How to Do Half Eyeliner

Co-authored by Melissa Jannes and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 References

Eye makeup is a really fun and unique way to express yourself, especially if you like to use eyeliner. Similar to a traditional winged look, half liner is a subtle way to give yourself wings by applying liner on the outer half of the lid. This look is especially striking on round, close-set, and downturned eyes, but anyone can give it a try!^{[1]
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Research source} It only takes a few minutes to try a new spin on your usual makeup routine.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating a Subtle Wing

1
Find the center point of your top lash line. Look in the mirror and focus on your upper lash line. Use the inner and outer corners of your eye to estimate where the center of your lash line is. Since you’re creating a half eyeliner look, you won’t need to apply liner over your entire eye.^{[2]
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- You can also use your pupils as a reference when trying to find the center of your eye.
2
Sketch the liner directly above your lash line to the outer corner. Apply the liner in short, even strokes, creating as thin of a line as possible. Don’t be discouraged if you smudge your liner or apply it too thickly—you can always wipe it off with a makeup wipe or some micellar water and try again!^{[3]
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- It’s easier to apply eyeliner when your eye is closed.
- You can use gel, liquid, or pencil liner for this, depending on what you prefer.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Melissa Jannes
  Beauty Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.}
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3
Draw a separate, angled line from the outer corner of your eye to form your wing. Find the outer corner of your eye where the lash line ends. Starting from the end of your lower lash line, sketch a short line at a 45-degree angle from your upper lash line. For a traditional wing, make this line about 1 cm (0.39 in) long.^{[5]
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- You can always make your wing larger if you’d like to make a bolder look.
Tip: Create a more exact angle along the side of your eye with a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) section of makeup tape. Sketch along the edge of the tape, then peel it away to create a flawless line!^{[6]
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4
Connect the wing with the original line you sketched. Start from the tip of the angled line and sketch downwards until you reach the lash line. Work in slow, short strokes to make your line as straight and exact as possible.^{[7]
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- Don’t worry if you apply your eyeliner too thickly. It may take a few tries before you’re satisfied with your eye makeup!
5
Shade in the wing with your liner. Pretend you’re holding a marker or pen and color in the triangular wing you’ve just sketched out. Work in long, even strokes so your eyeliner looks as sleek and smooth as possible.^{[8]
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- You only need a few strokes of eyeliner to get this done.
- If you created a smaller wing, you may not need to shade anything in.
6
Repeat this process on your opposite eye. Sketch your eyeliner on the outer half of your other eye and draw an angled line from the outer corner. Finish sketching the “wing” shape, then fill it in with your gel liner or pencil.^{[9]
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- It can be tricky to get your eyeliner to look identical on both eyes. Don’t give up!
- It may help to draw the bottom line of the wing on both your eyes first. This way, you can make sure that they’re even.^{[10]
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- Sketch along strips of makeup tape to create sleek, identical angles on both eyes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Experimenting with Different Looks

1
Apply liner on the outer corner of your lower lash line to round out your look. Draw a thin line along the outer corner of your lower lash line, which connects with your wing. Repeat this process on your opposite eye to finish it off! This line only needs to be about 5 mm (0.20 in) long.^{[11]
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2
Choose pencil instead of gel or liquid liner so you can smudge it out.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Melissa Jannes
Beauty Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.} Take a small, rounded eyeshadow brush and buff around the edges of your winged eyeliner. Work in small circles to soften the edge of the pencil, creating a smokey and smudged look.^{[13]
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3
Coat your lids with gold eyeshadow to create a subtle look. Look through your makeup collection for a gold, metallic shade. Dip a rounded eyeshadow brush into the pan, then pat the shadow onto your lids. As a general rule of thumb, always apply your eyeshadow before your eyeliner so your makeup looks sleek and sharp.^{[14]
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- Sometimes, metallic shades don’t show a lot of color when you apply them. There’s no need to worry—just spritz your eyeshadow brush with setting spray, then lightly dip into your pan to pick up more color.
4
Use a piece of tape to make your liner super precise. Take a thin 10 mm (0.39 in) wide strip of tape and place it next to the outer corner of your eye. Sketch your wing on top of the tape, then wait for the eyeliner to dry. At this point, use a set of tweezers to lift and peel the tape away from your eyeliner!^{[15]
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5
Experiment with different eyeliner colors for a bright look. Visit your local drugstore or beauty supply shop and pick up some brightly colored eyeliners, like orange, yellow, or royal blue. Try these colors on their own, or play around with multiple shades until you find a style that you really like.^{[16]
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- For instance, you can create a layered wing with stripes of white and orange liner.

How Can I Keep Eyeliner From Smudging Or Smearing?

Expert Q&A

Question

What is the best eyeliner for a smudged look?

Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.

Melissa Jannes

Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator

Expert Answer

Pencil eyeliner smudges better than gel or liquid. If you want a smudged look, go with a pencil eyeliner.