Cat eye lashes are short at the inner corner and get longer toward the outer corner. That shape pulls the eye outward and up, which is why it reads as lifted and a little dramatic. You can get the look two ways at home: with a pair of cat eye strip lashes, or by mapping DIY lash clusters from short to long. This guide covers both.
Full disclosure: Pilamie sells cat eye strip lashes and lash clusters, without glue. The steps below work with any brand.
Quick answer
- Fastest option: cat eye strip lashes. One band per eye, already shaped, on in a few minutes.
- Most customizable: lash clusters, placed shortest at the inner corner and longest at the outer third.
- Want it softer? Choose a clear band strip or wispy clusters instead of a dense black band.
Strip lashes or clusters?
| Cat eye strip lashes | Cat eye with clusters | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to apply | A few minutes | Longer, especially the first few times |
| Wear | Usually one day, then removed and stored | Often several days, depending on the bond you use |
| Control over shape | Fixed by the strip, trim to fit | You choose every length and position |
| Adhesive | Strip lash glue | A bond made for clusters |
| Best for | Nights out, first time trying lashes | A look you want to keep for a few days |
How to get cat eye lashes with strip lashes
- Measure first. Hold the strip against your lash line. If it runs past your outer corner, trim from the outer end, not the inner end, so the long fibers stay at the outside.
- Bend the band. Curl the strip around your finger a few times so it follows the curve of your eye.
- Glue thinly. Run a thin line of lash glue along the band and wait until it turns tacky, usually 20 to 30 seconds.
- Place from the middle. Set the center of the strip on your lash line first, then press the outer corner, then the inner corner.
- Blend. Curl your natural lashes first or add a coat of mascara so they blend with the strip.
A clear band, like our foxy winged clear band lashes, is easier to hide if you do not wear eyeliner. A black band, like our cat eye strip lashes, looks like a thin liner and gives a more defined line.
How to get cat eye lashes with clusters
With clusters you build the shape yourself. A simple cat eye map for most eyes, using clusters from 9 to 16 mm:
- Inner corner: the shortest lengths, around 9 to 10 mm, or skip it entirely for a softer start.
- Middle: medium lengths, around 11 to 13 mm.
- Outer third: the longest lengths, around 14 to 16 mm, with the longest cluster one or two places in from the very corner.
Apply the clusters under your natural lashes, from the inner corner outward, and keep each cluster close to the next one so there are no gaps. If you are new to clusters, read our step by step guide to applying lash clusters first. For a wispier version of the cat eye, our wispy lash cluster guide shows how to mix in spiky clusters.
Common mistakes and fixes
- The outer corner droops. The longest lashes are sitting too far out or angled down. Move the longest cluster one place inward and angle it up and out.
- The look is too heavy. Drop one length size across the outer third, or switch to a clear band or wispy clusters.
- The strip lifts at the inner corner. The strip is too long or the glue was too wet. Trim a little from the outer end and wait longer before placing.
- Gaps between clusters. Place each new cluster right against the previous one, and finish the outer corner last.
Which cat eye style suits your eye shape?
There is no strict rule, but a few general points help. If your eyes are round, a cat eye with long outer lashes makes them look more almond shaped. If your eyes already tilt up at the outer corner, a softer, shorter cat eye keeps the look from becoming extreme. If you have hooded lids, shorter lengths with a stronger curl usually show better than very long lashes, which can hit the lid.
Safety notes
Keep glue and bond off your eyelid skin and out of your eyes. Patch test a new adhesive first, and do not wear lashes on irritated eyes. Remove strips by peeling gently from the outer corner, and remove clusters with a remover made for your bond.
Shop the look: cat eye false lashes, 5 pairs, foxy winged clear band lashes, or browse all lash and eye beauty. Lashes are sold without glue.
Related: Lash clusters vs strip lashes vs magnetic lashes: which should you buy?