Make-Up Tips 101: Perfecting the Winged Eyeliner

​Say goodbye to smudges! Wave farewell to uneven wings! It’s time to work on the most challenging and classic makeup look: the winged eyeliner. This retro style has been around since the 1950s, and is good for all eye shapes and ages, but unfortunately can be the most frustrating part of your makeup routine. Uneven, chunky eyeliner can ruin the most well put-together look, but we’re here to save you! Read our Make-Up Tips 101 on how to perfect winged eyeliner with these tips!

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​The first thing you want to focus on when going for the perfect winged eyeliner is what kind of liner you’re using. There’s a wide variety out there, from gel pots and angled brushes, to liquid liners, to pens that glide color on. We personally like using liner pens, as they’re easiest to control, but everyone has a preference so don’t be afraid to try new products! If you’ve found a formula that you really love and want to stick with, it comes down to technique.
 
Before you begin to do your winged eyeliner, make sure that your other eye makeup is already done. Putting shadow down after doing liner is just a way to make your beautiful wing smudged and unappealing, so put in all your color before doing the liner. Make sure to wipe off any fallout if you’re using powder shadows, as it can get under the liner and make it flake off later in the day (as well as making your liner look bumpy – yuck!). The only thing that might be able to wait a bit will be your highlight under the browbone, but unless you’re experienced with that already, play it safe and have it already done!
 
When everything is ready and your eyeshadow is set to perfection, begin by making a small line upwards from the very corner of your bottom eyelid. You’ll want to make the line follow the natural shape of your lower lid, and don’t make it too long unless you’re going for a dramatic Cleopatra look. Don’t stretch out the skin or pull on your face, as what looks good when pulled will be uneven once the skin returns. If you’re struggling or aren’t sure you’ll get the line straight, our favorite hack is to use a small piece of tape and place it at the angle you want! This also allows you to ensure that your wings are going to be even, as you can see the tape easily on both sides before putting down liner.
 
Once you have the lower line down, you’re going to want to do your upper line. Do not start from the tail end of your lower line that you just did – you will quickly lose control and end up with chunky liner! Starting at your tear duct, carefully follow the very bottom of your lid, near the eyelashes. Following the natural shape of your eye will mean that your brush curves in a flattering way, and will make it easier to connect the tip of your wing. Don’t worry if you need to go slowly, and take deep breaths if your hand isn’t steady – sometimes the perfect wing takes time! As you follow the natural shape of your eye, the tip of your brush should automatically connect with the very end of your bottom line. Fill in any gaps between your lashes and the liner, and you’re good to go with the perfect wing!