How to Steal Marilyn Monroe's Eyeliner Trick
It's a good one.
![monroe eyes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Fjchk86pffTqYjWousjwPn-415-80.jpg)
Having recently unearthed the secrets of Marilyn Monroe's makeup artist, the inimitable Allan "Whitey" Snyder, there's one trick of his we're thoroughly obsessed with—and apparently, we're not the only ones who've honed in on it.
Monroe's latter day, most-famous-woman-in-the-world counterpart Kim Kardashian has, too, taken a liking to Monroe's signature eyeliner: a double cat eye accented with white eyeliner. We first saw her donning the look at her bridal shower last year, then again during her trip to Armenia on a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
The technique isn't just a cool twist on the cat eye, but was also Monroe's trick to making her eyes appear larger and wider by extending the upper and lower lashlines. Here, we recreated the look by striking the perfect between Monroe's slept-in bedroom eyes and Kardashian's Instagram-perfect precision.
1. Draw on a classic cat eye
Using a tapered eyeliner pen, draw on a classic cat eye, starting in the middle with small and smooth strokes. Doing this will help determine how thick you want your line to be, says makeup artist Miguel Lledo.
"To make the wing, follow the line of your bottom lashes going outward with the brush, then bring the line back in, make a triangle shape, and fill the wing in," he explains.
2. Create a lower feline flick
Using dark brown shadow and a small tapered brush, create a smoky lower feline flick that's like an extension of your lower lashline. You want the tip of the wing to point downward, creating a triangle-like space in between both flicks.
3. Fill in the white triangle
With a white eye pencil, fill in the triangle on the outer corner of the eye—in between the top and lower liner wings—as it will make your eyes look bigger and wider. Be sure to smudge out the pigment as you don't wait it to look *too* matte.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
The Finished Look
And just like that, you're channeling both Monroe and Kardashian in one fell (double) swoop.
Makeup by Miguel Lledo at Artlist NYC. Photography by Kathryn Wirsing.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published