16. The Soft Winged Espresso
If classic black liquid eyeliner feels too stark or difficult to execute for a soft prom aesthetic, the Soft Winged Espresso is the perfect compromise. It delivers all the eye-shaping benefits of a traditional cat-eye but uses diffuse brown eyeshadow or pencil to keep the overall look gentle, smoky, and naturally seductive.
Create your base with a soft-focus foundation and set it lightly with powder. To construct the soft wing, take an angled eyeliner brush dipped in deep espresso brown eyeshadow (or a creamy brown pencil) and flick a line outward from the outer corner of your eye toward the tail of your brow. Soften the upper edge of the line using a small smudge brush. Keep the eyelid clean with a soft bone or beige shadow. Pair this defined eye with a warm nude-pink lipstick and a subtle sweep of neutral bronzer across your cheeks.