Winged eyeliner is the quintessential makeup look that can elevate any style. It’s elegant, versatile, and timeless, but achieving the perfect wing can be daunting. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you master the art of winged eyeliner. We’ll explore techniques, tools, and tips to ensure you get that sharp, precise wing every single time.
Understanding the Basics of Winged Eyeliner
“Winged eyeliner is like a signature for your eyes. It’s a way to express your personality and add a touch of drama to your look.” – Pat McGrath, Makeup Artist
Why Winged Eyeliner?
Winged eyeliner accentuates your eyes, making them appear larger and more defined. It adds an element of sophistication and can be tailored to suit any occasion, from a casual day out to an evening gala.
Tools You’ll Need
- Liquid Eyeliner Pen: Offers precision and ease of use. Look for a pen with a fine tip.
- Gel Eyeliner: Provides a smoother application and is great for beginners.
- Angled Brush: Essential for applying gel eyeliner.
- Tape or Stencils: Helpful for beginners to achieve a clean line.
- Cotton Swabs and Makeup Remover: For correcting mistakes.
Techniques for Different Eye Shapes
“The angle of your wing should follow the natural line of your lower lash line. This will create a flattering and harmonious look.” – Hung Vanngo, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Almond Eyes
Almond eyes can pull off any winged eyeliner style. Start by drawing a thin line from the inner corner of your eye, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. Extend the wing upwards, following the natural curve of your lower lash line.
Hooded Eyes
For hooded eyes, the goal is to create the illusion of a larger lid space. Draw a thin line close to your lash line, then extend the wing straight out rather than up. Avoid thick lines, as they can make your lids look heavier.
Monolid Eyes
Monolid eyes benefit from a thick, bold line. Start with a thin line at the inner corner and gradually thicken it towards the outer corner. Create a small, upward flick at the end to lift the eyes.
Round Eyes
For round eyes, extend the wing outwards to elongate the eye shape. Draw a thin line from the inner corner, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. Extend the wing slightly upwards.
Downturned Eyes
To lift downturned eyes, draw a thin line close to the lash line, then create a sharp upward flick at the outer corner. Keep the line thin to avoid dragging the eyes down.
Upturned Eyes
Upturned eyes can handle a dramatic wing. Start with a thin line at the inner corner and gradually thicken it towards the outer corner. Extend the wing upwards, following the natural curve of your eye.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Winged Eyeliner
“A good liquid eyeliner pen with a fine tip is essential for creating a precise and sharp wing.” – Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup Artist and Founder of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty
Step 1: Prep Your Eyes
Start with clean, dry eyelids. Apply an eyeshadow primer to prevent smudging and ensure your eyeliner lasts all day.
Step 2: Line Your Upper Lash Line
Using your eyeliner of choice, draw a thin line from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. Keep the line as close to the lash line as possible.
Step 3: Create the Wing
Decide on the angle of your wing. The wing should follow the natural line of your lower lash line, extending upwards. Use tape or a stencil if needed to create a guideline. Draw a small dot where you want the wing to end.
Step 4: Connect the Dots
Draw a line from the outer corner of your eye to the dot. This forms the base of your wing. Then, connect the tip of the wing to the center of your lash line, filling in any gaps.
Step 5: Refine and Perfect
Check for symmetry and make any necessary adjustments. Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes or to sharpen the edges of your wing.
Step 6: Set Your Eyeliner
To ensure your wing stays in place all day, set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow. This will also help to soften the look if needed.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
“Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts at winged eyeliner aren’t perfect. Like anything else, it takes practice to master this technique.” – Lisa Eldridge, Makeup Artist and Creative Director of Lancôme Makeup
Mistake 1: Uneven Wings
Solution: Use tape or a stencil as a guide to ensure your wings are symmetrical. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try again if your first attempt isn’t flawless.
Mistake 2: Overdoing It
Solution: Start with a small wing and gradually build up the length and thickness. It’s easier to add more eyeliner than to remove excess.
Mistake 3: Skipping Primer
Solution: Always use an eyeshadow primer to prevent smudging and ensure your eyeliner lasts.
Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Tool
Solution: Invest in a good quality liquid eyeliner pen with a fine tip. This will give you more control and precision.
Advanced Tips for Mastering Winged Eyeliner
Layering for Longevity
For long-lasting eyeliner, layer a gel or pencil liner underneath your liquid liner. This creates a base that helps the liquid liner adhere better and stay put.
Tightlining
Enhance the fullness of your lashes by tightlining. This technique involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, giving the illusion of thicker lashes.
Experiment with Colors
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different eyeliner colors. While black is classic, brown, navy, or even colorful liners can add a fun twist to your look.
Use a Magnifying Mirror
A magnifying mirror can help you see details more clearly, making it easier to apply precise eyeliner.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Set aside time to practice your winged eyeliner technique until you feel confident.
Personal Anecdotes
Growing up, I always admired the sleek winged eyeliner looks in magazines but found it incredibly challenging to replicate. My first attempts were uneven, shaky, and far from the glamorous wings I envisioned. I remember using a business card to create a straight line, but even then, the wings didn’t match. It wasn’t until I invested in a high-quality liquid eyeliner pen and practiced regularly that I finally mastered the art of winged eyeliner. Now, it’s my go-to look for any occasion, and I often receive compliments on my precise wings.
Conclusion
Mastering winged eyeliner is a skill that takes time, patience, and practice. By understanding your eye shape and using the right tools and techniques, you can achieve the perfect winged look every time. Remember, even the most skilled makeup artists started as beginners, so don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. With persistence and practice, you’ll be able to wing your eyeliner like a pro, adding that touch of drama and elegance to your look.
