Creating the perfect smoky winged eyeliner is a skill that requires practice, patience, and attention to detail. It’s a versatile makeup look that can be adapted to suit any occasion, from a casual day out to a glamorous evening event. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to achieve the perfect smoky winged eyeliner:
- Prep Your Eyelids: Start by prepping your eyelids with an eyeshadow primer to ensure that your makeup stays in place all day. This step will also help to even out the skin tone on your eyelids and create a smooth base for your eyeshadow and eyeliner.
- Choose Your Tools: Select the right tools for the job. You’ll need an eyeliner pencil, gel eyeliner, or liquid eyeliner depending on your preference. Additionally, have an angled eyeliner brush or a small, precise makeup brush on hand for blending and perfecting the wing.
- Select Your Eyeshadow: Choose eyeshadow shades that complement your eye color and the overall look you’re going for. For a classic smoky eye, opt for neutral shades like taupe, brown, or charcoal. You can also add a pop of color with shades like plum, navy, or emerald green for a more dramatic effect.
- Create a Base: Apply a neutral eyeshadow shade all over your eyelids to create a base for your smoky eye look. This will help to even out the skin tone and provide a smooth canvas for blending.
- Outline Your Wing: Using your chosen eyeliner pencil, gel eyeliner, or liquid eyeliner, start by outlining the shape of your winged eyeliner. Begin at the outer corner of your eye and draw a line angled upwards towards the end of your eyebrow. This will serve as the guide for your wing.
- Fill in the Wing: Once you’ve outlined the shape of your wing, fill it in with your eyeliner product of choice. Use short, precise strokes to gradually build up the intensity and thickness of the wing. Take your time with this step to ensure that the line is smooth and even.
- Blend Your Eyeliner: To create a smoky effect, use an angled eyeliner brush or a small makeup brush to blend out the edges of your eyeliner. Start at the outer corner of your eye and gently smudge the eyeliner upwards and outwards towards the crease of your eyelid. This will soften the harsh lines and create a seamless transition between the eyeliner and eyeshadow.
- Apply Eyeshadow: Once you’ve blended out the edges of your eyeliner, apply eyeshadow to your eyelids to further enhance the smoky effect. Start with a lighter shade and gradually build up the intensity by layering darker shades in the crease and outer corner of your eye. Use a blending brush to seamlessly blend the eyeshadow shades together for a seamless finish.
- Highlight the Inner Corner: To brighten up your eyes and add dimension to your smoky eye look, apply a shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the inner corner of your eyes. This will help to open up the eyes and make them appear larger and more awake.
- Finish with Mascara: Complete your smoky winged eyeliner look by applying several coats of mascara to your top and bottom lashes. This will help to define your lashes and add volume and length for a dramatic finish.
- Clean Up Any Mistakes: Finally, use a makeup remover or a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to clean up any mistakes or smudges around the eyes. This will help to perfect your smoky winged eyeliner look and ensure that it looks flawless from every angle.
With these steps and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect smoky winged eyeliner look every time. Experiment with different eyeliner techniques, eyeshadow shades, and finishes to create a look that’s uniquely yours and suits your personal style.