Siren Eyes And Reversed Cat Eye – Aren't They The Same Thing?
Well sorta. Here, a primer on these trendy eye makeup looks and how you can achieve them.
By Khong Yawen,
Trust the folks on TikTok to always know what's up when it comes to the latest trends – be it Y2K-inspired makeup, clean-girl no-makeup makeup and the resurgence of once-popular makeup products (like Clinique's Black Honey lipstick). The latest craze? "Siren eyes" (the term has garnered over 450 million views on TikTok, as of press time) and "reversed cat eyes".
Though both seem to share the same effect in elongating the eyes, there is one main difference. Siren eyes – which gets its name from the Greek mythological creature that lured men with its alluring voice – focus on a lifted, lightly smoked out eyeliner that is carried all the way through to the inner corner. Like the name suggests, the reversed cat eye also has a long wing up top. The difference lies in how it focuses on creating a smokey eye effect along the under eyes, as seen in the viral TikTok post that kickstarted the craze by makeup pro @paintedbyspencer.
Another eye makeup look that's been making the rounds on TikTok is the "fox eye trend", though it's stirred up more controversy than favourable response for perpetuating features that are predominantly seen on Asians.
If you're endowed with naturally downturned or rounded eyes, but still want to try this eye makeup trends, we've got you sorted. Ahead, a list of products – from liquid liners to eyeshadows – for you to achieve the trendy eye looks.
Eyeliner is a must-have when it comes to recreating these makeup looks, and the iconic Kat Von D waterproof liner pen is well loved in the beauty community for its lasting power.
This waterproof eyeliner pencil comes with a built-in smudge tip – for smoking out the liner – and sharpener to ensure nothing but sharp lines every time. Talk about an all in one product!
It's always handy to have a double-functioning product like this eyeliner duo to create depth and contrast. Rim your eyes with the darker shade and clean up any mistakes with the lighter hue.
To make your entire look sing, reach for a volumizing mascara for that ultra dramatic effect.
If you're not one for dense bristle brushes, try out this mascara with a flexible rubber brush that claims to be smudge and flake-proof.
You've probably heard all the beauty gurus talk about the term "transition shade" (essentially an eyeshadow that's close to you own skin tone to use for blending our darker colours). If you're left stumped, here's a great eyeshadow palette with mattes and shimmers to add to your makeup arsenal. Here's a tip: add a little sparkle to the inner corners to make your eyes really pop.
Feeling overwhelmed with big, colourful palettes is something we can totally relate with. A simple quad eyeshadow with timeless shades, like this Chanel one, is more than enough to create that smoked out effect.
Having a good base is as crucial as having a sharp eyeliner as it makes any eye look pop. Make sure to set with some translucent powder for an even canvas and longer lasting power.
A dense eyeshadow brush such as this will have your reversed cat eye (or any eyeshadow) blend seamlessly as it gives you more control on the placement and movement of pigments. No panda eyes here!
For the sharpest wings, invest in a sturdy liner brush that can give you precise strokes.