Winged eyeliner is one of the most iconic and timeless makeup looks, instantly adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to any style. However, achieving the perfect winged eyeliner can be a daunting task, even for experienced makeup enthusiasts. The precision required, the symmetry between both eyes, and the ability to tailor the wing to suit your eye shape can make it seem like an impossible feat. But with the right techniques, tools, and a little bit of practice, mastering the perfect winged eyeliner is entirely within your reach. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process, helping you achieve that flawless flick every time.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. The key to perfect winged eyeliner lies not just in technique, but also in the quality of the products and tools you use. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Eyeliner: There are various types of eyeliners available, including liquid, gel, and pencil. Liquid liners with a felt-tip or brush applicator are ideal for creating sharp, precise lines, while gel liners offer more control and are perfect for a softer, smokier wing. Pencils are best for a more natural look or for beginners who need more control during application.
- Angled Brush: If you’re using gel eyeliner, an angled brush will help you create clean, precise lines. The shape of the brush makes it easier to achieve a crisp wing.
- Eye Primer: An eye primer will help your eyeliner stay in place all day and prevent smudging. It also creates a smooth canvas for application.
- Cotton Swabs and Makeup Remover: Even the steadiest hands make mistakes. Cotton swabs dipped in makeup remover are perfect for cleaning up any smudges or uneven lines.
- Optional: Tape or Stencils: For beginners or those who struggle with symmetry, using tape or an eyeliner stencil can be helpful. These tools guide your application and ensure both wings are even.
Step 2: Prepare Your Eyelids
Before applying any eyeliner, it’s important to prepare your eyelids to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. Start by applying an eye primer across your lids. This step is crucial as it prevents the eyeliner from smudging or fading throughout the day. If you don’t have an eye primer, a light dusting of translucent powder or a neutral eyeshadow can also help set the base.
If you’re planning to wear eyeshadow, apply it before your eyeliner. This will prevent any disruption to your eyeliner’s sharpness and ensure a cleaner look. Stick to neutral shades that won’t compete with the boldness of your winged liner.
Step 3: Mark Your Starting Points
One of the biggest challenges in creating winged eyeliner is achieving symmetry between both eyes. To make this easier, start by marking the points where your wing will begin and end. Use your eyeliner or an angled brush to make small dots or dashes at the outer corner of your eye, where you want the wing to end. This is typically in line with the end of your eyebrow, creating a lifting effect.
Next, mark where the wing will start on your lash line. This is usually at the outer third of your upper lash line. By marking these points, you’ll have a clear guide to follow, making it easier to achieve a balanced look on both eyes.
Step 4: Draw the Wing’s Outline
With your starting points marked, it’s time to create the outline of your wing. Begin by drawing a diagonal line from the outer corner of your eye towards the point where you marked the end of your wing. This line should follow the natural angle of your lower lash line, extending upwards towards the tail of your eyebrow.
Once you’ve drawn the first line, connect it back to your upper lash line, forming a triangle shape. The thickness of the wing can vary depending on your preference. If you want a more dramatic look, make the triangle thicker by extending the line further into your lash line. For a subtler look, keep the line thin and close to your lashes.
If you’re using tape or a stencil, align it with your lower lash line, and then draw the wing along the edge of the tape or stencil. This method is especially helpful for beginners who struggle with freehand application.
Step 5: Fill in the Wing
After you’ve outlined the wing, it’s time to fill it in. Use your eyeliner to carefully color in the triangle you’ve created, ensuring the color is evenly distributed and there are no gaps. If you’re using liquid liner, work slowly to avoid mistakes, as liquid formulas can be more challenging to correct.
For gel liner, use your angled brush to fill in the wing, using short, controlled strokes. If you’re using a pencil liner, you may need to go over the area a few times to build up the intensity of the color.
Make sure the filled-in wing is smooth and even. If you notice any rough edges, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up the lines.
Step 6: Line the Upper Lash Line
With the wing complete, the next step is to line the rest of your upper lash line. Start at the inner corner of your eye and draw a thin line that gradually thickens as it meets the base of the wing. This will create a smooth transition from the inner corner to the outer wing, giving your eyes a more cohesive and defined look.
If you’re using liquid or gel liner, apply the product in short, controlled strokes to avoid mistakes. For a softer look, you can use a pencil liner and smudge the line slightly for a more blended effect.
Step 7: Final Touches and Clean-Up
Once you’ve completed the eyeliner, take a step back and assess your work. Check that both wings are even and symmetrical. If one wing is slightly off, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to adjust the shape. You can also use a small concealer brush to clean up any edges and sharpen the wing’s point.
If you notice any gaps between your eyeliner and your lashes, fill them in with a black or dark brown eyeshadow applied with an angled brush. This will create the illusion of fuller lashes and ensure there are no visible spaces.
Finally, curl your lashes and apply mascara to complete the look. The added volume and length will enhance your winged eyeliner, making your eyes appear larger and more defined. If you want an even more dramatic effect, consider adding false lashes.
Step 8: Practice Makes Perfect
Winged eyeliner is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Each time you practice, you’ll gain more control and confidence, making it easier to achieve the desired look. Experiment with different eyeliner types and wing shapes to find what works best for your eye shape and personal style.
