The Perfect Cat Eye Glam: A Step-by-Step Guide ft. Natasha Denona’s Retro Glam Palette
There is nothing quite as powerfully feminine as a cat eye. It instantly lifts the face and elongates the eye shape. However, executing a perfect, symmetrical wing with liquid liner can be stressful, to say the least.
In her latest tutorial, Natasha Denona shares her alternative method for achieving that coveted lifted look. By using eyeshadow instead of liner, you get a softer, sultry finish that is much easier to control and perfect.
Using the unique sage greens and vintage pinks of the Retro Glam Palette, this look is the perfect balance of retro structure and modern sparkle.
the Retro glam eyeshadow palette
The Technique: Sculpting with Shadow
The key to this look isn't drawing a line on the eye; it's about sculpting the shape of the eye using gradients of depth and light.
Step-by-Step: The Retro Glam Cat Eye
1. The Upward Transition (Creating the Lift)
Natasha begins with a fluffy blending brush and the light matte sage green shade.
The Placement: She applies this color through the crease.
The Technique: The most important part is blending the color upwards and outwards toward the tail of the brow. This step immediately establishes the "lifted" architecture of the cat eye.
2. Defining the Outer Corner
Switching to a smaller, more tapered brush, she uses a mid-tone, deeper green-grey matte shade.
Concentrate this color on the outer third of the eye, stamping it into a sideways "V" shape.
Gently blend this outward to begin forming the soft "wing" shape, merging it seamlessly into the lighter transition shade.
3. The Matte Cut-Crease
To make the outer wing pop, the lid needs to be bright and clean.
Using a flat packing brush, apply the light matte pink shade all over the mobile lid, stopping exactly where the dark outer corner begins. This creates a soft definition without needing concealer.
4. The Glam Factor
It’s time for the sparkle. Take the shimmering metallic pink shade and press it onto the center of the eyelid using your fingertip or a damp flat brush. This adds that "wet-look" dimension that Natasha Denona is famous for.
5. The Shadow Wing (The crucial step!)
To intensify the look and create the actual "cat eye" definition along the lash line:
Use a small, precise pencil or angled brush with the darkest green forest shade in the palette.
Press this color right along the upper lash line, getting thicker as you reach the outer corner to sharpen and define the wing shape you sculpted earlier.
6. Finishing Touches
Lower Lash Line: Mirror the top by applying the deeper greens to the outer lower lash line and blending inward.
Inner Corner: Finish with a pop of bright shimmering highlighter in the inner tear duct to open up the eyes.
Why We Love This Technique
This eyeshadow-based cat eye is incredibly flattering because it’s softer than harsh liquid liner. The gradient of greens creates depth, while the sparkling pink lid keeps the look fresh, feminine, and glamorous. It’s a sophisticated look that wears beautifully from day to night.
Are Natasha Denona products vegan?
Many of our products are vegan! Vegan items are indicated by a green "V" on the product page and in the product description.
All Natasha Denona products are certified cruelty-free.
Are Natasha Denona products tested on animals?
All Natasha Denona products are certified cruelty-free.
What do I do if I have an allergic reaction?
If you have any adverse reactions to our products, stop use of the product immediately and contact your health care provider for guidance.
For general questions about our products, please contact our support team for assistance at wecare@natashadenona.com
How do I find the right shade for me?
If you have any questions about shade matching, please contact us at wecare@natashadenona.com and one of our associates will be happy to assist!
