There's one makeup technique that seems to strike fear in the heart of even the most accomplished makeup lover (and at times, even a makeup artist!). This technique is "the flick" or "winged" eyeliner.
For me, it's my favourite go to makeup look. When you know how to do it, it is a very quick way to take an everyday makeup look to the next level, from day to night with a thicker line, and can also be used to recreate a look from a bygone era (think 60's rockabilly or a classic Marilyn Monroe).
One of the most important factors in creating the perfect line is the product you use.
Liquid eyeliners can be too runny, which can cause feathering, or can mean it takes too long to dry - this might be OK if you're doing makeup on someone else, but when you're doing it on yourself - you kinda need to open your eyes to see what you're doing!
My favourite liquid eyeliner is the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. At $32 it is a bit of a splurge, but for the ease of use, the fact that it actually does what it promises - yes, it lasts ALL DAY and it is WATERPROOF (even at a music festival in 40 degree heat, even on a big night out and even if you're bawling while watching some crappy reality TV show). It's a felt tip pen and I bought my first one nearly two years ago and it is still going! (Please note it is not recommended to keep makeup longer than 12 months - in my professional kit I abide by this rule, however at home... I do what I want!).
To achieve the flick on clients, I use a gel eyeliner. Hygiene is one of the most important factors as a makeup artist and a felt tip pen is not the easiest to clean and sanitise! Gel liners usually come in a small pot and are applied using a brush. The product is versatile as it can be used to create a crisp line or smudged and blended with powder shadow to create a smokey eye.
The first gel liner I used was the Napoleon Perdis China Doll Gel Eyeliner at $35. This product is good, however I have had some issues with it drying up in the pot as well as having a reaction to it and my eyes swelling up after being a model for a friend who did a course at Napoleon (this was a once off as I have used this product many times and never had an issue!).
The gel liner I use now is (believe it or not) Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama, which is a bargain at $15 and comes with a little brush. It has a creamy consistency that glides on easily and sets to a long lasting smudge proof line.
Stay tuned for a "how to" post in future, and let me know your favourite eyeliner below!