How to Do Winged Eyelashes

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: November 12, 2021

When you imagine dramatic eye makeup, you probably first think of bold eyeshadows and precise, intense eyeliner. When it comes to eyelashes, the goal is typically big and voluminous. However, you can add even more drama to your eyelashes by creating winged lashes, which will make your eyes look big and bright. Like winged eyeliner, winged eyelashes can create a beautiful, fanned out effect that will open your eyes while catching everyone else’s.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Mascara

1
Apply all of your other eye makeup. You want to apply any eyeshadow and eyeliner before you start working on your lashes. If you try to apply shadows or liners afterwards, your lashes will likely get jostled and lose their winged effect. Always do your lashes last, as the finishing touch.
- You can do winged eyeliner to enhance the look of your winged lashes.
2
Curl your lashes. Before you start applying product, it’s important to add volume and curl with an eyelash curler. Place the curler around your lashes, at the very base. Squeeze the handle firmly, holding the curler down for about five seconds. Then, release the curler and slide it down to the middle of your lashes and press and hold again. Do this once more at the ends of your lashes.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- You can learn more about curling your eyelashes here.
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3
Apply mascara. Fortunately, you don’t need a new, special mascara to achieve this look. Grab your favorite one, and it will do the trick. Load the product onto the wand, and begin applying your mascara like normal.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- Start at the base of your lashes, wiggling the wand as you move it down the length of your lashes. Make sure your lashes are evenly coated, without clumping.
- After you’ve applied one coat of mascara, it’s time to start creating the winged effects. Move your wand so that you’re applying mascara to the outer half of your eye. As you wiggle the wand out from the base of your lashes, gently pull your lashes toward the outer corner of your eye.
- As the mascara dries, the lashes will be held in this winged shape.
- Apply mascara to your inner corner eyelashes as normal. To accentuate the wings, apply two or three coats to the outer lashes, while only using one on the inner lashes.
4
Separate your lashes with a spoolie brush. Because you’re pulling your eyelashes in a different direction and applying a few coats of product, it can be easy to get clumps of mascara in them. To avoid this, comb your lashes out with a clean, dry spoolie brush once your mascara has been applied. Gently brush out any clumping and focus on separating your lashes, while continuing to pull your lashes in the direction of your outer corner.^{[3]
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Research source}
- You can purchase clean spoolie brushes at any beauty supply store.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Applying False Eyelashes

1
Purchase your false eyelashes. If you’ve never purchased false eyelashes before, this can be a daunting task. For this technique, you want to purchase eyelashes that are made for the outer corners of the eyes, or half lashes.^{[4]
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Research source} They may look a bit funny in the package, because they are short strips that will not cover your entire lash line. Depending on the look you want, you can purchase extremely dark, long lashes, or shorter, more natural ones.
- Make sure you purchase eyelash glue as well! You can find both products at your pharmacy or local beauty supply store.
- If you cannot find lashes made specifically for the outer corner, you can always buy regular lashes and cut them yourself.
2
Apply all of your eye makeup. You want to apply any eyeshadow and eyeliner before you apply your false lashes. If you try to apply shadows or liners afterwards, you will likely get products into the false lashes, which will make them look less bold and defined. Consider the false lashes as the cherry on top of a completed makeup look.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- You can do winged eyeliner to enhance the look of your winged lashes.
3
Curl your lashes and apply mascara. Before you apply your false eyelashes, it’s good to give your natural lashes a curl and one coat of mascara first. Curl your eyelashes with a curler, holding it down firmly for about five seconds. Do this at the base of your lashes, the middle of your lashes, and again at the tip. Apply one, light coat of your favorite mascara.^{[6]
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Research source}
- By curling and darkening your natural lashes, they will blend into your false lashes more seamlessly.
4
Apply glue to your lashes. You can do this in a couple of ways. You can squeeze the glue from the bottle directly onto the strip of your lashes, coating the band in an even line of glue. If you prefer, you can squeeze a bit of glue onto a surface, and then carefully run the band of the lashes through it.^{[7]
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Research source}
- After you’ve checked that there is glue on the entire strip, let the glue dry a bit so it is tacky, rather than runny.
5
Place the lashes on your outer corner of your eyelid. Once the glue is tacky, hold your eyelid taut with your finger. Then, carefully place the false eyelashes along your outer corner lash line. You can apply the lashes with your fingers or with tweezers.
- Once you’ve ensured that your lashes are placed in the correct spot, press them firmly into the base of your lash line.
6
Use a clean spoolie to brush eyelashes together. This is important to ensure that the half lashes blend into your natural lashes. If you desire, you can apply a coat of mascara to your eyelashes, to add a bit more intensity and ensure that everything blends fully. By applying these half lashes to your outer corner, you create a gorgeous, winged look that makes your eyes look big and bright.

Community Q&A

Question

How long should I make the wings?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

There are no hard guidelines when it comes to the length of the wings. In general, if you want a more naturalistic look, keep the wings shorter. If you want a more dramatic, theatrical look, go for a medium-length or longer long.