A 101 On How To Create The Reverse Wing Eyeliner
BY JENNY JUNG
The reverse wing eyeliner has flipped the makeup world upside down, literally. Created by @Paintedbyspencer, read about how you can achieve this look and make it work for you.
31 AUG - 2021
Everybody knows that a smoked-out lower lash line means serious business. Wear this look to your next occasion to let everyone know who's boss.
When I first started seeing the reverse wing eyeliner floating around my social media, I couldn't help but think, "this is so Kim Kardashian." Kim's long-time makeup artist and friend, @Makeupbymario, has been immensely influential in the makeup scene with his tips and tricks on creating flawless, elevated makeup looks. I can recall countless eras of Mario and Kim - baking, contouring, reverse contouring, smokey eyes, and the list goes on.
Nowadays, Kim is always rocking flawless skin, lashes, and a glossy or nude lip - but back in the day, she was definitely a smokey eye queen. Does anybody remember Kim's iconic 2016 Cannes Festival makeup look? To me, this was quintessential Kim K makeup. Clean and flawless skin, drama on the lower lash line, and a nude lip - all elements of the reverse cat-eye.
Today, I will discuss the many renditions of the reverse wing eyeliner: the classic, wearable, and colourful. I'll also be recommending products along the way, so I hope you enjoy my edit.
'@Makeupbymario for Kim Kardashian at the 2016 Cannes Festival
'@Makeupbymario for Kim Kardashian at the 2018 Met Gala
The Classic Reverse Eyeliner
This look was reintroduced by @paintedbyspencer on tik tok, and I'm sure many of you are familiar with it. As the name suggests, all the drama of a cat wing liner is flipped to the bottom lash line and smudged out - resulting in a laid-back, sultry vibe.
Minimal eyelids, smudged out black eyeliner, flawless skin, and a nude lip are the main components of this ultra feline look. Where the eyes are bottom-heavy, the nude lip balances the overall look and keeps the focus on the eyes.
'@Anadleeuwerk
The Reverse Wing Eyeliner 2.0
If you find that the reverse liner is overly bottom-heavy on the eyes, pair it with long false lashes or add some extra drama to the lids with eyeshadow. This will restore some of the balance to your eyes while keeping the integrity of the reverse wing liner.
'@Angelica_n_mua
Colourful Reverse Wing Eyeliner
Colourful lower lash lines have been around forever. I remember this look as the go-to for those who want to experiment with colour without going overboard. Usually, this makeup look is centered around pastel shades of yellows, lavenders, and blues. The colourful reverse wing eyeliner, however, is the sexier, more intimidating older sister.
For this look, bring out your jewel-toned pencil liners. Teal, cranberry, navy, and emeralds will be perfect for drawing attention to the eyes with just the right amount of intensity.
'@dmt_mua
The Reverse Wing Eyeliner But Make It Wearable
Intense black eyeshadow looks don't always compliment every eye colour or shape. If you find that black is too overpowering for you - opt for a rich, warm brown.
Warm browns instead of a stark black will translate softer on your features and allow some more wiggle room for the lip colour of your choice. This option is perfect for those who don't particularly love an uber nude lip or for those who love a monochromatic vibe.
The general shape of the shadow is still kept intact, delivering the impact of a reverse wing liner.
'@Izzyshea.ig
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner Micro Tip
A vital element of the reverse wing eyeliner is the itty bitty point in the inner corner of the eye. This creates an exotic cat-eye shape by extending the inner corners just a touch. This means that you will need a super durable, precise eyeliner to get the perfect little wing. Not only will this Stila gem fit in the inner corner with its micro tip, but it will also last the whole day, even if you have watery eyes.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner Micro Tip NZD$35
Nars High-Pigment Longwear Eyeliner
If you're on the search for a long-wearing eye pencil that is pigmented, ultra-creamy, and smudge-proof, look no more. I was first introduced to this pencil by a dear friend with super hooded eyes. Ever since then, I have been through countless Nars High-Pigment Longwear Eyeliners - particularly in the shade Mambo and Va Viento (shown below).
On the waterline or on the skin, the Nars High-Pigment Longwear Eyeliner lasts like no other. This pencil gives you enough blending time to get the perfect smudge before it sets all day. I also love the shade range as there are plenty of browns, two kinds of blacks, as well as shimmery colourful shades.
Mambo is a must-have as it is a rich red undertone brown that makes the eyes stand out - especially brown, green and blue eyes!
Entire makeup look by @Narsissit using Mambo and Va Viento NZD $39
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour
The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour comes in a myriad of shades ranging from nudes, jewel tones, matte browns, and blacks.
Although these are intended to be cream shadows, the applicator is small enough to smudge along the lash line. The Caviar Stick Eye Colours are also super waterproof and budge-proof, essential for the reverse cat eye.
The shades' Burgundy,' 'Khaki,' 'Plum,' and 'Tuxedo' will look amazing smudged along the lower lash line.
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour NZD$47
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Cream Glow Lipstick
Wearing a bottom-heavy eye with a bolder lip will bring unwanted attention to the bottom half of your face, dragging your features down. Thus a nude lip will make sure your overall facial structure stays lifted while keeping the focus on the eyes.
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Cream Glow Lipstick is a nude lip galore! All different kinds of nudes are featured in this line, and the formula is hydrating and creamy.
A dream for nude lipstick lovers, find your match with Huda Beauty.
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Cream Glow Lipstick NZD$44
Laura Mercier Blush Infusion ‘Ginger’
The blush should stay muted and complementary to the fierce cat eye makeup. The Laura Mercier Blush Infusion in the shade 'Ginger' is perfect for providing a touch of healthy warmth without distraction.
This blush is also essential for anybody who wants to subdue any natural redness. The formula is matte, smooth, and long-lasting - a crowd favourite for a reason.
Laura Mercier Blush Infusion ‘Ginger’ NZD$51
I hope you found this guide to the reverse cat eye liner helpful! Remember that makeup looks can be altered to best suit your features and makeup style. Until next time!
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