The reverse cat eye is a sultry and popular trend and may be easier to master than the classic cat eye. You can achieve it with a dark shadow for a subtle effect or add drama by paying tribute to a Cleopatra-influenced aesthetic renowned for its theatrical flair. This tutorial will walk you through each step of creating an eye-elongating reverse cat eye.
![before and after look](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/001_edited-1.jpg)
Before and after: The reverse cat eye emphasizes and elongates the eyes with a subtle nude brown lip shade and light foundation.
![Use light primer over lids](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/002_edited-1-773x1024.jpg)
Prep with primer: Prime the eyes with a light shade using a flat brush. The primer will help the makeup go on smoother and last longer.
![Cover the lids with a nude shadow](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/003_edited-1-773x1024.jpg)
Apply nude eyeshadow: Use a flat brush to apply a nude shade, sweeping the entire eyelid.
![Gel eyeliner and diluent](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/004_edited-1-515x1024.jpg)
Use gel eyeliner blended with a diluent: We’re using a 00 or 000 professional fine-tipped brush and black gel eyeliner for this tutorial. Add a silicone-based diluent to the gel eyeliner to achieve fluidity and a long-lasting look.
![Draw fine lines at corners](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/005_edited-1-773x1024.jpg)
Drawing fine guidelines: Draw an upward flick of a line at the corner of the upper lid using the brush. Draw a fine downward line by the inner corner of the eye near the tear duct. The key to a precise and clean-looking graphic liner is being light-handed and intentional when applying. Practice will also improve your reverse cat eye.
![Connect line to guidelines](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/006_edited-1.jpg)
Draw line under lash line: Carefully draw a line under the lash line underlining the eye, connecting to each guideline.
![Line the waterline](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/007_edited-1-773x1024.jpg)
Line the waterline using a clean or new powder puff pad to support the hand for a smooth application. The powder puff pad will prevent any smudges.
![Seal the eyeliner with eyeshadow](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/008_edited-1-773x1024.jpg)
Seal the eyeliner: Using an angled, beveled brush, shade the outline with black eyeshadow.
![Blend the shadow under eye](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/009_edited-1.jpg)
Blend the shadow over the eyeliner: Use a pencil brush to blend the shadow, gently dragging the brush under the waterline. Avoid buffing out the edges (guidelines); this will keep the reverse cat eye effect defined and graphic-looking.
![Apply light shade to corners](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/010_edited-1-773x1024.jpg)
To enhance the look of the lines in each corner, use a small straight brush to apply a light eyeshadow, using white or a bright champagne shade.
![Add mascara to complete look](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/011_edited-1.jpg)
Finish with mascara: Apply mascara to complete the look.
![Full makeup and reverse cat-eye](https://www.ogleschool.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/12_edited-1.jpg)
The finished look will be stunning. Makeup by Maiko and photography by Aylen Ile Diaz.
If you like the graphic-looking reverse cat eye tutorial, visit the Ogle School blog for more insider tips. Interested in becoming a beauty school student? Learn more about the Esthetics Program.