How To Master Winged Eyeliner For Every Eye Shape
Ah, winged eyeliner. It’s like the glittering fairy lights of the makeup world—timeless, classic, and the perfect way to bring a little magic to your look. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine at a festive soirée or dancing the night away at a New Year’s bash, a killer wing is always in season. And the best part? It works for everyone—as long as you tailor it to your eye shape. So, instead of spending your holidays battling uneven wings (we’ve all been there), let’s unwrap the secret to flicks that flatter your peepers.
For almond eyes: Play up the shape
For you, a classic wing is where it’s at. Keep the line thin near the inner corner and gradually thicken it toward the outer edge. Finish with a sharp flick that elongates your eye shape.
Try these:
Finish with a sharp flick that elongates your eye shape.
For round eyes: Wing it out
Your goal? To elongate those gorgeous, wide eyes. Start your liner slightly in from the inner corner and keep it thinner in the middle, gradually thickening it toward the wing.
Extend your flick outward (rather than upward) for that sultry cat-eye effect. Think: feline chic. Pair it with a red lip for full festive glamour.
Extend your flick outward (rather than upward) for that sultry cat-eye effect.
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For hooded eyes: Go big or go home
With hooded eyes, your wing might try to hide, but we won’t let it. Start by keeping your liner above the fold—this way, it won’t disappear when your eyes are open. A straight, slightly upward flick creates the illusion of a lifted, elongated eye. And don’t be afraid to go bold. When in doubt, use a smudge-proof gel liner for better control.
When in doubt, use a smudge-proof gel liner for better control.
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For monolids: Try bold or gradient
Monolids (lids without a visible crease) are the ultimate canvas for bold liner. A thicker line paired with a wing adds definition and drama.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try blending your liner into a gradient smoky wing. And don’t forget a touch of shimmering highlight on the inner corners will open up your eyes and add a touch of festive sparkle.
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A thicker line paired with a wing adds definition and drama.
For downturned eyes: Lift, lift, lift
If the outer corners of your eyes tilt slightly downward, your winged eyeliner’s job is to lift them right back up. Start with a thin line and, at the outer edge, flick your wing up toward the end of your brow. It’s all about creating that illusion of a lifted eye. A subtle, shorter wing works wonders here.
If the outer corners of your eyes tilt slightly downward, your winged eyeliner’s job is to lift them right back up.
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For upturned eyes: emphasise your natural lift
Upturned eyes already have that enviable cat-eye vibe, so your wing is just the cherry on top.
Follow the natural shape of your lash line and flick upward slightly at the outer edge for a clean, lifted look. Keep it simple but sharp.
Upturned eyes already have that enviable cat-eye vibe, so your wing is just the cherry on top.
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For close-set eyes: Open things up
The goal here is to create the illusion of space. Start your liner slightly away from the inner corner to open up your eyes and focus on a long, dramatic flick that pulls the outer corners outward. Bonus points for pairing it with a shimmery inner corner highlight.
Focus on a long, dramatic flick that pulls the outer corners outward.
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Tips to nail your wing every time
Anna Payne, Chanel Makeup Artist reveals her top tips:
- Tape hack: If symmetry stresses you out, use a little tape at the outer corner to guide your flick. It’s like having a stencil.
- Cotton buds = lifesavers: Mess up? Dip a cotton bud in micellar water and sharpen that wing. No one will ever know.
- Set your flick: Lock it in with a matching eyeshadow shade on top to prevent smudging.
- Practice makes perfect: Your wings don’t have to be sisters—they can be cousins. Or second cousins, even. Just keep practising.
Your wings don’t have to be sisters—they can be cousins.
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