4 Easy Techniques To Switch Up Your Classic Winged Liner Look

Eyes

Don’t get us wrong, the classic wing will never fade from glory. However, every once in a while we just want to shake out of the status quote and try something new. If you’re eager to switch up that traditional flick, take your cue from the below looks provided by two pro makeup artists. They were eager to share some innovative ways to dress up your regular cat eye, and each look is so, so pretty.

Dual Dimension

 

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Why We <3 It: “Creating negative space can be a fun take on a classic look, making it more graphic and modern,” says Charlie Riddle, makeup artist and head of artistry for Stila Cosmetics.

How to Pull it Off: You’ll need an impeccable water liner to nail this look – ideally one with a microtip and regular tip. (Riddle recommends the new dual-ended liner from Stila and we can attest that it’s amazing). “Take the micro-tip side and draw with precision starting above the crease, gradually getting thicker [as you] move to the inner corner. Abruptly cut off underneath,” he says. “Then take the original tip and start by creating a cat eye, but leave space between the top and the bottom wing to create the negative space.”

Product Picks: Stila Stay All Day Dual-Ended Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $28; Alleyoop Tip Off Makeup Removing Swabs, $8 (for any potential oopsies).

Vibrant Waterline

 

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Why We <3 It: “[This look is] way easier than a floating liner, but it still adds something unique to your liner look,” says Helen Phillips, national makeup artist for Sephora Collection. You can opt for a solid hue or you can do a gradient for an extra pop.

How to Pull it Off: Start by creating your go-to cat eye flick using your fave liquid eyeliner. This is the foundation of the look. “Then use a bright or pastel color liner to line your waterline.” Says Phillips. “You might have to go over the waterline several times to make the liner stick and stay put. Using a waterproof liner or a kohl liner will work best in this area.” Finally, use a black pencil liner on the bottom and gently smoke it out with an angled eyeliner brush for a bit of drama. You can even add some faux lashes!

Product Picks: Sephora Collection Hotline Liquid Liner, $14; Morphe M160 Angle Liner Brush, $4; Huda Beauty Classic Lash, $20

Graphic Ombré

 

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Why We <3 It: This is a fun – and dramatic – way to mix two classic eye shadow looks: blended smokey eye and a graphic wing.

How to Pull it Off: “Start by outlining your shape with liquid liner, making sure you leave enough space to shade in,” says Riddle. “Take a neutral shadow palette and start from darkest to lightest shades until faded into a natural lid on the inner corner.” To really get that ombre effect, use high-quality eye shadow brushes to apply your product.

Product Picks: Stila Stay All Day Dual-Ended Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $28; Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette in True Neutrals, $25; Huda Beauty Naughty Nude Brush Set, $57

Colorful Smudge

 

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Why We <3 It: This effortless smudge-y wing is fresh AF and we are here. for. it. We love that it’s so easy to recreate and that it’s wearable for everyday life while still being a bit edgy and cool.

How to Pull it Off: “Start by grabbing a waterproof gel liner (not a liquid). I like to use one with a built-in sharpener and smudger to get intensity and symmetry, while also being able to easily blur out any harsh edges,” says Phillips. “Look directly in the mirror and draw a thin line against your lash line starting from the outer edge of your iris outward. Mark out your wing and – using your fingertip, a brush, or the smudger at the end of your liner – smudge out the edges, leaving the color intensity in the center.” Finish with a couple coats of mascara.

Product Picks: Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Liner ($13); Huda Beauty LEGIT Lashes Double-Ended Mascara, $27

If you’re on the prowl for more cat eye inspiration, consider trying this outlined smokey shadow look, a double (or triple!) flick, or maybe just a hint of sparkle pressed on top of your wing. Whatever you do, make sure to share a picture with us @hudabeauty.