a close-up image of a brown woman's eye with a perfect winged eyeliner look and mascara on lashes

Hi everyone, how are you doing today? I know that achieving the perfect winged eyeliner look is not easy, whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro. Still, the precision, symmetry, and sharpness of a well-executed winged eyeliner can instantly elevate your eyes, making them appear larger, more defined, and utterly captivating. Winged eyeliner is probably the best and the most versatile makeup style that has ever been created!

In this step-by-step makeup tutorial, I'm going to show you an easy way to achieve a perfect winged eyeliner look that suits various eye shapes and makeup styles. Whether you're going for a classic, subtle wing or a bold, dramatic statement, read on to discover the secrets of flawless winged eyeliner.

collage with 5 simple steps showing how to apply small winged eyeliner to the eyes

How to Do a Perfect Winged Eyeliner Look in 5 Steps?


  • Step 1: Gather Your  Favorite Makeup Tools

Before we dive into the actual application process, let's start by gathering the essential tools you'll need for this makeup tutorial. To create a perfect winged eyeliner, you'll require the following:

Eyeliner: Opt for a high-quality eyeliner product. Liquid eyeliners with fine-tipped brushes or pen-style applicators are excellent for precision and makeup beginners. 

Concealer: A concealer can be used for touch-ups and to clean up any mistakes or uneven lines.

Angled Eyeliner Brush: This can be handy if you prefer using gel or cake eyeliner instead of a liquid.

Cotton Swabs and Makeup Remover: These are essential for fixing any errors during the process.

Eyeshadow Primer: Applying an eyeshadow primer ensures that your eyeliner stays in place and doesn't smudge throughout the day.

Eyeshadow: You can use eyeshadow to create a base color for your eyeliner, enhancing its longevity and depth.

  • Step 2: Prepare Your Eyelids

Prepping your eyelids is a crucial step in achieving a perfect winged eyeliner look. Start by applying a thin layer of eyeshadow primer across your entire eyelid, from the lash line to the brow bone. This step not only helps your eyeliner adhere better but also prevents creasing and smudging. Allow the eyeshadow primer to absorb to your skin before moving next step.

  • Step 3: Choose Your Eyeliner Style

Before you begin applying your eyeliner, decide on the style of winged eyeliner you want to create. 

Classic Wing: A subtle and timeless winged eyeliner look with a thin, elegant wing extending slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye.

Dramatic Wing: A bold and eye-catching wing that extends farther out from the outer corner, creating a more intense and striking effect.

Cateye Wing: This style combines a classic wing with a thicker, extended line that hugs the upper lash line, creating a feline-inspired look.

a close-up image of a brown woman's eye with a perfect winged eyeliner look and mascara on lashes
  • Step 4: Start with the Outline

Begin by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and moving outward. Use short, light strokes to ensure precision. For beginners, it's easier to work in small sections, gradually building the line to your desired thickness.

  • Step 5: Create the Wing

To create the wing, imagine an imaginary line extending from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow. This will serve as a guideline for the wing's angle. Place a dot or a small dash at the point where you want the wing to end.

Next, draw a diagonal line from the outer corner of your eye towards the dot or dash you've marked. This line should gradually taper and meet the upper lash line to create the wing shape. Adjust the length and angle of the wing according to your preference. Now, connect the wing to the eyelid by drawing a line from the tip of the wing toward the middle of your upper lash line. This line should be slightly curved to create a seamless transition.

  • Step 7: Fill in the Gap

After creating the outline, it's time to fill in the gap between the wing and the lash line. Use small strokes to ensure even coverage and a smooth line. If you're using a liquid liner, the key is to work patiently and steadily.

  • Step 8: Clean Up and Perfect

Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover or concealer to clean up any uneven lines or mistakes. This step is crucial for achieving that sharp, flawless look. You can also use concealer to sharpen the edge of the wing for a polished finish.

Summarizing...


We all know that practice makes perfect, so don't get upset if your winged eyeliner doesn't look perfect at first. There are a bunch of winged eyeliner hacks for beginners that will help you on your way! If you're a beginner, try using an eye marker. It's easier to control than other types of eyeliner, and there's no difference in the finished look. Also, keep in mind that everyone has different eye shapes and skin types. If you have hooded eyelids or small or round eyes, you may need to use a different technique for applying winged eyeliner. Remember, we girls are all beautiful in our own unique ways, and we just need to learn how to enhance our natural beauty.

Lots of love,
Liz