How to Apply Winged Eyeliner for Beginners: Step by Step Guide

Nourish Mantra

Winged eyeliner is one of those classic, timeless looks that can instantly elevate your makeup game. Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Adele often sport the winged eyeliner look on their shows. Wouldn't it be cooler if you could master this art too?

But to master something, you must first know the basics, which could be difficult if you’re new to the whole makeup thing. Not to worry! This blog has all the information you’ll possibly need to know about winged eyeliners. Let’s first find out what they are.

What is Winged Eyeliner?

Winged eyeliner, also known as cat-eye eyeliner, is a makeup technique where eyeliner is applied in a way that extends past the outer corner of the eye, creating a "wing" or "flick" effect. This style gives the eyes a more elongated and lifted appearance, adding drama and definition to your look. It can be subtle and elegant for everyday wear or bold and dramatic for a night out.

Key Characteristics of Winged Eyeliner:

  • Extended Line: The eyeliner is drawn past the outer corner of the eye, creating a wing-like shape.
  • Sharp Edge: The end of the wing is usually sharp and precise, giving a clean, defined look.
  • Versatility: It can be adapted to suit different eye shapes and makeup styles, from a thin, delicate line to a thick, bold wing.
  • Enhanced Eye Shape: Winged eyeliner can help create the illusion of larger, more almond-shaped eyes, enhancing your natural eye shape.

Why It’s Popular:

The winged eyeliner technique is renowned for its ability to enhance the shape and appearance of the eyes. By extending the eyeliner past the outer corner of the eye, it creates the illusion of larger, more almond-shaped eyes. Here are other reasons for its popularity:

  • Timeless Appeal: Winged eyeliner has been a beauty staple for decades, from the classic looks of Hollywood starlets in the 1950s to modern-day makeup trends.
  • Versatile Look: It can be tailored to fit any occasion, whether you're going for a subtle daytime look or a dramatic evening style.
  • Eye-Enhancing: This technique can make your eyes appear bigger, more lifted, and more defined, adding a touch of glamour to your overall makeup.

How to do Winged Eyeliner for Beginners

Winged eyeliner is a powerful tool in your makeup arsenal, capable of transforming your look with just a few strokes. Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, mastering the winged eyeliner technique can open up a world of possibilities.
But whether you're aiming for a subtle flick or a dramatic cat-eye, mastering this technique can seem daunting at first. But don’t worry — we’re here to guide you through it, step by step. Grab your favourite eyeliner, and a steady hand, and let’s dive into how to apply winged eyeliner.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

First things first, let’s make sure you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Eyeliner: You can use a liquid liner, gel liner, or an eyeliner pen. Liquid liners are great for sharp, precise lines, while gel liners offer more control and can be smudged for a softer look. Pens are often the easiest for beginners.
  • Angled Brush (if using gel liner): This will help you get that perfect angle.
  • Q-tips and Makeup Remover: For cleaning up any mistakes.

Pro Tip: Use the Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner by Nourish Mantra to achieve the perfect cat-eye look. This smudge-proof, waterproof formula guarantees a flawless, all-day wear.

Step 2: Get Your Eyelids Ready

Start with a clean, primed eyelid. If you have oily lids, use an eye primer to prevent your eyeliner from smudging throughout the day. You can also apply a neutral eyeshadow as a base to give your eyeliner something to grip onto.

Step 3: Draw the Wing

Here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps for a flawless wing:

  • Find Your Angle: Imagine a line extending from the outer corner of your lower lash line towards the end of your eyebrow. This will be your guide for the wing’s angle.
  • Draw the Outline: Using your eyeliner, draw a small line following the imaginary line you created. Start small — you can always build it up! This line should extend outward and slightly upward.Connect the Wing: From the tip of your wing, draw a line back towards your eyelid, creating a small triangle shape. The thickness of this line will depend on how dramatic you want your wing to be.
  • Fill It In: Fill in the triangle you’ve created. Make sure it’s solid and there are no gaps.

Step 4: Line the Upper Lash Line

Starting from the inner corner of your eye, draw a thin line along your upper lash line, connecting it to the wing. For a more dramatic look, you can thicken this line as you move towards the outer corner.

Step 5: Clean Up and Perfect

Dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and clean up any smudges or uneven lines. This step is crucial for achieving that crisp, sharp look.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Wing

  • Steady Your Hand: Rest your elbow on a flat surface to keep your hand steady.
  • Use Tape: If you’re struggling to get the angle right, use a small piece of tape as a guide.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it on your first try. Winged eyeliner takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’ll become second nature.

Tackle Common Issues

  • Uneven Wings: If your wings don’t match, don’t stress! Use a Q-tip to adjust and even them out.
  • Smudging: If your eyeliner tends to smudge, set it with a black eyeshadow. This will lock it in place.
  • Shaky Hands: If you find your hands are too shaky, try applying your eyeliner in small, short strokes instead of one continuous line.

To Sum It Up

Winged eyeliner is all about practice and finding what works best for you. Experiment with different products and techniques until you find your perfect method. And most importantly, have fun with it! Makeup is an art, and your face is the canvas.