By Mera Tabarruk
After what feels like an eternity of lockdown skincare and minimal zoom-meeting makeup (or for some of us, no makeup at all) why not use this opportunity to try out different variations of the classic winged liner to spice up your usual eye look.
I find that no matter the makeup look I am going for, I never really feel complete without a wing… but at times the classic wing can feel quite repetitive. Below are some variations of the winged eyeliner looks I am definitely trying and rocking this summer.Â
Also, after trialling most eyeliners out there in the market, I’ll be sharing my favourite liners that I find are the most pigmented, easy to use, and gives you control whether you’re creating a super sharp thin line or after a liner that is buildable into a bold and thick wing.
@kambreedalton by @nikki_makeup
Graphic Eyeliner with Soapy BrowsÂ
If your go-to is a classic cat eye then you’ll love this look. It spices up the usual wing liner with an added flick on the top. This eye trend can be recreated by adding an extra line on the top of your lid and if you want even more glam, give your brows that soap-brow look. To achieve this eye look make sure to start from the inner corner, press firmly so you get a thicker line, drag, and flick upwards lightly towards the brow.
@_nicolemeyer_ by @vivis_makeup
My all time favourite liquid liner for more graphic looks like the above is the NYX Epic Ink Liner in Black, also surprisingly it’s the most affordable one I’ve tried that has given me the boldest and long-lasting results. I also quite enjoyed the KVD Beauty Ultra Ink Liner in Trooper Black. If you prefer a softer wing, try out the Charlotte Tilbury’s The Feline Flick in Super Brown – it still extenuates your eyes by giving them a more subtle and softer lift.
The Reversed Winged Eyeliner
Another winged eyeliner look I am loving at the moment is the reversed winged eyeliner which is inverted to focus the attention on your lower lash line. This look is smokey and sultry as it gives off that feline vibe. The trend took off on Tiktok after makeup artist @Paintedbyspencer shared a video of the look on himself. I am obsessed!
Use your favourite pencil or smudge black liner along your lower lash line, smudge and smoke it out with a brush (add some black eyeshadow if you want to set the pencil) and extend the inner and outer corners of your eye with the same pencil or use a felt tip liner for more accuracy. Add some mascara or lashes and voila! Charlotte Tilbury’s Rock ‘N’ Kohl in the shade Bedroom Black blends easily yet remains intense and does not budge, p.s it’s also waterproof.
@hayley_bui
Ever wanted to try a nude liner?Â
When it comes to liners I’ve only tried the classic black or brown (and maybe the occasional colour like red or blue), but never have I drawn a wing in nude.
@janeenersss
Makeup artist Janeen Kurdi used Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Concealer with an angled eyeliner brush to create this look over a cut crease. It definitely gives off more of a softer look in comparison to darker wings.Â
@daniellemarcan
Coloured wing liner for that extra popÂ
When you choose to sport bright eye makeup, try out a coloured winged eyeliner instead of a shadow for a change. While we are welcoming summer it means adding more colour into our lives and this is the perfect way of doing that.
You can achieve this look with any coloured wing liner or even build up pigmented eyeshadow to create a more smudged out wing with your favourite colour shadow. Don’t forget to add mascara or lashes to finish off the look!
When it comes to wings that are not black or brown, I prefer using a potted gel liner like the Napoleon Perdis Sketch Pot Gel Eyeliner, my favourite is the colour Tango and these pots not only can be used as eyeliner but as a shadow base too.
The White Wing
Lately I’ve seen a lot of celebrities and makeup artists rocking a white eyeliner look. This graphic 60’s-inspired trend is a refreshing contrast as white is the absence of colour – so it’s almost like an anti-eyeliner.Â
It still makes a big statement, but since it’s a neutral, it feels a little more approachable (and you also don’t have to worry if your makeup look will go with what you are wearing as white goes with everything!). Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a favourite of mine and it also comes in the shade snow to recreate this look.