When it comes to swiping on the perfect cat eye, we’ve all got our tricks. Some outline their wings using the edges of a spoon to achieve those elusive identical angles. Others use business cards and clear tape to the same end. Suffice it to say, the majority of us have standard winged eyeliner down pat by now — with or without convenient aids. Nowadays, we’re searching for something more. We’re looking to experiment, get creative, put our wrist-flicking skills to the test. Whether you’re ready to try your hand at an architectural swoop inspired by the late Zaha Hadid, give your lids a chrome finish or just add a touch of interest to your classic cat eye, click through the slideshow above for all the winged eyeliner inspiration your heart desires. Your gaze will never be the same.
[ Next: Learn How to Apply Eyeliner With These Pro Tips ]
Winged Eyeliner
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Winged Eyeliner #1
Instead of a fully rimmed winged eyeliner, substitute traditional liner with a row of dots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #2
For a futuristic look, slice a line of color across your gaze. The daring (or the club-bound) can go one step further and opt for a vivid neon shade.
Image: @tiffanyleighpatton
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Winged Eyeliner #3
Try on an exaggerated architectural arch for size — and don’t feel obligated to stick to black. This particular swoop was reportedly inspired by the groundbreaking Zaha Hadid.
Image: @beautyisboring_
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Winged Eyeliner #4
Dazzle onlookers with a graphic eye in an unexpected hue. Forgo sterile lines and experiment with painterly strokes.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #5
Embody the comic book heroine you are inside with an explosive scribble.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #6
Coordinate makeup and manicure with a chrome swipe that mirrors your French tips.
Image: @melgoldmann
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Winged Eyeliner #7
Swipe a dramatic diagonal across your eyes for an edgy, arrowed stare worthy of Daryl Hannah's Pris (of Blade Runner).
Image: @lisaeldridgemakeup
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Winged Eyeliner #8
Go grunge with boxy, painted makeup that comes to a blunt stop just past your lids. Pair with inked brows a la Rihanna.
Image: @lindagradinmakeup
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Winged Eyeliner #9
Gilded lids and penciled-on bottom lashes were as destined for one another as Luke and Lorelai.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #10
Kim Kardashian always brings the drama. Emulate the beauty maven by smudging the liner along your lower lash line — and don't be afraid to apply generously.
Image: @makeupbymario
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Winged Eyeliner #11
Pay tribute to the late Amy Winehouse with an exaggerated winged eyeliner that evokes her iconic look.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #12
Keep 'em guessing by swapping your curved winged eyeliner for a ruler-straight line. Pair this doll-like maquillage with an off-the-shoulder ruffle top to play up the effect.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #13
Answer us this: Why stop at one wing? Or line your lids at all?
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #14
Add interest to your gaze with touches of floating liner.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #15
Sometimes, a minimal look provides maximum results. Open up your gaze by accenting only the outskirts of your lash line.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #16
Channel your inner Twiggy with a 60s cut crease. Update the style by not connecting your strokes.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #17
Add drama, depth and dewiness to your eyes by highlighting just above your lids. Here, Mercedes wears Pat McGrath’s Phantom 002 Black Caviar gel liner with her Skin Fetish 003 highlighting kit in Golden.
Image: @patmcgrathreal
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Winged Eyeliner #18
Add a pop of color to graphic winged eyeliner for a gaze that's both intimidating and mesmerizing.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #19
Line your eyes heavily and extend your wings all the way to your temple for bold, beautiful results.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #20
A dot just below your pupils adds a sense of passion and vulnerability to your gaze. Opt for an inky black or metallic hue.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #21
For a double-winged eyeliner look you can even wear to the office, keep your swipes thin and clean.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #22
You can never go wrong with a well-executed rimmed cat eye. Trim your lower lash line with copper to soften the look.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #23
Draw a thick arch above your lash line for the perfect curved cat eye.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #24
These floating, dramatic wings will forever remind us of Kendall Jenner along with Bella and Gigi Hadid twerking in couture (which is not necessarily a bad thing). Disclaimer: This look is not for the faint of heart or activities prior to sunset.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #25
A thick, unflinching sweep of kohl across the eyes calls for minimal color everywhere else.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #26
Pair a sultry, smoky cat eye with crimson lips for the ultimate come-hither stare.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #27
When all else fails, playing with color is an easy way to switch up your makeup routine.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #28
If you're not entirely committed to a 60s crease, double back once you reach the tip of your wing, but only for a quarter inch or so.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #29
Color outside of the lines. Combine all your favorite shades for a festival-worthy winged eyeliner masterpiece.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #30
Break with tradition entirely with anti-establishment liner that winds up to your temples and down to your nose.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #31
Move your practiced sweep above your lids, but extend the line downward past the corner of your eyes. Soften the look by keeping your wing delicate and curved.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #32
Outline the windows to your soul with window cat eyes. Negative space makes for a striking look, but requires slight and steady hands, so be sure to have Q-tips and Vaseline at the ready.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #33
Here, a more subtle alternative.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #34
A thick, diagonal swipe extending from the edge of your lash line will elevate your tired cat eye to new heights — especially if you go metallic blue.
Image: Imaxtree
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Winged Eyeliner #35
Give your black liner a much-needed rest and try your hand at glitzy silver eyes. Cleopatra would most definitely approve.
Image: Imaxtree
