Beginner's Guide to Eyeliner: From Classic Lines to Winged Perfection (2025)

Japnit Kaur March 21, 2025

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 – 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 we’re 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.

1. Choosing Your Weapon i.e. Eyeliner Type

• Pencil Eyeliner:

• • The most beginner-friendly

  • Soft and forgiving, great for smudging and creating smoky looks.

  • Ideal for lining the waterline.

• Liquid Eyeliner:Offers the most precise lines and intense color.
  Requires a steady hand.
  Perfect for sharp wings and dramatic looks.
  

• Gel Eyeliner:

• A happy medium between pencil and liquid.

• Creamy texture, allowing for both precise lines and smudged effects.

• Requires an angled brush.

• Felt-Tip Eyeliner:

• A liquid eyeliner in pen form.

• Easy to control, and great for creating consistent lines.

2. Preparing Your Eyelids

• Cleanse your eyelids to remove any oil or residue.
• Apply an eyeshadow primer to prevent smudging and increase longevity.

• If you plan to wear eyeshadow, apply it before your eyeliner.
  

1. Basic Eyeliner Techniques

• Tightlining:

• This involves lining the waterline (the inner rim of your upper or lower eyelid).

• Use a pencil or gel eyeliner.

• Gently lift your eyelid and apply the liner along the lash line.

• This creates a subtle definition and makes your lashes appear fuller.

• Upper Lash Line:

• Start with a thin line along your upper lash line.

• Use short, light strokes, connecting them as you go.

• You can gradually thicken the line as desired.

• Keep the line as close to your lash line as possible.

• Lower Lash Line:

• Apply a thin line along your lower lash line.

• You can smudge the line for a softer look.

• Avoid lining the entire lower lash line if you have small eyes, as it can make them appear smaller.

2. Mastering the Winged Eyeliner

• Start with the Angle:

• Imagine a line extending from your lower lash line towards the end of your eyebrow.

• This is the angle of your wing.

• Create the Outline:

• Using your chosen eyeliner, draw a short, thin line along the desired angle.

• Connect the end of this line to the outer corner of your upper lash line.

• Fill in the Wing:

• Fill in the triangle shape you've created.

• Refine the Line:

• Clean up any uneven edges with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover.

• Practice is key!

1. Tips and Tricks

• Use a Mirror: Place a mirror below your chin and look down into it. This makes it easier to see your lash line.

• Rest Your Elbow: Resting your elbow on a stable surface will help you maintain a steady hand.

• Start Thin: It's easier to thicken a line than to thin it out.

• Cotton Swabs are Your Friend: Keep cotton swabs and makeup remover on hand to clean up any mistakes.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Winged eyeliner takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right on the first try.

2. Different Eyeliner Looks

• Classic line: a thin line across the upper lash line.

• Smokey eye: a thicker line smudged with a brush or cotton swab.

• Cat eye: a winged eyeliner look.

• Double-winged eyeliner: a winged eyeliner look with a second wing on the lower lash line.

Applying eyeliner isn’t about following rules—it’s 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 it’s 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!