How to Make Winged Eyeliner Even on Both Eyes: A Complete Guide

Creating the perfect winged eyeliner that's even on both eyes can be one of the most challenging makeup skills to master. The struggle to achieve symmetrical winged eyeliner is real, especially when considering that most faces have natural asymmetry. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven techniques to make your winged eyeliner even on both eyes, addressing common challenges and providing solutions for different eye shapes and facial features. With practice and the right approach to winged eyeliner application, you can achieve that flawless, symmetrical look that frames your eyes beautifully.

Many makeup enthusiasts find themselves frustrated when one wing looks perfect while the other appears completely different. Understanding that facial asymmetry is normal and learning how to compensate for it is key to mastering winged eyeliner. Throughout this guide, we'll explore various techniques, tools, and tricks that professional makeup artists use to create balanced, even wings that complement your unique features.

Understanding Facial Asymmetry and Its Impact on Eyeliner Application

Before diving into techniques, it's important to recognize that perfect facial symmetry is a myth. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, over 97% of people have some degree of facial asymmetry. This natural asymmetry means your eyes, eyelids, and the surrounding bone structure may differ slightly from one side to the other, creating unique challenges when applying winged eyeliner.

Factors that contribute to uneven eyeliner application include different eyelid shapes (one may be more hooded than the other), varying eyelid tension, different eye sizes, or asymmetrical eyebrow positioning. By acknowledging these differences rather than fighting against them, you can adapt your technique to create the illusion of symmetry. The goal isn't to make both wings identical in shape and size, but rather to create a balanced look that appears even when facing forward.

Essential Tools for Creating Even Winged Eyeliner

Having the right tools can significantly improve your chances of achieving symmetrical wings. Professional makeup artists recommend investing in quality products specifically designed for precision application.

Beyond the eyeliner itself, supportive tools like makeup tape, business cards, spoons, or specialized wing guides can serve as physical guides for creating even wings. Many professional makeup artists also keep cotton swabs and micellar water on hand for quick clean-up and adjustments. The quality of your tools directly impacts the precision of your application, so consider investing in products designed specifically for creating winged eyeliner if this is a look you wear frequently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Even Winged Eyeliner

Following a systematic approach can help ensure more consistent results when creating winged eyeliner. This method focuses on mapping your eye shape first, then building the wings in stages rather than trying to create each perfect wing in one go.

Preparation Phase

1. Prime your eyelids with eyeshadow primer or concealer to create a smooth, oil-free base that helps eyeliner adhere better and prevents smudging.
2. Apply eyeshadow first (if using) as it's easier to layer eyeliner on top of eyeshadow than vice versa.
3. Position yourself in front of a well-lit mirror at eye level, ideally with natural lighting.
4. Relax your face into a neutral expression to ensure you're working with your natural eye shape.

Mapping Your Wings

The mapping technique is a game-changer for achieving symmetrical wings. Rather than drawing the entire wing at once, this method breaks the process into manageable reference points.

1. Mark your endpoints: Looking straight ahead, place a small dot where you want each wing to end. Aim for the same angle on both sides (typically toward the end of your eyebrow).
2. Create your guideline: Draw a thin line from the outer corner of each eye to the endpoint dot.
3. Connect to your lash line: Draw a line connecting the wing guideline back to your upper lash line, creating a small triangle.
4. Fill in the triangle: Fill in the outlined wing shape.
5. Complete the lash line: Extend the liner along your upper lash line, making it as thick or thin as desired.

This mapping approach creates a framework for symmetry before committing to the full wing shape. It's particularly helpful for beginners or those with asymmetrical features, as it allows for adjustments at each stage.

Techniques for Different Eye Shapes

Different eye shapes require slightly different approaches to winged eyeliner. Understanding your unique eye shape can help you customize your technique for the most flattering results.

Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes present a particular challenge as the eyelid fold can hide the eyeliner or cause it to transfer. For hooded eyes, it's crucial to create the wing with your eyes open and looking straight ahead.

1. Keep your eyes open during application to see exactly how the liner will look.
2. Create a thinner line along the lash line to maximize visible lid space.
3. Extend the wing outward rather than upward to prevent it from disappearing into the hood.
4. Consider the "batwing" technique, where you create a thicker line that's visible even when your eyes are open.

Monolid Eyes

For monolids, the continuous eyelid without a crease allows for creative liner placement.

1. Try a thicker liner along the lash line for more definition.
2. Create wings that extend straight out rather than angling upward.
3. Consider the "floating liner" technique, where the wing starts slightly above the lash line.

Downturned Eyes

For downturned eyes, the right wing angle can create a lifting effect.

1. Angle your wings upward to counteract the downward slope.
2. Keep the liner thinner on the outer third of the eye.
3. Extend the wing up and out at approximately a 45-degree angle.

