There is a makeup gesture that can completely change the expression of the eyes: the cat eye eyeliner, the stroke that begins at the lash line and ends in a small upward tail.
Also known as winged eyeliner, it is one of beauty’s timeless classics. We’ve seen it in iconic Hollywood looks, and today it reimagines itself with more modern, subtle, and easy-to-wear options.
And although it may seem like a technique reserved for professional makeup artists, the truth is that with a few simple tricks you can achieve an eye-lifting effect without getting overwhelmed at the mirror.
The key isn’t to draw a perfect line in one go, but to work with small strokes, find the right angle, and choose a product you can control.
Qué es el delineado cat eye y por qué es tendencia
The cat eye, which in Spanish means cat’s eye, is a technique that involves lining the upper eyelid and extending the line toward the outer corner of the eye, creating a small wing. That detail produces a visual elongating effect and can make the gaze appear more lifted and defined.
In 2026, besides the classic, sharply defined black line, softer versions gain prominence: fine lines, tiny tails, and lightly diffused finishes that are ideal for the day.
One of the easiest variants to adopt is the kitten eye, a more delicate take on the traditional cat eye, with a short and discreet tail.
Qué necesitás para hacer un delineado cat eye en casa
You don’t need a full makeup kit. With a few items you can achieve a good result:
- A pencil, liquid, or marker-style eyeliner.
- A mirror with good lighting.
- A cotton swab to correct minor errors.
- Micellar water or eye-safe makeup remover.
- A brown or black eyeshadow, optional, to soften the stroke.
Beginner tip: if you’ve never done a cat eye, start with a creamy-textured pencil. It’s easier to control and allows you to correct or smudge before the product sets.
Cómo hacer el delineado cat eye paso a paso
Paso 1. Prepará el párpado
Before you begin, make sure your skin is clean and dry. If your eyelids tend to be oily, you can apply a small amount of eye primer or a neutral shadow to improve the makeup’s longevity.
Paso 2. Marcá el punto donde terminará la colita
Look straight into the mirror, with your eyes open and your expression relaxed. Imagine a line that continues from the outer edge of the lower lashes toward the temple. That direction can serve as a reference to draw the tail. With the liner, mark a small dot where you’d like it to end.
Truco: if you’re just starting, make a short tail. You can always elongate it later.
Paso 3. Dibujá la colita desde afuera hacia adentro
From the mark you made, draw a fine line toward the outer edge of the upper eyelid. Work with short, gentle strokes, avoiding trying to complete the entire trace in one go. It’s important not to stretch the skin of the eye too much, because when you release it the shape can change.
Paso 4. Uní el trazo con la línea de las pestañas
Now gently line the upper part of the eye, as close as possible to the lash roots. You can start from the middle of the eyelid and move toward the outer edge. Then, connect that line with the tail to form a small wing. If you want a natural result, keep the stroke very fine.
Paso 5. Rellená y corregí
If there’s a small gap between the lines, fill it in with the eyeliner. To refine the shape, use a cotton swab with a minimal amount of makeup remover. It isn’t necessary for both eyes to be absolutely identical—the important part is that the overall result looks balanced when you look straight ahead.
El truco más fácil para principiantes: empezar por una pequeña colita
One of the most common mistakes when doing the cat eye is starting with a line that’s too long or thick.
To avoid this, try this technique: draw a very small tail on each eye first and check how they look together before completing the eyeliner. That way you can adjust the direction and length without having to erase the whole look.
Another option is to use a dark brown shadow with an angled brush. The result is softer and allows you to blend any irregularities.
Cómo adaptar el delineado cat eye a la forma de tus ojos
Although the technique is the same, it’s wise to adapt it to each gaze.
Si tenés párpados encapotados: draw the tail looking straight ahead, with the eye open, to prevent the crease from hiding the line. A short, fine line tends to be easier.
Si tenés ojos pequeños: choose a delicate eyeliner, concentrated on the outer third of the lid, to define without overloading.
Si tenés ojos almendrados: you can follow the natural direction of the outer corner and play with a longer tail.
Si tenés ojos redondos: gently extend the line outward to help achieve a more elongated look.
There isn’t a single correct way: the best approach is to try different angles until you find the one you like best.
Los errores que conviene evitar para que el cat eye quede lindo
There are a few details that can unnecessarily complicate the makeup:
- Dibujar una colita demasiado larga desde el principio.
- Aplicar mucho producto de una sola vez.
- Estirar la piel del párpado mientras delineás.
- Intentar corregir cada detalle hasta terminar engrosando toda la línea.
- Hacer el delineado con los ojos completamente cerrados sin comprobar cómo queda al abrirlos.
The most important tip is to progress gradually and remember that makeup doesn’t need to be perfect to look pretty.
Cat eye o kitten eye: cuál elegir para un maquillaje natural
If you like the tailed liner but don’t want a result that’s too intense, the kitten eye can become your best ally.
It’s a smaller version of the cat eye, with a thin stroke and a short tail that barely protrudes beyond the outer edge of the eye.
It’s ideal for daytime wear, for going to work, or for those who prefer a discreet makeup look.
You can do it in black for a more defined effect or choose a chocolate brown if you’re after a softer finish.
The secret is simple: you don’t need an exaggerated liner to make the gaze stand out. Sometimes, a small ascending line is enough to give the entire makeup a special touch.
