How to Create Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra Cat Eye — A Step‑by‑Step Guide to the Most Famous Eyeliner in Film History

Elizabeth Taylor didn’t just wear eyeliner in Cleopatra — she made beauty history. Her dramatic Egyptian eyes, created by makeup artist Alberto de Rossi, helped launch the cat‑eye craze of the 1960s and remain one of the most copied makeup looks ever seen on screen.

Makeup artist applying Egyptian-style eyeliner to a model before an ornate mirror — A makeup artist applies dramatic Egyptian-inspired eyeliner while the model watches her reflection.

Here’s how to recreate the look at home.

How to Create Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra Cat Eye: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Most Famous Eyeliner in Film History. Step 1: Prep & Prime—apply light base eye shadow; extend outward towards brow tail. Step 2: The Upper Wing—start with a clean upper liner; draw a long, upward-sweeping wing. Step 3: The Lower Line—rim the waterline; draw a bold, crisp line parallel to the upper wing. Step 4: Shape the Arrow—join the upper and lower points; sharpen the “Egyptian” point; define the inner corner “V”. Step 5: Finishing Touches—apply lengthening black mascara; dab gold pigment on lids and below the brow. The Final Look: Ancient Royal Glamour. — This vintage-inspired beauty guide shows how to create Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic Cleopatra cat-eye look.

Step 1: Create a Smooth Canvas

Apply an eye primer or a light layer of concealer across the lid. Set lightly with powder to prevent creasing.

Step 2: Sketch the Upper Liner

Using a black gel or liquid liner, draw a line along the upper lash line.

Instead of stopping at the outer corner, extend the line upward toward the end of the eyebrow. Cleopatra’s liner should feel dramatic and architectural.

Step 3: Build the Wing

Thicken the outer third of the liner, gradually widening it as you move outward. The wing should look bold and regal, not delicate.

Step 4: Line the Lower Lash Line

Using black kohl pencil, line the entire lower lash line.

Extend the lower liner outward until it nearly meets the upper wing.

Step 5: Add the Floating Crease

This is the secret most tutorials miss.

Draw a second curved line above your crease, following the shape of the eye and extending it outward. This instantly creates the authentic Cleopatra effect.

Step 6: Add Egyptian Colour

Blend metallic gold, lapis blue, or emerald shadow between the lash line and floating crease.

Don’t be shy. Cleopatra never was.

Step 7: Define the Brows

Fill brows with a dark brown pencil, keeping them strong and structured. Cleopatra’s brows frame the entire look.

Step 8: Finish with Dramatic Lashes

Apply mascara generously and add false lashes or individual clusters to the outer corners.

Step 9: Channel Cleopatra

Lower the chin slightly, keep the neck long, and look directly ahead. The makeup is only half the magic.

The real Cleopatra effect comes from confidence.

Stacey’s Tip: For hooded eyes, place the floating crease slightly above your natural crease so it remains visible when your eyes are open. This preserves the dramatic Egyptian effect without losing the design in the fold.