eyeliners for the sharpest wing ever

Liquid liners are the best to create the ideal cat eye because the tip allows you to draw precise lines, giving your eyes the perfect definition to last for hours.

Byrdie loves the fan-favorite and award-winning Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner because the felt tip is so easy to control, and you can draw the smoothest lines without any tugging. This highly-pigmented eyeliner is waterproof, so it lasts all day, even in the most humid weather. You can create the thinnest and the most dramatic lines with this OG of liquid eyeliners. If you aren't a fan of the blackest black, it is available in six other colors. Allure, then, is a fan of the Urban Decay Cosmetics Perversion Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. It is smudge-proof, transfer-resistant, and sweat-proof to last for hours, even after a sweaty workout. It has a super-fine and flexible tip, making it extremely easy to draw a cat eye.

Inspired by Kat Von D? Well, go with The Cut's pick: KVD Beauty Tattoo Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. This eyeliner deposits opaque pigments along your lash line, inspired by tattoo artistry. It is smudge-proof and dries quickly, so you won't make a mess. To create the same drama, Bustle recommends NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner for an affordable pick because it doesn't compromise quality. The slender brush can create a classic cat eye or accentuate a more dramatic eye makeup.

Best eyeliners for beginners for the perfect flick

Liquid eyeliners require some practice and a steady hand. So, if you are a beginner, you can give it a go with a pencil or gel eyeliner, as they are easy to maneuver to create an equally fantastic cat eye.

Cosmopolitan is a fan of Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil because it is a gel-pencil hybrid with the longevity of a gel and the easy application of a pencil. It has a super smooth application with the highest level of pigmentation. Temptalia raves about the Melt Cosmetics Gel Liner because they are highly pigmented and last all day without smudging. It comes in a little pot, and you use a brush to apply it, which is much easier than a felt tip, as it gives you better control.

If you aren't ready to splurge, go with Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, as recommended by Eye Makeup Lab, because it comes with its own brush to draw the most precise or dramatic cat-eye. This oil-free formula can last for 24 hours! If pencils and brushes are too intimidating for you, you can get the cat eye with an eyeliner stamp. Byrdie recommends Kaja Wink Stamp Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen, which comes with a liquid liner and a double-ended wing stamp pen for both sides, so you can create the perfect wing every time. This is a must-have for the easiest little flick.