Winged eyeliner has been a top beauty trend for AGES, despite women the world over fighting to get their flick even on both sides. The struggle is definitely real.
Is the cat eye going to be popular forever? Or is it about to be surpassed by a new eyeliner trend? We investigate…
FOR: Celebrities
Lauren Conrad is rarely spotted without her signature flick, and she doesn’t seem to be giving it up anytime soon.
Make-up artist Eloise Proust lets us in on a secret, saying those with “downturned eyes would benefit from the ‘Lauren Conrad’ flick – as it will instantly uplift their eyes.”
RELATED: 6 make-up looks that don’t require eyeliner
Likewise, Ariana Grande and Kylie Jenner love a winged eye, though Kylie’s is generally more subtle. She tends to opt for a brown liner (or Kyliner, 36USD, www.kyliecosmetics.com), rather than black.
bh recommends: Nude by Nature Contour Eye Pencil in 02 Brown, Almay Eyeliner in Brown and blinc Eyeliner Pencil in brown.
AGAINST: New York Fashion Week
Most trends come straight from – or are adapted from – the runway, and there was a distinct absence of flicks and cat eyes at the recent New York Fashion Week.
Instead, the most popular and eye-grabbing looks were burgundy eyeshadow (Anna Sui), copper-lined eyes (Derek Lam) and negative space eyeliner (Philip Lim).
Left: Anna Sui, Right: Philip Lim
The latter actually saw the edges of eyeliner wiped off with micellar water, almost the complete opposite to a winged eye.
Try the trend yourself using Simple ® Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water with Swisspers Cotton Tips.
FOR: Make-up artists
One of the reasons winged eyeliner has remained so popular is because it can be adapted to flatter different eye shapes. Make-up artists find it to be a useful trick when working on a variety of clients.
“Eyeliner is such a great look to create drama and instant chicness without having to wear a lot of other make-up with it!” says Aussie make-up artist Max May, who recently created a strong cat eye for the Kookai SS16/17 campaign.
When applied the right way, winged liner can also make eyes appear bigger and brighter. Eloise recommends small-eyed beauties draw a thinner line, and those with almond eyes to make their line thicker towards the outer corner.
RELATED: The best long-lasting eyeliners to try
Michael Ashton, the make-up artist responsible for Adele’s perfect eyeliner, also thinks the trend is here to stay.
“I think [Adele’s] beauty look resonates with people because it’s aspirational but also extremely achievable,” he explains. “It seems everyone is always wanting to try and wear the latest beauty looks from the runway or high street and often, it just doesn’t translate.”
So, even though the high fashion runways may have bucked the trend, that doesn’t mean it’s going anywhere just yet…
AGAINST: Search queries
In case you missed it, there were a lot of great beauty questions typed into Google last year, but “how to do winged eyeliner” didn’t make the top ten cut. It seems we’re more interested in getting glowing skin, removing gel polish and finding out more about lip fillers.
And considering Google is the most used search engine in the world, either people have already learnt how to nail the look, or they’re too busy trying new trends.
THE VERDICT:
Despite its absence on the catwalks and failing to make the list of most-searched beauty questions, we believe winged eyeliner will never die. Because just like Madonna over the years, it can easily adapt with the times. You can play around with the shape, colour and depth of pigment to suit your style and facial features, and that makes it timeless.
Do you want to know the trendiest way to line your eyes right now? We’ve got you. Create your wing with the colour of the season, cobalt blue, or do as Max May suggests, and use a softer brown or bronze on the waterline to soften the look (this is especially suitable for those with fair skin).
And if you need a lesson or refresher in liquid liner, don’t miss our easy-peasy tutorial.
Do you like to wear winged eyeliner? Have you ever tried using different colours?
Hard to perfect but not for me.
My Mum always wore winged liquid liner, so my first makeup was liquid eyeliner & mascara – always with a wing.
I’ve done a lot of experimenting over the years: I change up eyeshadow & lippy colours, but I NEVER leave the house without my wings! I like navy, brown & burgundy, but my go-to is black.
Always will be