While every makeup lover wants to try the classic winged eyeliner look, only a few feel confident that they can pull it off. It only takes a line to become too heavy or an angle to slip, and suddenly the cat eye turns into a cat-astrophe. If these struggles hit close to home, our beginner-friendly guide can help you nail the look you want. Inside, you’ll find easy-to-follow strokes and pro tips that’ll make the winged eyeliner less intimidating and way more fun to practice.
What You’ll Need
- Pencil eyeliner
- Liquid eyeliner
- Gel eyeliner + angled brush
- Eyeshadow primer or concealer
- Tape or sticky note
- Cotton swabs + micellar water
- Small flat brush + concealer
Step-by-Step Winged Eyeliner Tutorial for Beginners
Tired of uneven lines or messy flicks? This tutorial’s easy-to-follow guide helps you create a sharper and more consistent cat-eye makeup.
Step 1: Prep the eyelids
Apply concealer or eyeshadow primer on your eyelids to help the liner stay in place and avoid smudges.
Step 2: Map the wing
Lightly dip the angled brush in gel liner then place it at the outer corner of your eye. Next, align it with your lower lash line toward the tail of your brow and draw a short flick upward.
Step 3: Draw the top line
From the tip of the flick, drag a thin line back to meet the lash line. Then trace a skinny line along your lashes toward the inner corner to form a small hollow triangle.
Step 4: Fill and refine
Fill in the triangle and smooth the lash line by applying short strokes. If the edges look messy, dip a cotton swab in micellar water and sharpen the shape by gliding it along the wing.
Then, repeat the entire process on the other eye.
Closing Notes on Getting the Perfect Flick
Once you get the hang of the steps, you’ll find yourself applying winged liner not just on special occasions but on regular days, too. An on-point flick can instantly frame your eyes and sharpen your gaze. Will you make winged eyeliner a part of your everyday glam?
FAQs
Q: What’s the easiest type of eyeliner to start with?
A felt-tip pen or gel liner with an angled brush is easiest for beginners because they give more control than liquid formulas.
Q: How do I fix my wing if I make a mistake?
Dip a cotton swab in micellar water or use a small brush with concealer to clean the edges without redoing the whole look.
Q: Can winged eyeliner work for hooded eyes?
Yes. Keep the wing shorter, angle it slightly upward, and draw it where it’s still visible with your eyes open.
