In last week’s post, I mentioned flicky liner (a.k.a. the cat eye) and thought now would be the perfect moment to delve into that persnickety makeup deployment as it just perfectly fits with Fall’s feminine silhouettes. I will not attempt to instruct you as I think this tutorial by Sali Hughes is by far the best I’ve seen (I probably say that about everything she does) but will instead share the products that have stood out to me over the years, as I’ve wrestled with this technique.
First up is Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. Its thickness makes it readily controllable and easily fixable (hey, mistakes happen). Its strength is also its greatest weakness- I find it not delicate enough to make a clean, defined flick at the outer corner. As this is the essence of the cat eye, it might seem odd to include here except I think it’s a great stepping stone between pencil and liquid liner.
In my book, the most convenient way to achieve the cat eye is with a liquid liner pen. I have tried many but the one that tops them all and the one I use currently is Ectriture de Chanel (we’re obviously having a Francophile blip here at stylesprite). Its tapered bristles are ideal for achieving the perfect upturned point and the controlled release of liquid makes it easily manageable. (Recently I tried Too Faced’s 3-Way Lash Lining Tool. The stubbiness of the bristles allows you to get really close to the lashline but that same stiffness makes flicking awkward, at least on my eyes.)
Now there is where I am and where I aspire to be. The Chanel pen is my bread and butter but I would really love to be able to master the classic Guerlain Liquid Eyeliner that comes in a little pot with the most exquisitely delicate brush imaginable. Unfortunately, even after years of practicing, my hands are still not adept enough to manage a smooth line with this product- the brush is so fine that the slightest shake will show. Has anyone out there achieved this pinnacle of flicky success? I would love to hear stories of achievement to help keep my dream alive.
Mostly my problem is I can get the perfect flick on one eye lid, however when I go to the next one, the line goes wobbly and the flick comes out too thick. Keep practicing!
I have the same problem. I can make the most perfect flick on my left eye and then I have to try to recreate it on my right, not so easy. You’re right that practice is everything. Thanks for commenting!
Pretty girl! I need to start wearing more eye makeup during the day
I love liquid liner for day because it’s such a clean look when paired with a nude shadow. That said, the number of times I’ve made myself late trying to perfect my liner is a little sad, my boss probably does not approve!
haha I can’t think of why??
I have begin do this as well! The liquid liner is quite hard! LOL Practice will make perfect – most of the time
Unfortunately for me, my summer sabbatical from liquid liner has meant that I am COMPLETELY out of practice and frequently making a mess of it. By the end of this month I should be back in my groove but at the moment it’s tough going!
I’m really very simple with make up, when I love a product, I stick to it: like with my eyliner, i use a liquid eyeliner by L’Oreal, and I have this same product since I’m 16 – and I’m still loving it! And I think dark brown eyeliner is a bit better for my light skin tone, black really is a very hard contrast, I also use dark brown mascara. But I only use eyeliner, when I go out to the opera or concerts, I’m way to lazy to put more make up than concealer, some blush and mascara on during the day!
xxx Anita
This is my favorite makeup for the day . It’s easy to do and beautiful.
I have never tried the cat eye. Looks fab on you though. Maybe I will give it a shot:)
xo, amy
http://www.dreamingincashmere.com
Cute!