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Maybe you can't be the ballerina of your girlhood dreams, but that's not to say you can't steal a look from the dream-dancer-gone-wrong movie, "Black Swan." The eerily beautiful cat eye shown in the final scenes of the film have created a new interest in exaggerated cat-eye makeup, toned down just a bit for real life. With a little tweaking and a show-stopping attitude, you can make this look work for your most dramatic off-screen scenes.
Where and When?
Variations of cat-eye makeup have been making the rounds since Cleopatra's day; when the infamous beauty smudged kohl in an upward tilt around her legendary orbs. Since then, every siren from Sophia Loren to Angelina Jolie has employed the seemingly simple black liner flick to hypnotize her objects of prey. Super, but how does a modern girl like you pull it off? Because the cat eye stems from a basic technique, it can be done in a sleek, clean, black for day or edgy colors for night. For kittens who are prowling the clubs, glitter, false eyelashes and metallic liners can all be employed for maximum cat-and-mouse merriment.
Cat Eye Basics for Day
For work or play, the versatile daytime cat eye consists of black or brown liquid liner on the upper lash line, ending in a slight upward flick, which acts as an extension of the natural lash line. This look works with anything from jeans to suit jackets and is appropriate for the office when paired with a neutral shadow and lipstick.
Nocturnal Adventures
For night, you can draw your cat eye with colored liner or smudgy kohl pencil liner, lining both above and below upper and lower lashes. Paired with black mascara, this is an unstoppable look for a date or dancing all night. For full feline intensity, add a single line of feathery false lashes on the upper lash line. Be gentle with your mesmerized victims, they'll be helpless to resist.
Fierce Feline Fun
If you're feeling ferocious, take your cues from the full "Black Swan" regalia and let your eyes be the spotlight for a rave, costume party or black-tie event. Try twin lines of black or glitter liner, ending in a thick upward flick. Pair this with a pale face and wine or plum lips. For full-on drama, use false lashes tipped with feathers, crystals or glitter and keep the rest of your face sheer and dewy. Warning: This look is not for shy kittens; only alpha females need apply.
