Nothing feels quite so feminine in the world of make-up as winged eyeliner. Sophia Loren, one of the world’s most beautiful women, has owned it as her trademark look for decades, so it’s perhaps little wonder it’s synonymous with a sultry, sexy image.
In 2015 it is still a coveted look, but it has evolved so that you can adapt it according to your eye shape. Advances in formulations also mean you don’t need to be a make-up pro with a totally steady hand to nail this look.
Small eyes:
This shape benefits from a ‘less is more’ approach, as too much darkness will result in your eyes looking smaller. Either add a very thin line of liner to the upper lash line, then flick out and leave it at that, or smudge the line in to make it even lighter. This will give you some definition without creating too many dark shadows.
Almond eyes:
This eye shape naturally has a winged look so the idea here is to add definition to highlight this feature. Use a liner along your upper and lower lash lines and let it wing out to keep with the natural shape of the eye.
Wide-set eyes:
This eye shape can get away with a lot of liner, and the traditional cat-eye shape with the full flick works wonders. Line the entire upper lash line, ensuring you go right into the inner corner of each eye, as this will give the illusion of your eyes being closer together. To finish, add a thick flick on the outer lash area.
Close-set eyes:
The key for this eye shape is using liner to create the illusion of your eyes being further apart. To do this you need to focus only on the outer lash line. On the outer third of your eye, apply liner to the upper and lower lash line and add a flick in the corner. Doing this adds definition to that area, which will naturally create the look of wider eyes.
Your line up of liners: From left to right: Napoleon Perdis Matte Eye Ink, $29. Rimmel Scandaleyes Jumbo Liquid Eyeliner, $14. Almay Liquid Eyeliner, $23.50. Natio Liquid Eyeliner, $18.50. M.A.C Fine Eye Liner Brush, $51. The Body Shop Bold Oversized Felt Eyeliner, $23. Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner, $27.50.
Meet your liner match: The latest in formulations
The felt liner:
This is shaped just like a vivid marker pen – it’s easy to grip and easy to apply with its felt-tip design.
The gel liner:
Applied with a brush, these liners are long-lasting and have great pigment. Practice makes perfect with this formulation to get the line just right.
The liquid liner:
With its liquid consistency and thin brush, this traditional liner is the fastest to apply, but you need to move quickly before it dries.
Words by: Sarah Simpson
Photos by: Getty Images
All prices are approximate
