How To Kitten Eyeliner CMS 03 Bmag

eye makeup Sir John's Tips For How To Do Kitten Eyeliner

The baby cat eye you need to try.

A classic cat eye will always hold a special place in our hearts, but recently another feline-inspired look has been gaining our attention: kitten eyeliner. This little-sister to the cat eye is a thinner, smokier look that suits just about every face shape and makeup look, whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist. Here, we tapped L’Oréal Paris celebrity makeup artist Sir John for his tips and tricks on nailing the look with a precise, angular liner finish.

Tip #1: Pick the Right Eyeliner

The first step to mastering the kitten eyeliner look is choosing the right product, according to Sir John. A very slim, precise eyeliner is a must to help get the shape just right. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Liner for its perfect, precise tip. Start your line at the center of your lash line and drag it out about three-fourths of an inch past your outer corner.

Tip #2: Use A Cotton Bud As A Blending Tool 

Cotton buds will be your best friend when you’re applying kitten eyeliner, according to Sir John. While your liner is still wet, use a small cotton bud to pull out the tail end of it on the outer corner of each eye to complete your look. 

“If you have hooded or downturned eyes, feel free to lift your liner up and smoke it out with the cotton bud to slightly change the shape of your eye,” he adds. You can go in and clean up the look with the other end of the cotton bud on your lower lash line to keep everything in place. 


Tip #3: Be Strategic With Mascara or Falsies Placement

To make kitten eyes really pop, Sir John recommends being strategic with mascara or lashes. If you want a more angular look, focus the mascara on the outer third of the lashes, or only apply falsies to that outer lash area. 

“This demi-lash effect will give you that [doe-eyed] look to complement the liner you just completed,” he says. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Noir Eye Balm Washable Mascara for glossy and natural-looking lashes that help make your eyes pop. 


Next: Our Best Eyeliner for Every Statement Eye Look


Written by: Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Photo Credit: Jonet Williamson, IG/@jonetwmakeup