The Cat effect has been trending over the past 12 months, re-invented by the top Russian Lash Artists who really have nailed this effect.

Up until now, the Cat effect is not a style we ever really recommend, due to its very long outer corner lengths. On most clients, extreme lengths on the outers will drag the eye down as well as cause damage to the delicate short lashes in these areas. However, the style has some what been adapted to now make it much more versatile which is why we are now seeing this new trending lash design.

The key to creating this type of Cat Effect is the use of very short extensions across most of the eye, as well as the use of correct curls.

The Cat affect draws attention to the very outer corner of the eye, therefore we want to keep the inner/mid and most of the outer sections invisible yet still defined. The lash map below will show you the approximate mapping:

 

By using flat curls such as J/B/C combined with very strong curls on the outers (D/L/M) you will create the Cat Effect. There of course is no set rules as to the curls or lengths you must use to create the effect, but you do have to consider these points above.

 

Here you will see some additional images to show you how versatile this effect can be:

This is a very short set, using B/C curls into the M curl. Such short lengths create a very dark eyeliner effect that extends the eye outwards.

 

You may have also seen some very extreme Cat effects, this is more likely for photoshoots than everyday wear, however still great visual inspiration as to what can be achieved with this versatile effect.

Extreme long lengths in either L or M curl on the very outer will achieve this flick.

 

Keeping it safe

If you are using 0.05mm or 0.03mm on strong natural lashes, then there is no reason why you cannot use 13-14mm on the very outers. However always refer back to the volumetric lash calculations section of LTT to calculate the weight of these lengths. If using the L or M curl, you will also find that they tend to keep their lift and do not droop overtime unlike other curls.

You do not have to use very long lengths on the outer, you can still adopt the recommended practice of decreasing lengths in these zones, as seen in this image where the artist has decreased to 9mm.

Transitioning curls?

You may be wondering why we don’t transition through the curls when working with this effect, ( i.e. why they jump from C-M instead of C-CC-D-L-M?)

The Cat Effect is all about “extreme” rather than a smooth unnoticeable graduation, so for this effect we do not need to transition through the curls.

 

As per all lash styles there really is not right or wrong way, just guidance on how best to achieve this effect. The only way to find out what works it to practise: we suggest starting on sponges/mannequin heads to perfect your styling and then moving onto real people.