The best celebrity cat eyes: 15 feline-inspired looks that are seriously envy-inducing

By Renée Tse

Date August 13, 2014

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In the beauty world, there are a handful of trends that we never seem to get tired of---a good cat eye being one of them. Because it’s such a versatile and fresh look, we often forget that it’s been around for ages. Think Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot. Heck, Cleopatra was rocking this look back in Ancient Egypt.

There is no doubt that a cat eye can instantly amp up the glam factor of your look with nothing more than a simple flick, taking you from everyday and natural to sexy in a matter of seconds. However, it’s definitely one technique that is not easy to master and can easily discourage those with shaky hands. Thankfully, the beauty gods have heard our prayers and drawing the feline flick is easier than ever, thanks to brands who carry eyeliners that pretty much do all the work for you (from gels to liquids and even cool combos of both) and beauty blogger tips (including our Beauty Panel!) that help make the process a less daunting. Still haven’t convinced you? We’ve got just the trick. Flip through this celebrity cat eye gallery for the encouragement you need. From girl-next-door Jennifer Lawrence to rock icon Gwen Stefani, we know there’s a cat eye for you.

Cat eye looks can often be associated with retro-glam girls like our September cover girl Lana Del Rey (honestly, there isn’t a time when the singer isn’t wearing the look?), but judging by the range of celebrities that don a cat eye as their go-to technique, it seems like just about anyone can rock the look. Black cat-eye liner never fails to make a dramatic statement; just look at Angelina Jolie and Olivia Wilde. But if straying away from the norm is more your kind of thing, adding a pop of colour to your eye makeup is one way to go. While Hailee Steinfeld accented her liner with pastel green eyeshadow, our fave country songstress Taylor Swift worked red into her bottom lash line to add a bit of a punk edge to her sweet, summery look. But if you’re ready to take the cat eye game up a notch, we suggest you to channel January Jones’ electric blue eyeliner to really get heads turning.

And if you think cat eyes are saved for only evening events, think again. Brit It girl Alexa Chung shows us that an extended flick (aka the kitten flick) at the ends paired with minimal, natural-looking makeup can make for an effortless look for everyday that works for everything from running errands to Sunday brunch.