Pro Cheer Makeup Tips: DIY the Perfect Cat Eye by Following These Steps

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The perfect cat eye is a classic makeup look that never goes out of style, and for pro cheerleaders, it adds an extra level of drama and polish to their game-day appearance. The bold, winged eyeliner not only defines the eyes but also helps them stand out from a distance, making it a go-to for cheerleaders who perform under bright stadium lights or on camera. Creating the perfect cat eye can be intimidating, but with a bit of practice and the right techniques, anyone can master this look. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless cat eye for your cheer makeup.

1. Prep Your Eyes

Before applying any eyeliner, prepping your eyelids is key to ensuring your cat eye lasts through all the high-energy routines and sweaty performances. Start by applying an eyeshadow primer or a small amount of concealer to your eyelids. This step helps create a smooth base, preventing your eyeliner from smudging or fading over time. Once the primer is applied, dust a neutral-colored eyeshadow over your lids to set the base and ensure your makeup stays in place all day.

2. Choose the Right Eyeliner

For the perfect cat eye, you need to choose the right type of eyeliner. Gel, liquid, and felt-tip liners are the most popular options, each offering different benefits. Liquid eyeliner is known for its sharp, defined lines, while gel liner is more forgiving if you're a beginner, allowing you to easily smudge or correct mistakes. Felt-tip liners are a great option for those looking for the precision of liquid liner with the ease of a pen.

Choose an eyeliner formula that is long-wearing and waterproof to ensure it can withstand the heat, sweat, and excitement of your performance.

3. Map Out Your Wing

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One of the trickiest parts of the cat eye is getting the wings even. To make it easier, start by mapping out your wing before fully committing to the liner. Use the outer corner of your lower lash line as a guide to angle your wing. For a dramatic look, extend the wing toward the tail end of your eyebrow, and for a subtler cat eye, keep the wing shorter and closer to the outer corner of your eye.

Lightly draw a line at your desired angle on both eyes, ensuring that they are even. This guideline will help you avoid uneven or mismatched wings.

4. Draw the Line

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With your wing shape mapped out, it’s time to connect the line to your lash line. Starting at the outer corner, draw a line toward the center of your eyelid, following your upper lash line. Make sure the line is thin at the inner corner and gradually thickens as you reach the outer corner where the wing is. This gradual thickening will give you that classic cat-eye shape.

For beginners, it's best to work in small strokes rather than trying to create one continuous line. This technique will help you have more control and prevent mistakes.

5. Perfect the Wing

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Now that your liner is applied along your lash line, it’s time to perfect the wing. Starting at the outer corner of your eye, draw a diagonal line following the guideline you mapped earlier. Then, connect this line to the top of the liner on your lash line to create the shape of the wing. Fill in the wing with liner, ensuring it's sharp and smooth.

To sharpen the look, you can use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up the edges of the wing or use concealer for a crisp, defined line.

6. Balance Your Look with Mascara and Lashes

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Once your cat eye is complete, finish the look with mascara to add volume and definition to your lashes. For a more dramatic appearance, consider applying false lashes or individual lashes, especially for game day, when your eyes need to pop from a distance. Be sure to blend your natural lashes with the falsies using a bit of mascara.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

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Creating the perfect cat eye takes time and practice, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t come out perfectly on your first try. With repetition, your hand will become steadier, and you’ll be able to quickly execute this classic cheer makeup look with confidence.

Conclusion

A bold, beautiful cat eye is the perfect way to enhance your pro cheer makeup, giving your eyes that dramatic, fierce look under bright lights. By prepping your eyes, choosing the right eyeliner, and following these simple steps, you can achieve a flawless cat eye that will last through every high-energy routine. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be rocking the perfect winged eyeliner like a pro!

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