How to Achieve Your Sharpest Winged Eyeliner Look

Winged eyeliner is a total classic in the beauty world, but that doesn’t mean it’s the easiest makeup look to apply. If you’re new to attempting to master the perfect flick, you’ve no doubt dealt with uneven wings and patchy lines. Rather than just give up on a trend that’s here to stay, it’s all about taking your time to learn to line—the right way. If you’re looking for super-sharp wings, look no further. Learn how to do winged eyeliner with our step-by-step tutorial below.

Step 1: Pick the Right Product

Just like some eyeliners are better for creating bold lines or smudged out looks, certain options work better than others for making a fierce flick. When it comes to winged eyeliner, liquid or gel liners are generally a safe bet. Perfecting your cat eye requires a liner that glides onto your skin for a super-smooth application. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner, which is available in six bold shades.

Step 2: Prime Your Eyelids

Priming your eyelids can not only help make a major difference in how your eye shadows looks and how long it lasts, it can also be a game changer when it comes to eyeliner. To help ensure your eyeliners go on as smoothly as possible, apply a thin layer of primer first. Dot directly onto your lids then blend out before moving on to eyeliner.

Step 3: Use Tape for a Straight Edge

It’s time to get crafty! Hit up your art supplies for a small piece (about an inch long) of adhesive or washi tape. If your tape feels extremely sticky, press it against your hand a few times to keep it from tugging at the delicate skin surrounding your eyes. When you’re ready, take the tape and place it starting at the outer corner of your eye, going upwards towards the end of your brow. The tape works as a makeshift guide or stencil for your eyeliner—just create your wing with it in place, then pull away to reveal a super-straight line.

Step 4: Connect Your Wing

Once you’ve managed the hard part—creating two wings that match—you’ll need to finish lining by continuing the flick along your lash line. Don’t go directly to drawing on a thick line. Instead, start small. Even if that’s the look you’re ultimately going for, ease into it. Paint a thin line along your lashes and gradually add on until you reach your desired effect. Your line should be thinner towards the inner corner of your eye and become bolder where it starts to connect with your wing.

Step 5: Line Your Waterline

When you want your winged eyeliner look to have extra oomph, tightline. Tightlinging creates an “invisible eyeliner” effect that makes for fuller-looking lashes and an overall bolder style. Pull up gently (seriously, so gently!) on your eyelid to expose your upper waterline, where the base of your lashes are. With a pencil eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner in Black, carefully apply the product directly on the base of your lashes. Use the eyeliner to fill in any gaps between individual hairs.

Step 6: Touch Up Mistakes

Making mistakes when you’re trying to achieve the sharpest wing ever can seem like a major disaster, but it doesn’t have to be. If you encounter any mishaps while lining your eyes, wait until you’re finished to start fixing. All it takes to clean up your makeup mess-ups is using a cotton swab or small eye shadow brush dipped in the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types to help erase them.

Step 7: Add Mascara

What’s a makeup look without mascara? Everyone needs luscious lashes with lots of length. Sweep the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara from root to tip.

Step 8: Check Your Brows

An killer eye makeup look wouldn't be complete without a pair of groomed brows. So, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Mechanical Pencil to fill in your arches. Use the triangular tip to draw on your color, then use the spoolie to brush your brows out to perfection.

Congrats! You managed your sharpest wing yet—and created a completely eye-catching look. Want more eye makeup inspiration? Read our article, Anything But Ordinary: 6 Modern Takes on Winged Eyeliner, for more step-by-step tutorials.