Beginner's Guide to Eyeliner: From Classic Lines to Winged Perfection

Let's break down eyeliner, making it super easy to understand and do! Eyeliner can be a little intimidating, but it's really just a tool to emphasize your eyes. Whether you want a simple, everyday look or a bold, attention-grabbing style, we'll go through the steps together.
Think of eyeliner as the frame for a beautiful picture โ your eyes. Sometimes, you just want a thin, delicate frame to subtly enhance the artwork, which is like a simple, thin line of eyeliner. Other times, you want a bold, ornate frame to make a statement, and that's where dramatic wings and thicker lines come in.
Whether weโre aiming for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic wing. This guide is designed for anyone who's ever felt confused or nervous about using eyeliner.
Eyeliner Essentials: Everything You Need to Know
We'll start with the basics, like choosing the right type of eyeliner and preparing your eyelids. Then, we'll move on to practical techniques, from creating a simple line to mastering the coveted winged look.
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Choosing Your Weapon i.e. Eyeliner Type
- Pencil Eyeliner:
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The most beginner-friendly
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Soft and forgiving, great for smudging and creating smoky looks.
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Ideal for lining the waterline.
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Liquid Eyeliner:
Offers the most precise lines and intense color.
Requires a steady hand.
Perfect for sharp wings and dramatic looks.
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Gel Eyeliner:
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A happy medium between pencil and liquid.
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Creamy texture, allowing for both precise lines and smudged effects.
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Requires an angled brush.
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Felt-Tip Eyeliner:
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A liquid eyeliner in pen form.
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Easy to control, and great for creating consistent lines.
ย ย ย 2. Preparing Your Eyelids
- Cleanse your eyelids to remove any oil or residue.
- Apply an eyeshadow primer to prevent smudging and increase longevity.
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If you plan to wear eyeshadow, apply it before your eyeliner.
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Basic Eyeliner Techniques
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Tightlining:
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This involves lining the waterline (the inner rim of your upper or lower eyelid).
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Use a pencil or gel eyeliner.
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Gently lift your eyelid and apply the liner along the lash line.
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This creates a subtle definition and makes your lashes appear fuller.
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Upper Lash Line:
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Start with a thin line along your upper lash line.
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Use short, light strokes, connecting them as you go.
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You can gradually thicken the line as desired.
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Keep the line as close to your lash line as possible.
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Lower Lash Line:
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Apply a thin line along your lower lash line.
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You can smudge the line for a softer look.
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Avoid lining the entire lower lash line if you have small eyes, as it can make them appear smaller.
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Mastering the Winged Eyelinerย
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Start with the Angle:
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Imagine a line extending from your lower lash line towards the end of your eyebrow.
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This is the angle of your wing.
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Create the Outline:
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Using your chosen eyeliner, draw a short, thin line along the desired angle.
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Connect the end of this line to the outer corner of your upper lash line.
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Fill in the Wing:
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Fill in the triangle shape you've created.
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Refine the Line:
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Clean up any uneven edges with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover.
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Practice is key!
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Tips and Tricks
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Use a Mirror: Place a mirror below your chin and look down into it. This makes it easier to see your lash line.
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Rest Your Elbow: Resting your elbow on a stable surface will help you maintain a steady hand.
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Start Thin: It's easier to thicken a line than to thin it out.
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Cotton Swabs are Your Friend: Keep cotton swabs and makeup remover on hand to clean up any mistakes.
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Practice, Practice, Practice: Winged eyeliner takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right on the first try.
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Different Eyeliner Looks
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Classic line: a thin line across the upper lash line.
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Smokey eye: a thicker line smudged with a brush or cotton swab.
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Cat eye: a winged eyeliner look.
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Double-winged eyeliner: a winged eyeliner look with a second wing on the lower lash line.
Applying eyeliner isnโt about following rulesโitโs a canvas for your creativity! These tips are just a starting point; the real magic happens when you experiment. Try different styles, colors, and techniques to find what works for you. Whether itโs a sharp wing or a soft smudge, each stroke defines your unique expression. So, have fun, embrace the imperfections, and let your eyeliner be as bold, playful, or effortless as you are!