Editor-Approved Hacks for Flawless Winged Eyeliner

Tip 1: Start With a Pencil Eyeliner

If you’re more comfortable working with an eyeliner pencil than liquid eyeliner, this trick is for you. Instead of going in with the ever-intimidating liquid liner, try outlining the shape of your wing with a pencil eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Mechanical Gel Eyeliner Pencil. Then, trace the shape with a thin liquid eyeliner like L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner, which provides intense pigment and has a fine felt tip for maximum precision.

Tip 2: Use a Stencil

If you struggle with drawing an even, smooth line with your eyeliner, try using a stencil. The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner has a built-in stencil that comes with the felt-tip liner. To use it, line up the cat-eye guide with your eyelid and fill in with the product for a sharp, precise shape. We also love the Urban Decay 24/7 Inks Easy Ergonomic Liquid Eyeliner Pen, especially if you want to try a graphic, colorful look.

Tip 3: Skip the Liner and Use Stickers Instead

Maybe you just don’t have a steady hand and you’ve made peace with not being able to draw on the winged eyeliner of your dreams. Instead, try cat-eye stickers. Lime Crime has an adorable set of holographic eyeliner decals that are perfect for festival season.

Tip 4: Try the Classic Tape Trick

This is a classic, no-fail trick. Simply place a piece of tape angled outwards at the corner of your eye, and follow the line with your liquid liner (the NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Matte Liquid Liner is one of our faves). When you remove the tape, you’ll be left with straight, sharp eyeliner.

Tip 5: Connect the Dots

If steady, straight lines don’t come easy to you, try drawing tiny dots along your upper lash line and connecting them for a smooth finish. The dots will help guide you as you create the line and wing piece by piece.