Decipher eye-roglyphics and access your inner Cleopatra

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Emma McCarthy10 April 2012

While it's safe to say that walking like an Egyptian peaked in the Eighties with the Bangles hit, it seems that looking like one has never been more fashionable. Since Elizabeth Taylor embodied the Queen of the Nile in the 1963 film Cleopatra, her famous eyeliner look has endured for half a century.

But now, with a rumoured new film (Angelina Jolie is tipped to play Cleo), many red carpet celebrities and catwalk shows have been busy recreating the double-wing cat flick, making it the hottest trend to try this Christmas party season.

"Cleopatra was a decadent and powerful woman and has remained powerful over time because she signifies reinvention," says Cher Webb, senior make-up artist at MAC Cosmetics. "The bold liner that is associated with Cleopatra holds a true sense of power and significance."

So it should come as no surprise that it was the modern-day queen of re-invention who championed the look recently at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Teamed with green glitter brows, blue lipstick and a few layers of false eyelashes, Lady Gaga's thick double flick was by no means a shy approach to the look, while a more wearable take on the same technique was achieved at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show in Paris, complemented instead with a classic red lip.

Recently, the likes of Jessie J, Daphne Guinness and Made in Chelsea songstress Gabriella Ellis also extended the flick down to the inner corner of the tear duct, lengthening the shape to resemble the high almond cat's-eye.

But there isn't always the need for such heavy-handed results, as Giorgio Armani has shown in his autumn/winter catwalk offering. The Italian designer's ready-to-wear collection featured models with a subtle double flick starting halfway along the lash line, while his Couture Privé show exaggerated the same look with a sweep of orange shadow on the lid and a white powder highlight in the centre of flicks and inner lash line - a look which was replicated by Hollywood beauty Camilla Belle recently on the red carpet.

"This look is very desirable to many women because when applied well it can transform and enhance the shape of the eye and instantly looks sexy and powerful," says Webb, who suggests using a gel liquid liner and small angled brush for the easiest application.

"The benefit of using a gel liner, such as MAC Blacktrack Fluidline (£13.50, maccosmetics.co.uk), is that the gel doesn't dry too quickly so you have plenty of time to correct the shape if it doesn't line up symmetrically at first," she says. "Start on the inside corner of the eye and run the brush in small strokes across the lash line. To create an even flick, mark the end of the wing to your desired length, then draw the flick back towards the eye, aiming it towards the top of the ear for the most flattering angle."

Twitter: @miss_mccarthy

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