You can achieve the perfect winged eyeliner look with liquid liner, a felt-tip liner, a waterproof eyeliner pencil, or gel eyeliner and an eyeliner brush: the best eyeliner for doing a winged look is the kind you’re most comfortable with. You’ll also want makeup remover, Q-tips, and concealer (with concealer brush) on hand to correct eyeliner mistakes with precision.

1. 1. Prep the eye area. Use concealer or eyeshadow primer under your eyes and on the eyelids to create a smooth, even base for your makeup, and to help it adhere better. Curl eyelashes, if desired.
2. 2. Top with eyeshadow, if using. Try a more subtle shade if you want your winged liner to stand out, or use a darker shade if you’re going full glam and combining a smoky eye with your winged liner.
3. 3. Make the first line. Using liquid eyeliner, draw a short, thin line from the outer corner of the eye, extending the natural curve of your lower lash line to your desired length (don’t go past the end of your eyebrow). If you’re having trouble getting a smooth line freehand, try making a series of small dots and then connecting them; or, use a piece of tape or stencil as a guide.
4. 4. Line the upper eyelid. Using liquid eyeliner, draw a line across the upper eyelid, following the natural curve of your upper lash line from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner of your eye and continuing to parallel the first line you made. Focus on creating a smooth line. It’s okay if there are gaps—you’ll fill them in later.
5. 5. Fill it in. Now that you have your outline, fill in the gaps with more eyeliner.