PHOTO BY MARIO TESTINO
THE NEW CAT EYE
Test out Fall's new wink at feline style.
August is a tricky month for trend junkies - Fall collections hit stores, but it's still too hot to wear them, or even want them. So if you're craving a pair of Prada python boots, there's an easier (and cheaper) way to take the season's first style steps.
It's with makeup, which lets you reference the runways without ditching your tank dress. You've got a few options to play with, including red eyeshadow, textured black nails, violet lips, or our current favorite, The New Cat Eye. (Yeah, we just capitalized it - we like it that much.)
Playing on the sharp liquid lids seen through Fellini films, Mad Men femmes, and paparazzi food like Drew Barrymore and Lily Allen, this season's version goes one step further by surrounding the entire eye, from the inner corner to the bottom lid and outer lashes, with a thick black line.
Anja Rubik models the look in Fendi's fall campaign, with a black trail literally outlining her entire eye. In the Burberry campaign, Jourdan Dunn and co. boast a more smudged - but no less dramatic - version.
The reality of this look is there's no quick-and-easy way to get it; you just need to plop yourself in front of the mirror and practice. Keep plenty of eye makeup remover on hand, blast a good soundtrack (Adele, anyone?) and consider playing with different kinds of liner. If you're good at sketching, use one that goes on like pen. If you prefer paint, try a gel eyeliner, which requires a small brush. And if you always skipped art class to go smoke in the bathroom, maybe practice on your hand and arms first. (The ones not covered by nicotine patches, that is...)
Once you've got the hang of it, trace your eye's upper and lower lids, then drag the line out from your lashes to the very beginning of your temples. Blast your face for three seconds with a blowdryer to set the lines. Then you can fill the inner corners and outer triangle with a basic black eye pencil, to highlight the shape. Gently smudge it in with a sponge or Q-Tip if you're going for the Burberry look. Finish with almost-nude eyeshadow and lipstick, plus a good smear of thick mascara (don't be afraid if it's almost cakey, that's kind of the point).
And if you love the idea of a cat eye but can't fully commit to such a bold look, try what we've dubbed "the kitten eye" - a thick strip of liner across your top lid that ends in a sharp angle right by your temple, with no other makeup except sheer pink lipstick. Anja Rubik wears it well (again) in the Fall H&M campaign, which you can use for reference.
--FARAN KRENTCIL
It's with makeup, which lets you reference the runways without ditching your tank dress. You've got a few options to play with, including red eyeshadow, textured black nails, violet lips, or our current favorite, The New Cat Eye. (Yeah, we just capitalized it - we like it that much.)
Playing on the sharp liquid lids seen through Fellini films, Mad Men femmes, and paparazzi food like Drew Barrymore and Lily Allen, this season's version goes one step further by surrounding the entire eye, from the inner corner to the bottom lid and outer lashes, with a thick black line.
Anja Rubik models the look in Fendi's fall campaign, with a black trail literally outlining her entire eye. In the Burberry campaign, Jourdan Dunn and co. boast a more smudged - but no less dramatic - version.
The reality of this look is there's no quick-and-easy way to get it; you just need to plop yourself in front of the mirror and practice. Keep plenty of eye makeup remover on hand, blast a good soundtrack (Adele, anyone?) and consider playing with different kinds of liner. If you're good at sketching, use one that goes on like pen. If you prefer paint, try a gel eyeliner, which requires a small brush. And if you always skipped art class to go smoke in the bathroom, maybe practice on your hand and arms first. (The ones not covered by nicotine patches, that is...)
Once you've got the hang of it, trace your eye's upper and lower lids, then drag the line out from your lashes to the very beginning of your temples. Blast your face for three seconds with a blowdryer to set the lines. Then you can fill the inner corners and outer triangle with a basic black eye pencil, to highlight the shape. Gently smudge it in with a sponge or Q-Tip if you're going for the Burberry look. Finish with almost-nude eyeshadow and lipstick, plus a good smear of thick mascara (don't be afraid if it's almost cakey, that's kind of the point).
And if you love the idea of a cat eye but can't fully commit to such a bold look, try what we've dubbed "the kitten eye" - a thick strip of liner across your top lid that ends in a sharp angle right by your temple, with no other makeup except sheer pink lipstick. Anja Rubik wears it well (again) in the Fall H&M campaign, which you can use for reference.
--FARAN KRENTCIL
This story was published on August 15, 2011.
CONTENT RATING:
( 5 )
( 5 )
Emily
08/15/2011
Effie from gen. 2 skins has rocked this look for years... i'm afraid to try it because all of my friends will think im just trying to be cheeky... it looks great on the runway though! <3
Maggie
08/15/2011
I love this! You forgot to add the Urban Decay spray that seals everything in, for those of us with teary eyes. Can't wait to play with these looks!
Becky
08/19/2011
I was really excited to read this, since I love cat eyes... kinda disappointed I currently am wearing that style on my face, just in brown...
Dianne
08/19/2011
I totally resonate with Becky. I love cat eyes! I'd actually been doing my eyes in this style for like 8-9 years (since my high school days) and over the years it's varied on how much liner and where. I love it in black :) but it is slightly disappointing that it's the new trend lol
Anna
08/19/2011
I love cat eyes! And I love that the mascara and liquid eyeliner that you recommend are the same ones I have. Thanks for not always using $100 makeup! :]
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