Winged eyeliner is a timeless beauty trend that can add drama, elegance, or a subtle lift to your eyes. While achieving the perfect flick may seem daunting, with practice and a few tricks, you can master this iconic look. Here’s a step-by-step guide with expert tips on how to get your winged eyeliner just right every time.
1. Choose the Right Eyeliner
Before you begin, picking the right eyeliner is key. There are several types of eyeliners to choose from:
Liquid Eyeliner: Best for sharp, precise lines and bold wings.
Gel Eyeliner: Great for a softer, smokier wing but can also create precise lines.
Pencil Eyeliner: Ideal for beginners who want more control but may require some practice for achieving clean wings.
For sharp wings, a liquid liner with a felt tip or brush tip is often the most effective.
2. Prep Your Eyelids
To ensure your eyeliner stays smudge-free and long-lasting, start by prepping your eyelids. Use an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base and prevent any creasing or oiliness. A matte nude eyeshadow or setting powder over the primer can further enhance staying power.
Tip: If you're using eyeshadow, apply it before starting your eyeliner to avoid disrupting the wing later.
3. Start with a Guide Line
One of the most foolproof ways to create an even wing is to use a guide line. You can do this freehand or use a makeup tool such as tape or a credit card.
Tape Method: Apply a small piece of tape diagonally from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your brow. This will serve as a stencil for your wing.
Credit Card or Stencil Method: Hold a card at an angle from your lower lash line towards the tail of your brow to create a guide for your flick.
Pro Tip: Make sure both eyes have the same angle by comparing the placement of your guide on both sides before applying eyeliner.
4. Draw the Wing First
Begin by drawing the wing itself. Start from the outer corner of your eye and flick outward towards the end of your eyebrow. The angle and length of the wing depend on the look you’re going for—whether subtle or dramatic.
Tip: When starting, opt for a smaller wing and gradually build up. It’s easier to add more than to clean up a wing that’s too thick or long.
5. Connect the Wing to Your Lash Line
Once you have the wing, draw a line from the tip of the wing back toward your lash line. This will create the “triangle” shape that you can fill in. After filling in the triangle, draw a thin line across your lash line, starting from the inner corner of your eye and connecting it with the wing.
6. Perfecting the Thickness
Once your wing is in place, you can decide how thick or thin you want the rest of your liner to be. For a more dramatic look, you can thicken the liner at the center of your eyelid, gradually tapering it as you move inward.
Tip: If you’re going for a bold look, make sure the thickness of the eyeliner is even on both eyes. Stand back from the mirror to check symmetry.
7. Clean Up Any Mistakes
Even the pros make mistakes, but don’t worry! If your wing isn’t perfect, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover or micellar water to sharpen the edges. You can also use a pointed concealer brush to clean up any unevenness or smudging.
Pro Tip: Keep the lines crisp and sharp by cleaning up the bottom edge of your wing with a bit of concealer.
8. Set with Eyeshadow or Powder
For an even more long-lasting finish, set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow. This not only prevents smudging but also intensifies the color. If you’ve used a gel or pencil eyeliner, this step can also help achieve a cleaner, more defined wing.
9. Finish with Mascara or Lashes
To complete your winged eyeliner look, finish with a coat of mascara or apply false lashes for extra drama. Lashes help balance the intensity of the wing and draw attention to your eyes.
10. Practice Makes Perfect
Winged eyeliner can be tricky to master at first, but like any makeup skill, practice is key. Take your time, experiment with different angles, thicknesses, and eyeliner types until you find what works best for your eye shape.
Final Tip: If you’re just starting out, practice your eyeliner when you’re not in a rush or before a major event. With regular practice, it will become second nature!
