Flawless Flick

In deepest winter we tend to lean towards dramatic makeup. Lips are vampy in peachy or berry shades, while brows are more defined. And then there are eyes – smokey shadows are intensified, an extra coat or two of mascara are slicked onto lashes, and our palette is often braver as we crave a bit of colour. 

The most dramatic eye look has been around since ancient Egypt, but the classic cat’s eye remains a technique that continues to evade many of us. Whether your inspiration is Cleopatra, Sophia Loren or Lady Gaga, makeup artist Jacquelyn McPhee has a few top tips to ensure you deliver a perfect flick every time.

‘If you're worried about making a mess, choose a liner that will ease the application process,’ says McPhee. ‘There are so many on the market now that are ergonomically-designed with angled tips, which makes getting it right with minimal effort a reality.

‘Research which liners offer quick-drying and long-lasting properties as you’ll want it to stay in place whatever the weather.’ 

McPhee also has a few pro-application tips to steal the look. ‘Before doing anything, I draw a small dot halfway between the outermost corner of the eye and the outermost corner of the brow. This serves as a guide.

‘I see lots of women close their eye then stretch out the eyelid when applying a wing, but this risks wonky liner, as most eyes change shape as they open and close.’
Which is why McPhee always recommends applying eyeliner while the eye is open and not stretching the skin.

‘Put your head in the most natural position you can, relax your eyes, and look straight ahead,’ she advises. ‘Rest your elbow on the table to keep steady, then gently apply the liner from either the inside corner of the eye, or halfway, reaching the dot applied earlier.’