Just Wing It: Pro Tips to Elevate Your Eyeliner Game
- M Afanador
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Ah, eyeliner—the one beauty tool that can take your look from sleepy to sultry in seconds. Whether you're a minimalist queen or a full-glam goddess, eyeliner is your secret weapon for defining your eyes and expressing your vibe. And when it comes to winged liner? Whew. That’s where the real magic happens. ✨
In this post, we’re diving into everything eyeliner—from product picks to technique tips straight from pro makeup artists. So if you've ever struggled with smudges, shaky lines, or uneven wings... it’s time to Just Wing It—with confidence.
The Eyeliner Essentials
Let’s start with the basics. Eyeliner comes in different forms—each with its own mood and method:
Pencil: Great for a soft look and tightlining.
Gel: Offers control and intensity, perfect for smudging or bold lines.
Liquid: Delivers precision and drama—ideal for crisp wings and cat eyes.
Pen: User-friendly and fab for creating flicks on the fly.
🎨 Pro Tip:
Charlotte Tilbury, celebrity makeup artist and founder of her namesake brand, says:
“Start by dotting your liner along the lash line before connecting the dots. It’s less intimidating and helps keep your line even.”(Source: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Tutorials)
Application Tips from the Pros
1. Steady Your Hand
Tip from Mario Dedivanovic (aka Makeup by Mario):
“Rest your elbow on a flat surface and use your pinky as an anchor on your cheek to steady your hand.”(Source: Vogue Beauty)
2. Mapping Your Wing
Create the perfect wing by following the angle of your lower lash line up toward the tail of your brow. Use a nude pencil to sketch first if you're nervous about committing with black.
3. Clean It Up
Even the pros mess up. Keep a pointed Q-tip dipped in micellar water nearby to sharpen or fix any mistakes. Makeup artist Pat McGrath swears by precision cleanup to keep looks polished.(Source: Pat McGrath Labs Tutorials)
Winged Liner: The Iconic Flick
There’s something undeniably bold about a winged liner—it’s feminine, fierce, and never goes out of style. The key? Symmetry and placement.
Classic Wing Formula:
Draw your flick first from the outer corner.
Create a triangle shape.
Fill it in and glide across the lash line to connect.
Want a more lifted look? Keep the wing thin and angled slightly upward. Prefer drama? Go thicker with a more horizontal flick. Experiment and find your signature style!
Liner + Eye Shape = Magic
Not every eye is shaped the same—and that’s the beauty of it. Customize your liner game based on your eye shape:
Hooded Eyes: Use a waterproof gel liner and tightline your lashes. Keep the wing visible with your eyes open.
Round Eyes: Wing it slightly outward to elongate.
Almond Eyes: Lucky you—most liner styles will flatter your shape.
Monolids: Go bold with a thicker line so it’s visible when your eyes are open.
Permanent Eyeliner? Let’s Talk.
If you’re tired of the daily liner grind, permanent eyeliner is a real game-changer. Imagine waking up with your eyes already defined—yes, please! Whether it's a soft lash enhancement or a full-on wing, permanent eyeliner saves time and delivers flawless definition around the clock.
👉 Pro Tip:“Permanent eyeliner is ideal for busy professionals, new moms, or anyone who wants to feel effortlessly put together—even when they’re not wearing any makeup.”
Final Thoughts: Just Wing It
At the end of the day, eyeliner is about expression—not perfection. So don’t stress the smudges or mismatched flicks. Every swipe is a chance to play, practice, and perfect your personal style.
Need help finding your ideal eyeliner look? Book a consultation or check out our upcoming liner-focused beauty classes where we dive deeper into techniques and even explore permanent options tailored just for you. 💋
💬 What’s Your Liner Style?
Tag us in your eyeliner looks using #JustWingIt and @dusktildawnpmu for a chance to be featured!
I'm having such a hard time making my wings the same length and thickness.....so frustrating!!! ;)
Hi Dahlia, I'm so happy you wrote this blog. It is so well thought out and put together! You've created a perfect and simple guide for eyeliner and "winging" it! I think a wing adds the perfect exotic drama to the eyes. I'm going to keep practicing at home...the perfect wing always seems to elude me...I'd love to do a consultation and certainly sign me up for the liner focused beauty class. I'd love to be featured on dusktodawnpmu!!! :) Best wishes!!!