How to Achieve the Perfect Winged Eyeliner?

beautiful eyes with winged eyeliner

Winged eyeliner – the Everest of the makeup world. Many have attempted its treacherous slopes; few have conquered it. But fear not, brave beauty adventurers! Today, I shall be your Sherpa, guiding you through the perilous paths of achieving that elusive, perfect wing. It’s like origami for your eyes – intricate, precise, and often ending in a crumpled mess.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools – The Eyeliner Excalibur

First, you need to choose your weapon – I mean, eyeliner. There are three main types: pencil (for those who enjoy a good smudge), liquid (for the bold and the steady-handed), and gel (for the artists who laugh in the face of danger). Choose wisely; your choice of eyeliner can make or break your quest. And remember, a good eyeliner is like a good partner – reliable, sharp, and doesn’t run away at the first sign of trouble (read: tears).

Step 2: The Stabilizing Ritual – Anchor Your Elbows

Before you begin, find a comfortable spot where you can anchor your elbows. This is not just a step; it’s a ritual. It’s about creating a stable base for the masterpiece you’re about to create. Think of it as setting the foundation for a skyscraper – because what you’re building is just as majestic.

Step 3: The Dot-to-Dot Approach – Map Your Territory

Now, it’s time to plot your course. Lightly dot along your upper lash line and decide where your wing will end. This is your eyeliner blueprint. It’s like connect-the-dots, but the picture you’re completing is the Mona Lisa of makeup.

Step 4: The Steady Line – Drawing the Equator

With a steady hand, draw a thin line along your upper lash line. This line is the equator of your eye makeup – everything else revolves around it. Keep it as close to the lash line as possible. If you mess up, don’t panic. Remember, Q-tips and makeup remover are your best friends, or let’s say, your cleanup crew.

Step 5: The Wing – Where Icarus Dreams to Fly

Here comes the moment of truth – the wing. Start from the outer corner of your eye and draw a line angling up towards your eyebrow. This is not just a line; it’s a statement. It says, “I am bold, I am fierce, and I probably watched too many YouTube tutorials.” The angle of your wing determines whether you’re going for a subtle ‘I’m a professional’ look or a dramatic ‘I’m ready to take flight’ vibe. Choose your angle like you choose your battles – wisely.

Step 6: The Connection – Making the Triangle

Now, connect the tip of your wing back to your lash line, forming a triangle. This step is crucial – it’s what separates the winged eyeliner rookies from the pros. Fill in the triangle with your chosen eyeliner. Remember, this isn’t just makeup; it’s a geometric masterpiece. Pythagoras would be proud.

Step 7: Symmetry – The Ultimate Challenge

Achieving symmetry between both eyes is the final boss in the video game of makeup. If both wings don’t match, don’t despair. You’re not alone. This is where you can decide to adjust one eye to match the other or embrace the uniqueness of each eye. After all, they say symmetry is beauty, but they also say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And today, you are the beholder.

Step 8: The Cleanup – Erase and Redraw

If you’ve made mistakes along the way, don’t worry. Makeup is forgiving, and so is your makeup remover. Use a Q-tip to gently correct any smudges or uneven lines. It’s like using the backspace on a keyboard – a simple fix for a simple mistake.

And there you have it – the perfect winged eyeliner. Stand back, admire your work, and prepare to dazzle the world (or at least your bathroom mirror). Remember, practice makes perfect. Today, you’ve not only drawn on your face; you’ve drawn courage, resilience, and a dash of humor.


Extra Pro Tips: Elevating Your Winged Eyeliner Game

  • The Tape Trick: For eyeliner novices, using a small piece of tape as a guide can be a game changer. Place it at the corner of your eye, angled towards the end of your eyebrow, to create a foolproof path for your wing. It’s like training wheels for your eyeliner – eventually, you won’t need it, but it’s super helpful in the beginning.
  • The Business Card Hack: Don’t have tape? No problem! Use the edge of a business card to guide your wing. It’s a great way to recycle those business cards you got from that networking event you never wanted to attend.
  • Thin Brush Mastery: If you’re using gel eyeliner, opt for a thin, angled brush. It gives you more control and precision, turning your eyeliner application into a fine art experience.
  • The Power of Primer: Eyelid primer is your secret weapon. It helps to create a smooth canvas and ensures that your eyeliner doesn’t pull a disappearing act by midday.
  • Connect the Dots for Beginners: If drawing a straight line feels like performing surgery, try the dot method. Place small dots along your lash line and simply connect them. Voilà, you’ve got a straight line without the stress.
  • Embrace Mistakes – They’re Eyeliner Erasers: For those inevitable mistakes, invest in an eyeliner eraser pen. It’s like a magic wand that erases your little oops moments, leaving no trace behind.
  • Layering for Longevity: Start with a pencil liner as a base and layer liquid liner on top. This not only makes application easier but also ensures your winged masterpiece stays put longer.
  • Rest and Reset: If your hand is shaky, rest your pinky on your cheek for added stability. It’s like having a built-in tripod for your hand.
  • Symmetry Secret: Struggling with symmetry? Draw the wing tip on both eyes first, then fill in the rest. This helps you match the angles and length more effectively.
  • End with a Clean-up Crew: Keep cotton swabs and makeup remover handy for quick clean-ups. They’re the unsung heroes of the eyeliner world.

FAQ: Navigating the Twists and Turns of Winged Eyeliner

1: Can I still do winged eyeliner if I have hooded eyes?

Absolutely! The trick is to keep the wing more horizontal and extend it beyond the hooded part of your eyelid. Think of it as drawing a checkmark rather than an upwards flick.

2: My eyeliner always smudges. How can I prevent this?

Smudging is the arch-nemesis of the perfect wing. Use an eyelid primer before applying eyeliner and consider setting your liner with a matching eyeshadow. Also, waterproof formulas are your friend here – they’re like the raincoats of eyeliners.

3: How do I choose the right eyeliner color?

While black is classic and dramatic, don’t be afraid to experiment with colors. Brown can offer a softer look, great for daytime. For a fun twist, try navy or forest green. It’s like choosing the color of your lightsaber – it says something about your style.

4: My hands are shaky. Any tips for steadier application?

Try resting your elbow on a table and your pinky on your cheek for extra stability. Also, breathe! Sometimes we hold our breath in concentration, making our hands shakier.

5: How can I make my eyeliner last all day?

Besides using a primer, opt for waterproof formulas and consider setting your eyeliner with a similar-colored eyeshadow. Think of it as reinforcing your castle walls against the siege of the day.

6: Is there a quick fix for uneven wings?

If your wings aren’t twins, or even distant cousins, use a little concealer on a small brush to reshape and correct one wing. It’s like Photoshop for your eyeliner.

7: Any advice for removing waterproof eyeliner easily?

Use an oil-based makeup remover or a dedicated eye makeup remover. Let it sit on your lids for a few seconds to break down the makeup before gently wiping away. Treat it like a gentle breakup – it needs a bit of time and tenderness.

8: How thick should the wing be?

This depends on your eye shape and the look you’re going for. A thin wing is subtle and elegant, while a thicker wing makes more of a statement. Start thin – you can always build up.

9: What’s the best way to practice winged eyeliner?

Practice makes perfect! Try practicing when you have nowhere to be, so there’s no pressure. And remember, makeup remover is your reset button.

10: How do I handle eyeliner on a mature eye?

With mature eyes, keep the line thinner and focus on lifting the wing upwards to counteract any drooping. It’s about enhancing your natural eye shape gracefully.