The retro style never really went away; it was just waiting for its moment to shine again. And now it’s back – in the form of cat eyeliner, making a comeback on the beauty scene with its distinctive vintage charm. Dramatic, curved, coloured, or softly blended – every version has its own character.

Discover how, updated for modern trends, the cat eye look of the ’60s still stands today as a symbol of boldness and playful style.

Cat Eye Look – Timeless Classic

Since being introduced in the ‘60s by Twiggy and Brigitte Bardot, the cat eye look has been synonymous with striking eyes and glamour that never goes unnoticed. Although countless beauty trends have come and gone since then, this style has remained a perennial favourite – because a little eyeliner can go a long way.

Today, this retro classic has its modern revival. Instead of strictly defined lines, softer, curved shapes or creative pops of colour are preferred. It can be paired with glowy skin, minimalist makeup or bold eyeshadows – all depending on your mood.

From Vintage Glamour to a Modern Expression

From black-and-white films and glamorous fashion editorials, the cat eye look has stepped straight into the modern beauty world. What once symbolised elegance and strict precision is now an invitation to playfulness and creativity.

The modern cat eye look isn’t here to “recreate” the past, but rather to reinterpret it. It blends everything we love about retro charm – elegance, mystery and simplicity – with a modern approach where rules don’t apply. Every line, angle and finish tells a story about personal style, mood and a certain moment. 

 

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How to Achieve the Perfect Line

Even if it may seem simple at first glance, the cat eye look can be a real challenge. The good news? Perfection here doesn’t mean a perfectly drawn line. It’s about finding the technique that best suits your eye shape and personal style.

The first step is finding the right product. A liquid eyeliner, like the Revolution Pro Matte Liquid Eyeliner – Rock Star provides the most precise finish and an intense black colour, while a gel formula is excellent for control and softer transitions. If you’re a beginner, the Makeup Revolution Dual Eyeliner and Concealer Pen will make drawing even, precise lines much easier, with the concealer ready to correct any imperfections along the way.

Next come the angle and shape. The easiest method is to follow the natural line of your lower lash line and extend it toward the temple. This gives you a natural, slightly lifted effect. If you prefer, you can also extend the line toward the inner corner to create a more defined look that further elongates the eye. It’s best to build the line gradually: start with a thin stroke, then add intensity as desired.

And in the end, most importantly – patience and creativity. Small differences between the eyes are completely normal, and every stroke has its own character. With a bit of practice and the right base, the result will always look modern, fresh and full of confidence.

Cat Eye Look – A Play of Shapes and Colours

It’s time for a shift in perspective! Today’s trends embrace complete freedom: from classic black lines to pastel shades and metallic tones, all the way to graphic, double, or blended variations.

Instead of classic black, there are shades that give your eyes a completely new dimension: olive green, navy, glittery bronze or lavender – each of them creates a different effect.

One of the favourites is the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Smoke Liner in the shade Sage Sparks. The eyeliner with a practical blending brush that lets you transform a sharp line into a soft, smokey transition. This grey-green shade is ideal for anyone who wants to add colour in a subtle way, while still keeping a sophisticated, retro feel.

Green and earthy tones pair beautifully with warm eyeshadow shades, while pastels like lavender and pink create a playful, youthful contrast. For an evening look, metallic or double eyeliner combined with a black line delivers a striking yet still elegant result.

Retro Glam for the Holiday Season

What time of year could be better for playing with styles and makeup? The holiday season, of course. The cat eye look is the perfect choice for New Year’s Eve. It carries that timeless retro spirit, but with a modern twist that keeps everything feeling fresh.

For a festive night out, opt for a longer, more intense line and pair it with shimmer – whether it’s gold eyeshadow, a highlighter, or a metallic eyeliner. If you prefer something more subtle, a blended cat eye in bronze or olive tones makes an excellent choice for an elegant yet understated look.

With a little mascara, defined lashes and a lipstick in plum or classic red, this makeup look becomes not just festive, but a timeless favourite. After all, as we’ve already mentioned, retro glam never goes out of style.

Whether you love minimalism or glamour, a sharp, intense line or a soft smokey effect, this retro classic always finds a way to look modern. Perhaps that’s its secret: it keeps coming back, but always in a slightly different way. And you – would you wear it in your everyday makeup, or save this trend for special occasions?