Navigating the oversaturated, influencer-dominated world of makeup can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Most of the digital content around makeup is confusing, instead of informative – especially for a beginner. Sometimes, I just want to learn how to do a basic eyeliner style without all the pomp and fluff of primers, ingredients, and packaging.
Enter the expertise of Hailey Bieber’s makeup artist, Mary Phillips – a lifeline to those of us in need of the basics. “Winged eyeliner can feel like summiting Everest, but it’s all about the right approach,” she says in an interview with Net-A-Porter. And here’s how to get the perfect wing without going through a mental breakdown.
Mary Phillip’s Tips For The Perfect Winged Liner
“I love a winged eyeliner, but it’s definitely not the easiest eye look to create,” she says. “For beginners, I would start with an eyeshadow. That way, the line is easier to tweak – to get the right shape and length.”
Starting with eyeshadow as a base might seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer. This softer line can be your guide, offering the flexibility to adjust the shape and length without committing to the intensity of liquid or gel liners right away. But Phillips has a few tricks up her sleeve to make it easier than ever before.
“To create a clean, classic wing, you can add a liquid or gel liner on top of the shadow to darken the line and ensure it’s smudge-proof. When it comes to colour, I tend to stick with a dark brown because it’s eternally fresh and flattering on everyone. For a sexy, sultry look, simply smoke out the line with a darker-brown eyeshadow,” she says. With the mob-wife trend ongoing, this is the perfect tip to nail that sultry look without committing to it forever.
Pro tip: You can also overlay your eyeshadow base with a sharper line using a liquid or gel eyeliner to seal the deal and lock in that smudge-proof, classic wing.
Products We Recommend Using
The Huda Beauty Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette features everything from matte nudes to sparkly blacks. Its ultra-pigmented formula ensures a rich colour payoff, while the shadows themselves blend seamlessly, offering buildable coverage for a flawless finish every time.
The MAC Eyeshadow Pan in Rich Black is a more basic option – an intensely rich, black hue that applies evenly and blends well. It’s durable, versatile, and very easy to use.
Sephora’s Colorful Eyeshadow Mono in Black Lace is another option that offers a notably buildable and easy-to-blend pigment at a more budget-friendly rate. A good choice if you’re not looking to spend half your salary on a single product.
Last, the Simply Nam Ultimate Kajal in Ink Black. It’s not an eyeshadow but an incredibly pigmented kajal that can be smudged for the perfect, no-effort cat eye without all the hassle of looking for a brush!
With guidance from the pros and a little practice, that elusive perfect cat-eye is within reach. Remember, the journey from shaky lines to sharp wings is paved with patience and of course, the right products.
Featured Image: Instagram / @maryphillips