The Easiest Method For Applying Liquid Eyeliner

Winged eyeliner is a trendy makeup look that's super versatile and has taken many different forms, from the double-winged liner look we've seen on celebrities like Sydney Sweeney and Alexa Demie to the bold winged eyeliner that defined Amy Winehouse's look — there's a plethora of fun and creative ways to wear this makeup style.

Whether you're getting glammed up for an event or need a go-to makeup look for your day, liquid eyeliner is the must-have makeup staple that can effortlessly elevate your beat. If you've ever ended up making yourself late while tirelessly trying to apply your liquid eyeliner with countless failed attempts — you're not alone. Nailing your eyeliner is no easy feat, and it can be time-consuming and frustrating trying to get your liner just right. Fortunately, you don't have to be a makeup artist to draw on stunning winged eyeliner. In a few simple steps, you can achieve the perfect winged liquid eyeliner that's ideal for every occasion. 

Priming your eyelids can make all of the difference when you're applying liquid eyeliner. First, gently clean your eyelids and surrounding area to ensure your face is clean and free from any makeup or product from before. You can use a makeup remover wipe or an oil-based makeup remover for this step. Rinse your face with water and towel dry it before applying the eyeliner. Then, use your fingers to gently apply an eyeshadow primer or a concealer to the base of your eyelid. Cover each eyelid entirely to ensure you get even and full coverage.

We recommend Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion as a primer. This eyeshadow primer is a nude, award-winning primer that will help you get full coverage and long-lasting wear without unwanted lines or creases. If you prefer concealer, try Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Longwear Concealer for hydrating and flawless coverage.

This method involves drawing dots along your lash line that you can easily connect for the perfect eyeliner wing (and it's one of the best eyeliner tips we've learned from TikTok). Draw the first dot in the center of your upper lash line, as close to the line and your eye as you can. Make the dot as big as you would like your winged eyeliner to be. For a thick, cat-eye liner, draw on a thick dot in the center of your lash line for ultimate drama and effect. 

It's best to use a liquid pen-style liner, which will help you get much more flexibility to draw a precise and sharp line. Makeup Artist and Rimmel London's Global Makeup Ambassador James Molloy recommends you avoid drawing above the root of your lashes and instead press the pen-style liner for a cleaner line (via Cosmopolitan). We recommend the KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner which has an ultra-precise brush and is one of the best eyeliners for creating the perfect cat eye. 

The next two dots will be placed along the opposite sides of your eye. Draw a dot in the inner corner of your eye, as close to the lash line as you can get. This dot should be the start of where you want your winged liner to begin. We recommend drawing the dot slightly away from the corner of the eye to create a more seamless, natural winged eyeliner look. Add another dot to the outer edge of your eye, around where you want the point of the wing to be.

Molloy tells Cosmopolitan, "As a rule, try to make sure your flick doesn't dip below the lower lash line, it should go up and out. A good tip is to draw a dot where you'd like the wing to end, and use it as a guide to join up with your line."

Now it's time to connect all of the dots and complete your winged eyeliner. We recommend taking your time with this step and keeping your arm supported by a flat surface. This will keep your hand from shaking while drawing on your eyeliner and keep your hand still. Slightly pull the skin of your eyelid outwards and hold it in place to keep it flat and straight. Hold the skin very still to achieve a clean, sharp edge without any jagged lines or smudges.

Celebrity makeup artist Geo Brian Hennings tells Marie Claire, "The number one thing to avoid is pulling the eye up or down as you apply ...This creates a high tail or a droopy pulled-down one." You'll want to avoid drawing on a saggy wing, as it will appear messy and won't be flattering. Then, use the same technique for the other eye to complete the makeup look. 

If you find your eyeliner is looking dull, short, or stubby, it could end up making your eyes look smaller than they actually are. It could also cause your makeup to look unfinished or not done properly, which you'll want to avoid.

Fortunately, there's a quick hack you can try to sharpen your liner and give it that beautiful angle. First, gently remove the edge of the wing with a Q-tip and some water or makeup remover. Avoid the rest of your eye and makeup when clearing off the wing. Then, add a small piece of tape to the outer corner of your eye. Angle the tape upwards, towards the end of your eyebrows. The straight edge of the tape will work as a guide for your wing. Once you've perfected your liquid eyeliner, clean up any mess and edges with your Q-tip for a clean, snatched look.