From the Ginnifer Goodwin to Angelina Jolie to Drew Barrymore and Beyonce, it seems like everyone and their mother is trying their hand at the dramatic "winged" eyeliner look these days. So, I figured I'd give it a go too.
But, my muse for this seductive look is the va-va-va-voomy beauty that is Christina Hendricks.
Hendricks, as any hot-blooded American male can tell you, plays the impossibly sexy Joan Holloway on "Mad Men," and, while there's no way in hell I can copy her voluptuous curves, I'm hell bent on replicating her cool eye makeup.
Here's the technique I've been working to master by mid-September when I have a glam charity event to go to. Yes, I am actually going to get all dolled up and hit the town.
First, as with any job, you'll need the right tools. For this, make sure to have: an eyeliner pencil in a light shade that glides on smoothly (I like
CoverGirl Brow & Eyemakers Pencil, $3.49), a great liquid liner that won't smudge and makes nice strokes (try
Lancome Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner, $22.55) and your favorite mascara (mine currently is
Chanel Inimitable Mascara-Multi-Dimensional, $30.)
Then, give these steps a whirl -- I've culled them from various pro tips and think they yield a pretty great outcome.
Step 1: Use the light colored pencil to create your "wing" on the outer corner of your eye. Extend it past the edge at a slight upward angle. Note: Some experts recommend actually measuring a diagonal line from the tip of your nose to the corner of your eye to ensure proper placement of the "wing." I was never very good at geometry so I just guesstimate.
Step 2: Use the same pencil to draw a very thin line -- as close to your lashlines as possible -- across your top lids. (You can always thicken it up, but it's hard to make it thinner after the fact.) Start at the inner corner and work your way out. Hint: You may want to pull your lid taught with your free hand to make the line as smooth as possible.
Step 3: Here's where a steady hand is a bonus: Using your liquid liner, trace over the lines you've already drawn. Start thin (you can always add to the line later) making sure that there are no "bald" patches along the way. Clean up any mess-ups with a Q-tip.
Step 4: Grab your light colored pencil and trace a line along your lower lashes -- starting at the inner corners and working your way out. Smudge it with a brush to soften the line.
Step 5: Apply two coats of black mascara, making sure to let the first one dry before applying the second. (Check out my other
tips for getting long, gorgeous lashes if you're in the mood.)
Now, you're ready for the ball, your close-up or, to wash it off and start again.
This look took me a few tries to get comfortable with doing and I'm still working at mastering it. Let me know how it works for you. And, which celeb look are YOU coveting? Maybe we can learn how to copy IT!