Achieving Angelina Jolie's Signature Eyeliner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Angelina Jolie's eyeliner is iconic. It's bold, precise, and undeniably glamorous. Whether you're aiming for her dramatic red carpet look or a more subtle everyday version, mastering her signature flick is all about understanding the technique and using the right tools. This guide will break down exactly how to achieve that captivating Angelina Jolie eyeliner.
Understanding the Angelina Jolie Eyeliner Aesthetic
The core of Angelina Jolie's eyeliner style is a classic winged liner, often referred to as a "cat-eye." However, hers has a distinct elegance. It's typically:
- Thick and Defined: It's not a wispy, barely-there line.
- Sharp and Crisp: The wings are clean and precise, not smudged or diffused.
- Slightly Elevated: The wing has a subtle upward lift, elongating the eye.
- Often Winged Only on the Top Lash Line: While variations exist, the classic look emphasizes the upper lid.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather your essential tools. The right products make a huge difference in achieving a flawless finish.
- Liquid Eyeliner Pen or Gel Eyeliner with a Fine Brush: These offer the most control and precision for creating sharp lines. A pen is often easier for beginners, while gel eyeliner can offer a more intense pigment.
- Mirror: A good, well-lit mirror is crucial. A magnified mirror can be helpful for intricate work.
- Cotton Swabs: For any necessary clean-ups or corrections.
- Makeup Remover or Micellar Water: To easily fix mistakes without starting over.
- Optional: Eyeliner Stencil or Tape: If you struggle with freehand wings, these can be helpful aids.
Step-by-Step Guide to Angelina Jolie Eyeliner
Let's get to it! Follow these steps for that signature Jolie wing:
Step 1: Prep Your Lids
Start with clean, dry eyelids. For a smoother application and longer-lasting wear, consider applying an eyeshadow primer. This creates a smooth canvas and prevents your eyeliner from smudging or creasing throughout the day.
Step 2: Start with a Base Line
Begin by drawing a thin line as close to your upper lash line as possible. Start from the inner corner of your eye and work your way outwards. Don't worry about perfection here; this is just the foundation. You can extend this line slightly past the outer corner of your eye, anticipating where your wing will go.
Step 3: Create the Wing
This is the defining step. Imagine a line extending from your lower lash line upwards, following the natural upward curve of your eye. This is where your wing will begin.
- The Angle: A common mistake is making the wing too steep or too flat. For an Angelina Jolie-esque look, aim for a gentle, upward sweep that complements your eye shape. A good starting point is to angle it towards the end of your eyebrow.
- Draw the Outline: With your liquid liner or gel liner and brush, draw a short, sharp line upwards from the outer corner of your eye, following your chosen angle. This is the outer edge of your wing.
Step 4: Connect the Wing
Now, connect the tip of the wing you just created back to your main lash line. You can do this by drawing a slightly curved line from the tip of the wing down to the point where you stopped your initial lash line. This will create a triangular shape.
Step 5: Fill In the Wing
Carefully fill in the empty triangle you've created with your eyeliner. Ensure the pigment is opaque and the lines are crisp. Work slowly to maintain precision.
Step 6: Thicken the Line (If Desired)
Angelina Jolie's eyeliner is known for its thickness. Once your wing is filled in, you can go back and gradually thicken the line along your upper lash line, blending it seamlessly with the wing. The goal is a consistent, bold line that gradually thickens towards the outer corner.
Step 7: Refine and Clean Up
This is where your cotton swabs and makeup remover come in handy.
- Sharpen the Wing: Use a clean, angled cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to sharpen the edges of your wing. This will give it that super crisp, professional finish.
- Even Out the Line: Gently clean up any smudges or unevenness along the lash line.
Step 8: Optional: Tightlining and Lower Lash Line
While the classic Angelina Jolie eyeliner focuses on the upper lash line, some variations include a subtle tightline on the upper waterline (the area between your lashes and your eye) to make lashes appear fuller. If you choose to line the lower lash line, keep it very subtle and perhaps only in the outer corner, to avoid closing off the eye. A soft brown or black pencil can be used for this.
Tips for Flawless Angelina Jolie Eyeliner
Mastering this look takes practice. Here are some extra tips to help you achieve perfection:
- Steady Your Hand: Rest your elbow on a table or counter for added stability.
- Look Down: When drawing your wing, looking down into your mirror can help you create a more accurate angle and prevent your eyelid from being stretched.
- Don't Pull Your Eyelid: While some pressure might feel necessary, pulling your eyelid can distort the line and result in a crooked wing when you release.
- Start Small: If you're new to winged eyeliner, start with a smaller, more subtle wing and gradually increase its size as you get more comfortable.
- Consistency is Key: Aim for symmetry between both eyes. It's okay if they aren't perfectly identical, but strive for a similar shape and angle.
- Embrace the Practice: Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. The more you practice, the better you'll become.
"The key to Angelina Jolie's eyeliner is precision and a confident sweep. It's about elongating the eye and adding a touch of timeless glamour."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I make my winged eyeliner symmetrical?
Achieving symmetry takes practice. Start with one eye and then try to replicate the angle and length on the other. Using stencils or tape can be helpful guides. Don't be afraid to use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up and adjust until they look balanced.
Why does my winged eyeliner smudge?
Smudging can occur due to oily eyelids, a lack of primer, or using a formula that isn't long-wearing. Ensure your lids are clean and primed, and opt for a smudge-proof liquid or gel eyeliner. Setting your eyeliner with a dark eyeshadow can also help prevent smudging.
What is the best type of eyeliner for this look?
For the sharp, defined lines of Angelina Jolie's eyeliner, a liquid eyeliner pen or a highly pigmented gel eyeliner with a fine, angled brush are generally the best choices. These offer the most control and precision.
How do I get a clean, sharp wing tip?
A clean, sharp wing tip is achieved through precision during application and a careful clean-up. Once your liner is applied, use a clean, angled cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to sharpen the outer edge of the wing, creating a crisp point.
