Winged Eyeliner 101

Winged Eyeliner 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the Perfect Flick

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Winged eyeliner – the timeless makeup look that can instantly elevate your eyes, adding a touch of drama, class, and definition. But as a beginner, the idea of creating that perfect, sharp flick can feel intimidating. Fear not, my fellow makeup enthusiasts! I’m here to break down the winged eyeliner process into simple, manageable steps so you can rock this iconic look with confidence.

Also read “Unleash Your Beauty with Simple Eye Makeup Trends in 2023′

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather our weapons, er, tools:

  • Eyeliner of Your Choice: Gel, liquid, or felt-tip – the choice is yours. For beginners, felt-tip pen liners offer excellent control.
  • Eyeshadow (Optional): A neutral shade close to your skin tone for priming and a darker shade to soften any mistakes.
  • Q-tips and Makeup Remover: Your trusty cleaning crew for those little imperfections.
  • Cotton Swab and Micellar Water: To sharpen lines and tidy up afterward.
  • A Steady Hand (Or Some Good Support): Take a deep breath and find a stable surface to rest your elbow on. It makes a world of difference!

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Prep Your Lid: Start with a clean base for smooth application and lasting power. A swipe of eyeshadow primer or a touch of neutral eyeshadow works wonders.
  2. Line Your Upper Lash Line: Begin at your inner corner with thin strokes, gradually thickening the line as you move outwards. Don’t worry about the wing just yet! Keep the line as close to your natural lash line as possible for a seamless look.
  3. Find Your Flick Angle: This is where it gets exciting! Imagine a line extending upward from the outer corner of your lower lash line – this is your natural wing direction. Use this guideline to determine the flick’s angle–steeper for more drama, flatter for a subtle look.
  4. The Dot Technique: Lightly dot a tiny “X” where you want the tip of your wing to end. This gives you a target to aim for. Need help with symmetry? Hold a straight edge (credit card, eyeshadow brush handle) angled from the outer corner of your eye up towards the end of your eyebrow for guidance.
  5. Connect the Dots: Now, the moment of truth! Draw a thin line from the end of your upper lash line to the dot, creating a triangle shape. Gently fill in the triangle, ensuring the flick tapers nicely.
  6. Perfecting & Cleaning Up: Don’t panic if your wing isn’t flawless the first time. Use a pointed cotton swab dipped in micellar water to clean up any smudges or uneven edges. If you need to make major adjustments, a Q-tip with makeup remover will be your best friend.

Tips & Tricks

  • Embrace the Tape: Feeling uncertain? Sticky tape is your wing’s best friend. Place a small strip angled from your outer corner towards the end of your eyebrow, just like your flick guideline. The tape creates a crisp edge for a flawless wing.
  • Eyeshadow to the Rescue: Apply a touch of dark eyeshadow along the same angle as your flick. This can soften any lines, adding a sultry, smoky effect if desired.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Winged liner takes patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master it immediately. Start small and continue practicing!

Product Recommendations

Bonus: Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

  • Uneven Wings: Don’t worry! Use the ‘flick first’ technique – start by drawing your wings on both eyes before lining your lash line. This makes matching them much easier.
  • Shaky Hands: Rest your elbow on a stable surface. Short, light strokes offer more control than a single sweep.
  • Too-Thick Wings: Start small and build! It’s always easier to add than to remove product.

Embrace Your Inner Winged Goddess!

Conclusion

Remember, dear reader, mastering the winged eyeliner isn’t about perfection; it’s about practice and celebrating your own unique style. Whether you prefer a subtle flick or a dramatic wing, embrace the journey and have fun with it! Experiment with different eyeliner formulas, wing lengths, and maybe even a pop of color. Your journey into the world of winged eyeliner has just begun, and I’m so excited to see how you rock those mesmerizing flicks.

FAQs

  • Q: My eyes are hooded. Can I still rock winged eyeliner? A: Absolutely! Hooded eyes actually provide a beautiful canvas for a winged look. Instead of extending the flick directly upward, opt for a slightly flatter angle and focus on drawing attention to the outer corner. Experiment with different techniques and you’ll discover what works best for your eye shape.
  • Q: Should I use liquid, gel, or felt-tip eyeliner? A: This is mainly a matter of personal preference. Felt-tip liners are beginner-friendly due to their precision. Liquid offers rich pigment and bold lines. Gel gives a smudgy, smoky vibe. Find what feels most comfortable for you!
  • Q: Can I use eyeshadow as eyeliner? A: Yes! For a softer, more subtle look, use a small angled brush to apply eyeshadow along your lash line and flick it outwards. This technique is super forgiving and looks chic.

Let’s Get Personal

I know it seems intimidating at first, but you’ve got this! The more you practice, the more natural and confident you’ll become. So, get ready to channel your inner makeup pro and embrace those iconic winged eyeliner looks! If you have any questions or want to share your winged eyeliner successes (or even the fun mishaps!), don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We’re a community of makeup lovers, learning and growing together.

I believe in you!

Warmly, Fizzah

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