7 Celebrities Who Take The Classic Cat Eye To A New Level

When it comes to eyeliner, it goes without saying that there's nothing quite like the cat eye look. But while the makeup has a classic appeal, it's also been around for long enough that there are endless variations. Several celebrities have added unique touches to the traditional cat eye, elevating it from everyday to red carpet-worthy.

The cat eye goes all the way back to ancient Egypt, and it originally had nothing to do with making eyes look fierce. "Kohl had immunological and antibacterial properties that supported eye health and minimized glare from the sun," beauty historian Doreen Bloch tells Vogue India. "So, ancient Egyptians, especially the ruling class, would use this cosmetic for health benefits, and lined their eyes accordingly." In time, using kohl became a go-to for people of all genders to decorate themselves in a beautiful way — as we do today — as well as showcase their status. 

While most makeup trends have their highs and lows, the cat eye will never go out of style. And once you become a winged liner master, the look can be achieved quickly with a single stroke. If you want to add an eye-catching new twist, though, there's a whole slew of ways to achieve it. And these celebrities have provided plenty of inspiration over the years.

Even before Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, she wasn't afraid of experimenting with the iconic cat eye look. Not only has she worn the cat eye in different in thicknesses, but different colors too. If you've ever thought a silvery-white or other bold colorblock cat eye was impossible to pull off, Rihanna proves otherwise — and inspires all of us to try a lighter colored line.

When it comes to a full-face of makeup, especially one where the eyes are the focus in a fun and unique way, you can always count on Cardi B. Whether it's a bold cat eye or a combination of colors and shading that creates interesting shadows that extend the length of her eyes, Cardi B knows exactly what she's doing. "I think beautiful is looking like you take care of yourself," the rapper told Elle in 2017. "I feel beautiful without makeup on, but when I do put makeup on, it just gives me this extra pop."

Before the world tragically lost Amy Winehouse in 2011, the singer and songwriter was known for two things: her talent and oversized winged eyeliner. While some celebrities only pull out the cat eye for special occasions, Winehouse was never without it, making it as much a part of her as her gorgeous, one-of-a-kind voice.

"Her cat eye was unique and dramatic, and that's what made it iconic," celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles told The Hollywood Reporter in 2015. "It was like she applied it with a Sharpie in the back of a moving taxi. It worked so well with her hair and voice and body — everything was exaggerated." It takes a certain level of gumption to make this version of the cat eye work so well, and that's something Winehouse definitely had. 

Like any celebrity, Laverne Cox knows when to bring her A-game when it comes to makeup. Although she's not necessarily known for being someone who rocks the cat eye frequently, it would be remiss to ignore the look she served at the 2017 Grammy Awards. Not only did Cox do a spectacular, jaw-dropping cat eye, but her eyes were perfectly lined and her lids were subtly bedazzled in a way that was pure sophistication.

Julia Fox may have become a household name when she very briefly dated Kanye West in 2022, but since then she's certainly made a name for herself. Whether she's talking about being celibate for two years, or taking the cat eye look to such new heights that it garnered a new name – fox eyes – Fox continues to make a very interesting impact on pop culture. It's hard not to love her for it.

Lady Gaga may not be as eccentric in her style as she used to be, but she still knows what it takes to look fabulous on the red carpet. Gaga is no stranger to the cat eye and has rocked many versions of it over the years. Each incarnation is a total inspiration for those of us at home waiting on our Met Gala invitation.

When it comes to a next-level cat eye that could literally slice a person in half, Nicki Minaj is all about it. In fact, she never leaves her house without "lashes, liquid liner and lipsticks," she told E! News in 2013. She repeated the sentiment in a 2014 interview with Grazia, saying "I love eyeliner for the lids of your eyes. I definitely cannot go without that." If you can apply a cat eye like Minaj, then who wouldn't want to always be rocking the look?