Round or Wide-Set Eyes

For round or wide-set eyes, eyeliner can help create elongation.

1. Extend liner slightly toward the inner corner.
2. Create wings that extend outward rather than upward.
3. Consider a thicker line at the outer corner that gradually thins toward the inner corner.

Troubleshooting Common Eyeliner Problems

Even with the best techniques, challenges can arise. Here are solutions to common problems that prevent even winged eyeliner.

When One Eye Is More Hooded Than the Other

Many people have asymmetrical eyelids where one eye appears more hooded than the other. This common variation requires adjusting your technique to create the illusion of symmetry.

1. Create the wing on the more hooded eye first, as it's typically more challenging.
2. Make the wing on the hooded eye slightly thicker and longer to compensate for how much will be hidden by the hood.
3. On the less hooded eye, you may need to create a thinner wing to match the visible portion of the hooded eye's wing.
4. Focus on how the wings look when your eyes are open and you're facing forward, not on making the actual shapes identical.

Dealing with Shaky Hands

Precision is crucial for winged eyeliner, but not everyone has naturally steady hands. These techniques can help compensate for hand tremors or general unsteadiness.

1. Rest your elbow on a stable surface and your pinky finger on your cheek for stability.
2. Consider using a felt-tip eyeliner pen, which is often easier to control than liquid liners with thin brushes.
3. Try eyeliner stamps or stencils specifically designed to create wings without requiring a steady hand.
4. Break the process into smaller strokes rather than attempting to create the line in one continuous motion.
5. Use short, connected dashes if you find that easier than a single stroke.

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Symmetry

Once you've mastered the basics, these advanced techniques can help refine your winged eyeliner skills for professional-looking results.

The Tape Method

Using tape as a guide can create sharp, precise wings with perfect angles.

1. Place a small piece of makeup tape (or regular tape applied to your hand first to reduce stickiness) from the outer corner of your eye toward the end of your eyebrow.
2. Apply eyeliner along your lash line and extend it along the edge of the tape to create the wing.
3. Carefully remove the tape to reveal a crisp, clean edge.
4. Repeat on the other eye, ensuring the tape is placed at the same angle.

The Connect-the-Dots Technique

This method involves creating reference points before connecting them, which can help achieve more consistent wings.

1. Place dots along your lash line where you want the eyeliner to go.
2. Add a dot at the outer corner and where you want the wing to end.
3. Connect the dots with small strokes to create a smooth line.
4. Fill in any gaps and adjust as needed.

Practice Exercises to Improve Your Eyeliner Skills

Like any skill, creating even winged eyeliner improves with deliberate practice. These exercises can help you develop the muscle memory and precision needed for consistent results.

1. Paper practice: Draw wings on paper or a makeup practice sheet before attempting them on your eyes.
2. Non-dominant hand training: Practice using your non-dominant hand for better control when working on your opposite eye.
3. Slow-motion repetition: Practice drawing the same wing shape repeatedly, focusing on consistency rather than speed.
4. Photography feedback: Take photos of your results to objectively assess symmetry and track improvement over time.

Consistency is key when developing any new skill. Setting aside even 5-10 minutes a few times a week for focused eyeliner practice can significantly improve your results over time. Many professional makeup artists recommend practicing at the end of the day when you'll be removing your makeup anyway, allowing you to experiment without pressure.

Product Recommendations for Long-Lasting, Even Wings

The longevity of your perfectly symmetrical wings depends largely on the products you use. Here are some recommendations for creating wings that stay put all day.

Primers and Prep Products

• Eye-specific primers that prevent oiliness and create a smooth base
• Setting powders to mattify the eyelid before liner application
• Waterproof or oil-free concealers as alternative bases

Long-Lasting Eyeliner Formulas

• Waterproof formulas that resist smudging and transfer
• Smudge-proof liquid liners with quick-drying formulas
• 24-hour wear gel liners that set completely

Setting Products

• Translucent setting powder to lightly dust over liner
• Setting sprays specifically designed for long-wearing makeup
• Clear waterproof mascara as a top coat for gel liner

Remember that even the best products can perform differently depending on your skin type, climate, and daily activities. You may need to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your specific needs.

Conclusion: Embracing Practice and Patience

Creating perfectly even winged eyeliner is a skill that develops over time. Rather than aiming for instant perfection, focus on consistent improvement and finding techniques that work with your unique eye shape and facial features. Remember that professional makeup artists have spent years perfecting their techniques, and even they occasionally need to make adjustments.

The key to mastering winged eyeliner is understanding that it's not about creating identical wings, but rather achieving balance and harmony that enhances your natural beauty. Embrace the learning process, be patient with yourself, and celebrate small improvements along the way. With practice and the right techniques, you'll be creating beautifully even winged eyeliner that enhances your eyes and boosts your confidence.