Beauty how-to: Cat eyeliner

Source: Best Health magazine, October 2013; Images: Thinkstock/Tracy Shumate

Step 1: Start by applying a neutral matte eyeshadow such as Joe Fresh Eyeshadow in Silk (shown below) ($5, 2.4 g) all over the lid.

Step 2: Use a pencil liner on the upper lash line. Gosh Velvet Touch Eye Liner in Black Ink is waterproof and goes on super-smooth ($12, 1.2 g). ‘This acts as a base for the liquid liner to adhere to,’ says Yan.

Step 3: For the flick: Using a liquid or gel eyeliner, start from the outer corner of the lower lash line and draw a diagonal line up and out. Then draw a line back downwards from there to connect with the pencil liner at the top outer corner of the lashes’forming a triangle. Fill in the triangle with the liquid or gel. With your gel or liquid liner, go over the pencil line that you’ve already applied to create a smooth, clean line. Maybelline MasterPrecise Ink Pen’s felt tip delivers a bold black liquid line ($10, 1.1 mL). Revlon Colorstay Cream Gel Eye liner pot and brush allow gradual buildup of colour with control ($11, 2.3 g). Taking the pencil again, line the lower lash line to emphasize the cat’s-eye shape.

Step 4: With a light colour, highlight the inner eye corner to brighten the look. ‘Don’t underestimate this small detail,’ says Yan. ‘It makes a big difference.’ Pixi Crayon Combo in Wide Awake can do the trick ($18, 2.98g). Feeling playful? Overlap the top liner with a pop of colour; try Urban Decay Waterproof eye pencil in Psychedelic Sister ($23, 1.2 g).

Step 5: Finish with a volumizing mascara like Rimmel Scandaleyes Show Off ($8, 12 mL).

Beginner’s Tip: Place a mirror on a tabletop angled up toward your face (below eye level) and look down into it while applying the eyeliner, to ensure your flick curves upward. You can also rest your elbow on the tabletop to steady your hand.

This article was originally titled "Liner notes" in the October 2013 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!