Why I Always Wear a Cat Eye
From a self-proclaimed copycat.

For me, cat eyes have always been about the two c's: character and commitment — they give me the former, and require the latter.
Every time I slash on a winged eye, it helps me step into character. What role am I playing? Old-souled, early twenty-something obsessed with '60s sirens like Cleopatra-era Elizabeth Taylor, factory girl Edie Sedgwick, cover girl Twiggy, man-eating Sophia Loren, and French New Wave goddess Anna Karina. And that's just to name a few… These women all belong to a time that I will never know beyond vintage fashion magazines, biographies, and Pinterest board dives, but when I swipe on a feline flick I feel akin to them.
In that sense, I'm a self-professed copycat, but over time, the classic technique has come to feel distinctly me. An inky slant not only complements the neo-vintage personal style I'm drawn to, but my almond-shaped eyes and pronounced eyebrows as well. It's a signature to my look that's timeless and characteristic all the same.
In truth, I didn't always have the confidence to pull off the cat eye. Since high school, I've graduated into different renditions of the feline-inspired look. But no matter how big or small the swoop is, whether it's matte or smoky, it begs for attitude and that comes with time as well.
As far as committing to the look, applying cat eyes each morning is a hard-fought battle, and that's a shared sentiment. One day I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and found the below musing printed over a close up of a cat eye: "Never ask a girl with winged eyeliner why she's late…" Truer words have never been spoken. While I've gotten better over the years, mastering a sharp, precise line on the upper lashline is tough There's just no way around it. You can spend ten minutes on each eye only to discover that there's not even reasonable symmetry. Ironically, I'm always the girl pinched for time, and in turn have become accustomed to keeping a steady hand on public transportation.
Once an elderly woman watched me apply my liner in transit, one hand holding the wand, the other holding a pocket mirror, train in-motion. When I was done, she caught my attention and told me, "That was impressive, young lady." And after years of trial and error — like, pitch-black splatters on the face, inky tears streaming down the cheeks — I couldn't help but agree. A cat eye will always be my labor of love, but it's one that I'm happy to share with legions of stylish women.
Related Links:
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
The 20 Most Iconic Cat Eyes of All Time
Makeup How-To: Brigitte Bardot Eye Makeup
Brigitte Bardot's 11 Most Iconic Hairstyles
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
'Ransom Canyon' May Give Texas the Small-Town Drama Treatment, But That's Not Where It Was Filmed
Here's what to know about the real-life ranches featured in the Netflix series.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
I Predict These 23 On-Sale Wardrobe Staples From Nordstrom Will Be Sold Out Next Week
23 Must-have shoes, tops, skirts, and more.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Fans Can't Stop Talking About This Rarely-Seen Royal After Easter Appearance
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie's son shocked royal watchers with his grown-up look on Easter.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meet 8 Editor-Vetted Blush Palettes That Basically Flirt for You
For that just-got-caught-staring flush.
By Ariel Baker
-
Jenna Ortega Does Grungy Glam Right With '90s-Inspired Hair and Makeup
The actress was spotted in peak ‘90s-inspired glam.
By Ariel Baker
-
How a Beauty Writer Has Perfected Her Morning Routine For Acne-Prone Skin
Keep the texture and irritation at bay with these editor-vetted items.
By Ariel Baker
-
Selena Gomez Hosts a Master Class in Matching Your Red Blush and Red Lipstick to Your Outfit
The star was spotted looking red hot in the streets of New York City.
By Ariel Baker
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker
-
Presenting, Perfect Date Night Makeup for People Who Hate Makeup
From a beauty director who's learned all the workarounds.
By Hannah Baxter
-
I Scoured Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale for Five Hours—Here's What I'm Shopping
Add to cart, ASAP.
By Ariel Baker
-
Jenna Ortega’s New Burgundy Hair Has Me Ready for Season 2 of 'Wednesday'
Wednesday Addams, is that you?
By Ariel Baker