How to Use a Bent Eyeliner Brush, According to a Makeup Artist

There are tons of different types of makeup brushes out there. Some, like fluffy foundation brushes, are intuitive to use, while others are less straightforward. In that latter category are bent eyeliner brushes. These look like regular eyeliner brushes, but are bent at the tip and are designed to help you create the perfect winged flick. To learn how to use one, we tapped NYC-based pro makeup artist Mary Irwin. Read on for everything you need to know about bent eyeliner brushes.

What Is a Bent Eyeliner Brush?

According to Irwin, bent liner brushes are used to create a winged eyeliner look. “You can use it the same way as a regular liner brush, but it can be held at different angles which really helps application,” she says. Irwin says that it’s easier to apply eyeliner on yourself with one of these because it gives more control than a straight liner brush. “It can also give you a better idea of the angle you want your wing to be,” she says.

What Products Should You Use With a Bent Eyeliner Brush?

“They’re great to use with gel makeup, but you can absolutely use them with powder too,” Irwin says. In fact, using one to push powder eyeshadow into the lash line is an excellent way to make your lashes look thicker. “You can also get the brush wet and use it in shadow to intensify the color,” she says. To create a  classic cat eye, we recommend pairing a bent liner brush, like the NYX Professional Makeup Pro Angeled Eyeliner Brush, with a creamy gel formula like the Maybelline New York Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. 

Irwin notes that using a bent liner brush with these products is a must-try if you’re not super confident in your application skills. “Bent eyeliner brushes can also be a useful tool if you find that one eye is easier to do than the other,” she says. Holding the brush out to measure where you want the wing to end becomes super simple with this brush.”