Hey there, beauty enthusiasts! Let’s talk about the holy grail of eye makeup: the perfectly winged eyeliner. We all know that getting a perfectly winged eyeliner is now easier than ever, but it still requires some practice and the right techniques. As someone who’s battled with wobbly lines and uneven wings for years, I’m thrilled to share some game-changing tips that have made my eyeliner game strong!
Why Winged Eyeliner?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s chat about why winged eyeliner is such a makeup staple:
- It instantly elevates any look, from casual to glam
- It can make your eyes appear larger and more awake
- It’s versatile – you can go for a subtle flick or a dramatic cat-eye
- It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style
Did you know that winged eyeliner has been a beauty staple since ancient Egypt? That’s right, Cleopatra was rocking this look thousands of years ago!
Essential Tools for Perfect Wings
Before we get started, let’s make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal:
- Liquid eyeliner (for crisp lines)
- Gel eyeliner with a brush (for more control)
- Angled eyeliner brush
- Makeup remover and cotton swabs (for quick fixes)
- A steady hand (or a flat surface to rest on)
Pro tip: If you’re new to winged eyeliner, start with a pen-style liquid liner. It’s easier to control and less messy than traditional liquid liners.
Technique 1: The Angled Brush Method
This is my go-to method for those days when my hands are a bit shaky. Here’s how to do it:
- Dip your angled brush in liquid or gel eyeliner.
- Place the brush at the outer corner of your eye, angling it towards your temple.
- Draw a line from this point back towards your lash line, creating the wing.
- Starting from the inner corner of your eye, draw a line along your lash line to connect with the wing.
- Fill in any gaps between the lines.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t get discouraged if it’s not flawless on your first try.
Technique 2: The Freehand Method
For those feeling a bit more confident, let’s try the freehand method:
- Start with a pencil eyeliner to create a base line along your lash line.
- Extend this line outwards, angling up towards the end of your eyebrow.
- From the tip of this line, draw another line back towards your eyelid, creating a triangle shape.
- Fill in the triangle, and then continue the line along your lash line to the inner corner of your eye.
- Go over the line with liquid eyeliner for a crisp, bold look.
Pro tip: For hooded eyes, create your wing with your eyes open to ensure it’s visible when your eyes are relaxed.
Technique 3: The Tape Trick
This is a lifesaver for those days when you need perfect symmetry:
- Cut two small pieces of scotch tape.
- Place each piece at the outer corner of your eyes, angling up towards the end of your eyebrows.
- Use the tape as a guide to draw your wing.
- Remove the tape carefully and voila! Perfect wings.
Remember to use tape that’s not too sticky to avoid irritating your skin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even pros make mistakes sometimes. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Uneven wings: Use the tape trick or measure with a cotton swab to ensure symmetry.
- Smudging: Let each layer dry before adding more or opening your eyes wide.
- Shaky lines: Rest your elbow on a flat surface for more stability.
- Too thick lines: Start thin and build up gradually. It’s easier to add than to remove!
Eyeliner Styles for Different Eye Shapes
Remember, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to winged eyeliner. Here’s a quick guide:
- Almond eyes: Lucky you! Most styles work well. Try a classic cat-eye.
- Hooded eyes: Keep the line thin and extend the wing out rather than up.
- Round eyes: Extend the wing outwards to elongate the eye shape.
- Downturned eyes: Angle the wing upwards to lift the eye.
Troubleshooting Tips
We’ve all been there – you’re almost done and then… oops! Here are some quick fixes:
- Uneven wings? Use concealer to clean up and reshape.
- Line too thick? Dip a cotton swab in makeup remover and carefully thin it out.
- Wing too long? Again, concealer is your best friend here.
Remember, makeup is all about having fun and expressing yourself. There’s no such thing as perfect – it’s all about what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect Wings
Getting a perfectly winged eyeliner is now easy with these techniques and tips. Remember, even makeup artists had to start somewhere. The key is practice, patience, and finding the method that works best for you.
Whether you’re going for a subtle daytime flick or a bold night-out wing, these techniques will help you achieve the look you want. So grab your eyeliner, stand in front of that mirror, and get ready to spread your wings!
What’s your favorite winged eyeliner technique? Are you team freehand or team tape trick? Let me know in the comments below, and happy winging!
