The Secret to Perfecting the Winged Eyeliner

So, why am I qualified to talk about winged liner, you ask? Well, my dear, it’s not just about age – it’s about passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from others. And let me tell you, I’ve learned from the best.

My Winged Liner Journey

When I was a young lass, winged liner was the stuff of legends. I’d watch in awe as my older sisters effortlessly flicked their liners into perfect, sharp wings. I, on the other hand, would end up looking like a raccoon that had been in a bar fight.

But I didn’t let that discourage me. Oh no, my loves. I practiced and practiced, trying every technique and product under the sun. I watched countless YouTube tutorials, and even went so far as to enroll in a makeup artistry class (which, by the way, was one of the best decisions I ever made).

And you know what? It paid off. After years of trial and error, I finally mastered the art of winged liner. It wasn’t easy, but it was oh-so-worth-it.

Wisdom from the Reddit Makeup Gurus

But I didn’t do it alone. Along the way, I leaned heavily on the wisdom of my fellow makeup enthusiasts on Reddit. Let me share some of their invaluable tips and experiences with you:

u/madizon: “I have been at this for months, I’ve used different eyeliners, formulas, techniques, but to no avail. All I want is a simple wing! So, what are some tips you could give someone who has a lot of trouble with eyeliner?”

Oh, u/madizon, I feel your pain! But fear not, my dear, for the Reddit community has your back. Here’s what some of them had to say:

• u/FabulousEyedea: “My favorite tip is to keep a clean angle brush or precision concealer brush and makeup remover close by. Use the precision end of the brush, dampened by a tiny bit of makeup remover, to sharpen up edges and clean up any mishaps.”
• u/LoriTaylorDavis: “The biggest misconception about winged eyeliner is that it’s a single stroke of perfection. In reality, the perfect wing tip is achieved by walking the pigment across the lid, building color as you apply in short strokes.”

Wise words, indeed! These makeup mavens know their stuff.

The Golden Rules of Winged Liner

Now, let me share with you the golden rules that I’ve learned over the years – rules that have helped me achieve winged liner perfection time and time again:

Rule #1: Start with a Clean Slate

Before you even think about reaching for that eyeliner, make sure your canvas is prepped and primed. Use an eye primer to create a smooth, even base for your liner to glide across. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

Rule #2: Choose the Right Tools

Not all eyeliners are created equal, my loves. For winged liner, you’ll want to invest in a good quality liquid or gel liner with a precise, felt-tip applicator. My personal favorite is the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner – it’s the Rolls Royce of eyeliners!

Rule #3: Take Your Time

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a perfect winged liner. Don’t rush the process. Take your time, and use short, precise strokes to build up the intensity and shape of your wing.

Rule #4: Find Your Angle

Everyone’s eye shape is different, which means the angle of your winged liner will vary. Experiment with different angles until you find the one that complements your eye shape best. And don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go – that’s half the fun!

Rule #5: Clean Up as You Go

Mistakes happen, my darlings, and that’s okay! That’s why it’s essential to have a makeup remover and a precision brush on hand to clean up any little oopsies. A sharp, crisp wing is the goal, and this step will help you achieve it.

Catering to Your Eye Shape

Now, let’s talk about how to adapt winged liner to your specific eye shape. After all, one size does not fit all when it comes to makeup.

Hooded Eyes: If you have hooded eyes, the key is to apply your liner with your eyes open and looking straight ahead. This will prevent your wing from disappearing into the folds of your lids when you open your eyes.

Almond-Shaped Eyes: For you lucky ducks with almond-shaped eyes, u/LoriTaylorDavis recommends “a thicker wing at the outermost edge paired with a thinner lash line.”

Downturned Eyes: If your eyes are downturned, start your liner halfway across the lash line and keep the outer corner nice and thick. This will help lift and open up your eyes.

Remember, my lovelies, winged liner is all about experimentation and finding what works best for your unique eye shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we wrap things up, let’s address some frequently asked questions about winged liner:

Q: I’ve tried everything, but my wings still look uneven. What am I doing wrong?

A: Ah, the age-old struggle! My advice? Take a step back and look at your face head-on in the mirror. Often, our eyes can play tricks on us, and what looks uneven from one angle might be perfectly symmetrical from another. If it’s still off, don’t be afraid to go back and make adjustments.

Q: My winged liner always seems to smudge or transfer throughout the day. How can I make it last longer?

A: First and foremost, invest in a good quality, waterproof eyeliner formula. Secondly, set your liner with a bit of translucent powder or eyeshadow. This will help it stay put all day long.

Q: I’ve mastered the winged liner look, but I want to take it up a notch. Any tips for more dramatic or creative looks?

A: Oh, my darling, the possibilities are endless! Try experimenting with different colors, like a bold cobalt blue or a rich, jewel-toned purple. Or, take inspiration from the latest runway trends and try your hand at graphic or abstract liner looks. The key is to have fun and let your creativity shine through.

Q: I’ve heard that winged liner can make your eyes look smaller. Is this true?

A: Not necessarily, my love! While it’s true that a thick, heavy-handed winged liner can make your eyes appear smaller, a delicate, well-executed wing can actually enhance and lift the eye area. It’s all about finding the right balance and proportion for your eye shape.

Q: I’m terrified of messing up my winged liner. Any words of encouragement?

A: Of course, my dear! Winged liner is an art, and like any art form, it takes practice and patience. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t come out perfect every single time. Embrace the journey, learn from your mistakes, and remember – even the most seasoned makeup artists have off days. The key is to keep practicing and never give up!