Winged, Smokey and Everyday: A Guide to Eyeliner Styles

Choosing a Formula First

Before technique, it helps to pick the right formula for the look you want. Pencil eyeliner is the most forgiving and best for soft, smudged looks. Gel liner (applied with a brush) gives more control for precise lines. Liquid liner creates the sharpest, most defined line but has the least room for error — practice on a still hand before attempting it in a rush.

The Everyday Line

For a quick daytime look, line as close to the lash line as possible rather than drawing a separate line above it. Keep the line thin at the inner corner and let it thicken very slightly toward the outer corner. This opens up the eye rather than closing it in.

The Classic Wing

Map the wing before committing: hold your liner at an angle from the outer corner of your eye toward the end of your eyebrow, and mark a small dot where you want the wing to end. Connect that dot back to the outer corner, then fill in the triangle it creates. Doing both eyes' outer dots first, before filling in either wing, keeps them symmetrical.

The Smokey Eye

Smokey eyes rely more on eyeshadow than liner, but a kohl or gel liner smudged along the lash line (upper and lower) with a small brush or cotton bud gives the look its depth. Blend the liner into a dark eyeshadow at the crease rather than leaving a hard edge.

Making It Last

Waterproof, smudge-resistant formulas hold up best through a full day, especially in warm weather. See Miss Rose's eyeliner collection for gel, liquid and pencil options, and pair with the eyeshadow range for a complete smokey look.