Cat eye make-up is the most classic look in history and dates back to the ancient Egyptian era when Cleopatra was among the first celebrities to flick up her eye liner that became a favourite for celebrities and cine stars later. It is easy to do and requires not much of make-up. It is practised by women all around the world and is perfect to enhance the shape of your eyes and helps you jazz up your look. Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain directs you how to get such gorgeous eyes.
Fashionistas in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and afterwards from Madhubala to Saira Bano to Deepika Padukone decided to make their eyes up in this manner as it can really be flirtatious, colourful and goes well in every combination.
Dramatic and heavy eye make-up with the black eye-lined or cat-eye look has gained popularity and is ruling fashion trends. It is very much like the retro look; what our film actresses sported during the 60s and 70s. In fact, I feel that this cat-eyed look suits Indian features and traditional Indian clothes too, more than Western attires. It also helps to create the effect of larger eyes.
However, the differences are obvious. Of course, the film stars of yesteryears did not have at their disposal such sophisticated make-up aids that are available today, like gel primers and eyeliners, shimmering and metallic colours and even eyelash extensions.
If you wish to achieve this cat-eyed look, first apply a light shadow over the eyelid and a dark one in the crease of the eyes. Light grey on the eyelid would look glamorous. Or use a colour that is close to your normal skin colour. Powder shadows are better.
Eye shadow also provides a smooth surface for the application of eyeliner. Apply a thick line of black eye liner close to the lashes on the upper lid. A useful tip is to smudge the liner and then apply it again. Extend the liner outwards and slightly upwards, beyond the outer corner of the eyes. This extension should be from the lower lash line and also follow the same angle. Ensure that both the eyes have the same kind of extension. For heavy eyelid, make the extension straighter.
For the lower lid, apply liner as close to the lower lashes as possible, but start from the middle of the lower eyelid and take the line towards the outer eyes. Use plenty of mascara. In fact, black shadow on the outer corners of the eyes can also help to achieve the same look. If you join it with the crease line, it is easier to create the look. Apply lots of mascara. The cat-eyed look is also called the winged-eyes look.
The latest buzz word now is eyelash extensions. They actually complement the cat-eyed look. They are attached on natural eyelashes, one by one, and make the lashes look thicker. Of course, you need to have them attached by a trained beautician. It’s up to you to decide how thick you want your lashes to be. The eyelash extensions may last for about three weeks to a month and then you will have to get them done again. Basically, the eyelash extensions are synthetic strands that are specially curved to look like natural eyelashes. It is said that mascara is not needed and if applied, it should be the water-based kind.
