The Ultimate Winged Eyeliner Showdown: Cat Eye Vs. Winged (2025)

Cat eye and winged eyeliner are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. A cat eye is supposed to mimic a cat's eye, so it typically includes winged eyeliner at the outer corner and eyeliner on the lower lash line. Winged eyeliner, on the other hand, just refers to the flick at the corner of the upper lash line or eyelid. The winged liner has a little flick, like a wing, while a cat eye goes out straight, with no flick.

Cat eye vs winged eyeliner: the difference

Although the terms 'cat eye' and 'winged eyeliner' are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. A cat eye is supposed to mimic a cat's eye, so it typically includes winged eyeliner at the outer corner of the eye and eyeliner on the lower lash line. Winged eyeliner, on the other hand, just refers to the flick at the corner of the upper lash line or eyelid. There is no eyeliner on the lower lash line.

A cat eye is more geometric and has a straight line with no flick. It can be kept on the eyelid without extending the line too far past the eyes, especially if your eyes are set wide apart.

To create the perfect cat eye, you can use a stencil. Position the open part of the stencil at the outer edge of your eye, laying it flat against your skin. Fill in the stencil to draw the wing, then remove the stencil to reveal your perfect flick.

How to do a cat eye

Cat eye makeup is supposed to mimic a cat's eye, so it typically includes winged eyeliner at the outer corner and eyeliner on the lower lash line. Winged eyeliner just refers to the flick at the corner of your upper lash line or eyelid.

• Cleanse, tone and moisturise your face before starting.
• Use an eye primer to keep your shadow and liner on longer.
• Use your dominant hand to gently line your upper lash line with slow, small strokes, gradually increasing the thickness as you work your way out.
• Extend the line slightly upwards and outwards to create a wing when you reach the outer corner of your eye.
• Gradually thicken the line toward the end to make the wing look more dramatic.
• Continue filling in the eyeliner and perfecting its shape.
• Use a cotton swab or concealer for corrections.
• Pay close attention to symmetry and alignment with the other eye.
• Use gentle, precise movements to refine the wing's angle and length until they match.
• If you have wide-set eyes, keep the cat eye on your eyelid, without extending the line too far past your eyes.
• If you have upturned eyes, follow the curve of your lower lash line when drawing the wing, and be cautious not to extend the wing too far.
• If you have downturned eyes, a wing is ideal in creating a natural lifted effect.
• If you don't have a stencil, you can use tape to create an outline for your wing. Place a piece of tape at the outer corner of your eye and angle it towards the tail of your eyebrow.

How to do winged eyeliner

Winged eyeliner is a look that features a flick at the corner of the upper lash line or eyelid. It's a versatile look that can be adapted to suit your eye shape.

To create the perfect winged eyeliner, it's important to pay attention to the little details. One way to ensure your wings are precise is to use a stencil. Position the open part of the stencil at the outer edge of your eye, laying it flat against your skin. Fill in the stencil to draw the wing, then remove the stencil to reveal a perfect flick.

If you have wide-set eyes, you may want to keep the liner on your eyelid without extending the line too far past your eyes.

The key difference between winged eyeliner and cat eyeliner is that the latter includes eyeliner on the lower lash line. Cat eyeliner also typically has a straight, rather than flicked, outer corner. However, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Using a stencil for winged eyeliner

Cat eye and winged eyeliner are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two. A cat eye is supposed to mimic a cat's eye, so it typically includes winged eyeliner at the outer corner and eyeliner on the lower lash line. Winged eyeliner just refers to the flick at the corner of your upper lash line or eyelid.

If you've been trying to freehand a winged eyeliner look without success, you might want to try using a stencil. There are many eyeliner stencils available to help you achieve a precise wing. Position the open part of the stencil at the outer edge of your eye, laying it flat against your skin. Then, fill in the stencil to draw the wing and remove the stencil to reveal your perfect flick. You can use stencils with all eyeliner and eyeshadow formulas, and they're designed to fit any eye shape and size.

Winged eyeliner for different eye shapes

Winged eyeliner is a popular look that can be achieved with a few simple tweaks to flatter your unique eye shape.

The winged liner has a little flick at the outer corner of the eye, like a wing. A cat eye, on the other hand, goes straight out without a flick and is more geometric. It typically includes winged eyeliner at the outer corner and eyeliner on the lower lash line.

For wide-set eyes, keep the cat eye on your eyelid without extending the line too far past your eyes. A short upward wing is ideal for this eye shape, and you can use a waterproof gel liner like a smokey gel eyeliner pencil to create a smudge-proof look.

If you have hooded eyes, almond eyes, downturned eyes, monolids, or round eyes, you can still achieve the perfect winged liner look. For small eyes, a thick winged liner can create the appearance of more upturned eyes.

To make the process easier, consider using a stencil to help guide your winged liner. Position the open part of the stencil at the outer edge of your eye and lay it flat against your skin. Fill in the stencil to draw the wing, then remove it for a precise flick.

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