Step-by-step guide · Eyes
How to apply eyeliner
Neat liner isn't one perfect stroke — it's the right order: lash line first, then the direction of the wing, then connecting them. With the wing angle for your eye shape.
What you'll need
- Pencil, gel or liquid eyeliner
- A cotton swab and a little micellar water (for fixes)
- Eyeshadow primer if your lids are oily
Step by step
Prep the lid
If your lids get oily, apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer or a dusting of powder. On an oily lid, liner smudges within a few hours.
Fill the lash line
Keep your head straight and lower your gaze a little so the upper lid gets taut. Draw short strokes right at the base of your upper lashes, working from the inner corner outward, filling the gaps between lashes. Three or four short strokes look neater than one long one.
Tip: Starting with a pencil and tracing over it with liquid is the easiest way in.
Find the wing's direction
Now open your eye and look straight ahead. Imagine your lower lash line continuing out from the outer corner toward the tail of your brow — the wing sits on that line, pointing at the brow tail.
Draw the wing
With your eye open, draw a short line from the outer corner in that direction. Then connect its tip back to your upper lash line and fill in the small triangle.
Tip: Draw the wing with your eye closed and it breaks when you open it. Always draw it open.
Match both eyes
On the second eye, place just the tip of the wing as a dot first. Compare both eyes together, even out the dots, then connect.
Sharpen it
Dampen a cotton swab with micellar water. Swipe once under the wing, from the outer corner upward — the bottom edge of the wing turns razor-sharp.
Wing angle by eye shape
Almond eyes
A classic wing works at any angle; keep it pointing at the brow tail.
Hooded eyes
Draw the wing with your eye open so it doesn't break when the lid folds; the tip stays a little thicker. More in hooded eyes makeup.
Round eyes
Pull the wing longer and more horizontal to elongate the eye.
Downturned eyes
Lift the wing a little higher to balance the drop at the outer corner.
Common mistakes
- Drawing the wing with your eye closed: it breaks when you open it.
- Starting thick: begin thin at the inner corner and build toward the outer corner.
- Finishing one eye completely before starting the other: place both wing tips as dots first.
- Leaving gaps at the lash line: skin showing between liner and lashes makes eyes look smaller.
FAQ
How can a beginner apply eyeliner neatly?
Start with a pencil in short strokes, mark the wing tip as a dot first, then trace over it with liquid. Clean up mistakes with a micellar-water swab.
Why does my eyeliner smudge?
Usually oil on the lid. Use eyeshadow primer or a little powder first; a waterproof formula lasts longer too.
Why do my wings never match?
No two eyes are identical. Place both wing tips as dots, compare, adjust, then connect.
Step by step, in front of your mirror
In Yarvia's lessons every step appears on screen, and the live mirror shows on your own face where to apply it. Color and placement tips follow your skin tone, undertone and face shape.
