Okay, let’s be real for a sec: Is there anything more iconic than a killer winged eyeliner look? It’s the makeup move that instantly adds ✨ drama ✨and total sass to your day. But also, let’s be honest, getting those wings on fleek can sometimes feel like you’re preparing for an Olympic sport! Like, who else has ever spent 20 minutes on your wings only to be like, “Uhhhh, why don’t these match?” 🙃 Yup, I’ve been there too!
But seriously, once you master the winged liner vibe, you’ll feel like a pro. Not every single attempt has to be perfect (we’re humans, not robots!). But with a few game-changing tips, I’m about to spill, you’ll be able to slay that cat-eye in no time!
First Things First: Prep Your Eyes!
Before you even touch an eyeliner pencil or liquid liner, you gotta get your eyes ready. Sounds extra? Maybe, but trust, prepping your eyes will save you from the dreaded smudge-o’clock that nobody needs in their life.
- Oil-free base: Whether you have dry or oily skin, it’s crucial to start with clean, oil-free lids. Even the best eyeliner in the world will start sliding around if things get too greasy. My go-to? Swipe a little bit of translucent powder or a primer on your eyelids to keep the liner in place all day.
- Eyeshadow base: If you’re going full glam or adding eyeshadow, throw that on before you do the eyeliner. Trust — your wings will look so much sharper if there’s already a nice base on your eyelids, and you can avoid any powder falling onto your fresh liner. Pro move!
Now that we’ve got the prep done, let’s talk about the tools 😏.
Types of Eyeliners You Can Use for Wings
Fact: The type of eyeliner you use can make a massive difference in how easy or hard this whole thing is gonna be. I’ve worked with a bunch of ’em, and lemme tell you, they all have their own vibes. I’m gonna break it down for you real quick:
1. Gel Liners
Gel liners give you so much control it’s almost ridiculous. They’re creamy, glide on, and give you solid pigment for a bold wing. My fav for beginners: an angled brush with gel liner because you get to literally control every flick and curve. Bonus? They’re usually smudge-proof and last forever once they dry.
2. Liquid Liners
Liquid liners are legendary for that super sharp, crisp wing we all dream of. Whether you choose one with a felt tip or a brush, this is where you’ll want to go for that ink-black precision. But, full warning – liquid liner is NOT forgiving if you mess up. So steady hands and small strokes, fam! But don’t worry, we’ll get into technique soon.
3. Pencil Liners
Pencils are a lil softer and much more low-key. These are perfect if you want a smudged, rockstar kinda look that’s not super “precise” but still gorge. It’s also easier to fix mistakes with a pencil liner since you can blend it out. Use a pencil liner if you’re still getting comfy with your wings and don’t want the pressure of liquid just yet.
4. Felt Tip Pens
This is where simplicity meets drama. Felt tip liners are literally magic markers for your face. It allows for precise application (almost like a pen) with that coolness of a liquid finish. Super clutch if you want that pin-sharp point without messing around with brushes or pots.
Let’s Talk Application, Babes! 🖤
I know, I know… applying winged eyeliner can be intimidating! The pressure is real. But once you’ve got a system, it’ll be second nature. I promise! Whether you’re aiming for subtle wings for daytime vibes or bold, dramatic wings for going-out glam, here are the steps to get it done:
1. Start with the Flick (Yes, the Flick FIRST!)
Forget all those tutorials that tell you to start from the inner corner of your eye! It’s all about that wing flick first!
- Look straight ahead in the mirror with your eyes open. Yeah, no squinting or pulling your lids taut like a weirdo 😂.
- Imagine a line going from the outer corner of your eye upwards—like, towards the end of your brow. This is the line that’ll guide your wing.
- Now with a steady-as-possible hand, use the edge of your brush, pen, or whatever tool you’re going for, and lightly flick outwards. Start shorter than you’d want because you can always make it bigger later (trust me on this).
Pro Tip: Don’t obsess about making both flicks perfect at first. You’ll tweak it later!
2. Connect the Wing to the Lash Line
After you’ve got your flick done, it’s time to connect it. This is where the drama happens!
- Start dragging the line inward from the tip of the flick towards the middle of your eyelid, getting closer to your lash line as you go.
- Make sure you keep the line as smooth as possible (like we’re not going for choppy here, babes 💁♀️!). If you’re using a brush, keep it light in pressure.
3. Fill It In!
Now that you’ve got your outline, go ahead and fill it in. Don’t worry about being too thick right now; you can always build up.
- Use small strokes to fill any gaps. This step is more “coloring inside the lines” than anything else.
No one wants patchy wings, so make sure everything’s filled smoothly!
But What Happens If: Your Wing Looks Uneven?
Okay, let’s address the eyeliner elephant in the room. You finish your wings, step back, and… they’re uneven! Literally, the most relatable struggle. But don’t panic; you’re not doomed. A little fix here and there will save the situation. Don’t go rogue and wipe everything off!
- Use a tiny bit of makeup remover on a Q-tip to sharpen the wings. Just wipe where you need it to thin out the line and even things up. This does not mean starting all over again!
- Still can’t get it right? No worries. Most importantly, don’t stress. You can always thicken both wings to even them out instead. Go bigger and bolder instead of removing the whole thing!
Winged eyeliner is a whole vibe, and a little fixing is no big deal.
Quick Pro Tips for Perfect Wings:
Here are some awesome little shortcuts and hacks to add to your winged-liner toolkit:
1. The Tape Trick
If your hands are just not playing nice, use a small strip of tape as a guide! Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Place the edge of the tape from the outer corner of your eye angled towards the end of your brow. You can now follow that guide with your eyeliner, and boom — perfect wings without testing your freehand skills too much.
2. Use Your Mascara as a Guide
I’ll bet you didn’t know this one! Sometimes if you’re stuck trying to figure out the best angle for your wing, just apply your mascara first. The curve and direction of your lashes will whisper: “Here! Do your wing here!” Listen to them.
3. Hold Your Brush Lightly
I know it seems like gripping the brush tight will give you better control — but it’ll actually make your lines WAY shakier. Hold your brush like it’s a super delicate feather! You need flexibility, not stiffness.
| What I Use: | Why |
|---|---|
| Gel liner | Mega control for beginners and pros alike. |
| Felt-tip pen | Perfect mix of ease and precision. |
| Translucent powder | Oil-free lids for smudge-proof wings. |
Finishing with a Flourish: Mascara and Lashes
Once you’ve got your wing on point, don’t sleep on the finishing touches. Your winged liner needs backup to maximize the drama, so grab your go-to mascara and give those lashes some love! I often pair winged liner with wispy, fluttery lashes because it gives me that extra “snatched” look, but you can totally go for anything that fits your vibe.
Feel like going next level? Pop on a pair of false lashes! Just make sure to let that eyeliner dry before you glue anything down, or sis, it’s gonna be a MESS.
Love yourself through every winged liner attempt, my friends! It’s all about practice, learning, and a teensy bit of patience. No one gets it perfect every time — not even the pros. If all else fails, throw on some red lipstick and sunglasses, and literally, nobody will notice 😂.
Happy lining, babes 💕
