Like many who grew up in the early 2000s, black eyeliner was more than just makeup; it was a statement. If you didn’t have side-swept bangs and eyes lined in black kohl, you were practically invisible. This was the era of pop-punk princesses and reality TV stars, and the fascination with dramatic eye makeup, like Kristin Cavallari’s signature look from Laguna Beach, was intense. It was a defining element of the “Cat Eye Cosmetics” trend that dominated the beauty scene.
My personal makeup style has evolved since then, embracing a more modern aesthetic. However, my eyeliner skills seem to have remained stubbornly in the past.
It wouldn’t be such a pressing issue if, as a beauty content creator, I wasn’t constantly asked by friends and followers for advice on achieving the perfect cat eye. Despite interviewing countless makeup artists and absorbing their expert tips over the years, applying those techniques to myself feels like an entirely different challenge. This is especially true given my deep-set eyes and hooded eyelids – common features that often make winged eyeliner application a struggle. It’s a common frustration: either the line ends up too thick and overwhelming, or it disappears entirely into the crease of the eyelid.
Determined to finally conquer the cat eye once and for all, I embarked on a mission to explore the internet’s most touted tips and products designed to simplify liquid eyeliner application for the less skilled. To ensure a consistent test, I primarily used Kat Von D’s Dagger Tattoo Liner for most of the experiments. This eyeliner, a new version of the popular Tattoo Liner, is praised by makeup professionals and beauty enthusiasts alike for its precise formula and user-friendly angled brush.
Let’s dive into the first hack I put to the test: the cat eye stamp.
