Reverse Eyeliner - A How To Guide
By Wander Beauty | Feb 20, 2023
Every now and then, the world takes something timeless and classic, like a cat-winged eye, and puts a unique spin on it to bring it back and blow it up all over again. That's exactly what happened with reverse eyeliner – the lower lash look on everyone's screens.
Curiosity piqued? Great! Let's find out more.
What is reverse eyeliner?
If sultry and striking is the look you're after, reverse eyeliner is how you'll achieve it. Think of a classic winged eyeliner or smoky cat eye – and flip it. Yup, we’re talking a bottom-heavy lash line with a sharp, defined wing, and minimalist eyelid.
With the latest makeup trends guiding us towards a naturally lifted effect – with high-placed blush and upward sweeping bronzer – this reversed eye makeup offers a fresh, exciting take on contemporary makeup looks.
The best part? A reverse wing is significantly easier to create (and perfect) than its upper-lash predecessor. You’ll get sharper, more symmetrical wings with this look in way less time. It's also a particularly flattering option for people with hooded eyes – whose wings usually get lost or distorted.
How to create a reverse winged eyeliner and eyeshadow
Just like a classic wing, the reverse liner is created using three foundational steps, which can then be creatively adapted to a number of fun looks. Here are the basics:
- Line – Gel eyeliner or kohl pencils are the best type of eyeliner to create this look. Using your liner of choice, draw a clean line along your lower lash line from the inner corner to the outer. For a more intense look, tightline your lower lash liner too.
- Wing – Imagine the lower lash line keeps going, and extend the liner beyond the outer corner of your eye in an upwards sweep.
- Smudge – Using a flat eyeshadow brush, blend the liner along your lash line to create a more smoky effect. Extend this slightly into the inner corners of the eyes. If you're going for a super glam look, skip this step to maintain a bold, sleek aesthetic, and use a liquid liner to define the inner corners.
Remember that because this look is so bold, you’ll want to keep the eyeshadow on your top lid to a minimum. A simple cut crease eyeshadow application finished off with a few layers of mascara is all you need.
Butterfly reverse liner
Take a Y2K spin with a nude eyeshadow, short black wing extended from the top liner, and bold blue lower liner.
Soft reverse cat eye
Want to know how to do a cat eye, reversed? This look combines a classic cat eye with a reverse smokey eye. Apply natural pink and brown eyeshadow in a winged shape, thinly line the upper lid and add a wing, then add thick, smokey lower lid liner.
Retro wings
Create an upgraded ‘70s-inspired look with a retro cut crease shadow using a nude slate and black eyeshadow in the crease, followed by a defined, unblended lower lash line that extends into an upward cat flick.
Best products for reversed eye makeup
Gel eyeliner is our formula of choice for this makeup look for a number of reasons. Firstly, the retractable pencil provides a highly-controlled application, while the smooth, creamy formula glides on effortlessly. Next, gel contains intense pigmentation – greater than pencils – which lends to the boldness required in this look. Lastly, gel can create both a clean, defined look, similar to liquid liner, as well as a more smudged, smokey look similar to pencil liner.
For these reasons, we recommend the Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner. This automatic twist pencil comes with a built-in sharpener for precise application – every time. Enriched with olive fruit oil and jojoba oil, expect long-lasting wear and soothed skin.<product>1</product>
Create your look with Wander Beauty
Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or going through your morning skincare routine, having clean, quality makeup and skincare products at your fingertips will help you move through the day with confidence – knowing that your cosmetics work as hard as you do.
Reverse Eyeliner - A How To Guide
Every now and then, the world takes something timeless and classic, like a cat-winged eye, and puts a unique spin on it to bring it back and blow it up all over again. That's exactly what happened with reverse eyeliner – the lower lash look on everyone's screens.
Curiosity piqued? Great! Let's find out more.
What is reverse eyeliner?
If sultry and striking is the look you're after, reverse eyeliner is how you'll achieve it. Think of a classic winged eyeliner or smoky cat eye – and flip it. Yup, we’re talking a bottom-heavy lash line with a sharp, defined wing, and minimalist eyelid.
With the latest makeup trends guiding us towards a naturally lifted effect – with high-placed blush and upward sweeping bronzer – this reversed eye makeup offers a fresh, exciting take on contemporary makeup looks.
The best part? A reverse wing is significantly easier to create (and perfect) than its upper-lash predecessor. You’ll get sharper, more symmetrical wings with this look in way less time. It's also a particularly flattering option for people with hooded eyes – whose wings usually get lost or distorted.
How to create a reverse winged eyeliner and eyeshadow
Just like a classic wing, the reverse liner is created using three foundational steps, which can then be creatively adapted to a number of fun looks. Here are the basics:
- Line – Gel eyeliner or kohl pencils are the best type of eyeliner to create this look. Using your liner of choice, draw a clean line along your lower lash line from the inner corner to the outer. For a more intense look, tightline your lower lash liner too.
- Wing – Imagine the lower lash line keeps going, and extend the liner beyond the outer corner of your eye in an upwards sweep.
- Smudge – Using a flat eyeshadow brush, blend the liner along your lash line to create a more smoky effect. Extend this slightly into the inner corners of the eyes. If you're going for a super glam look, skip this step to maintain a bold, sleek aesthetic, and use a liquid liner to define the inner corners.
Remember that because this look is so bold, you’ll want to keep the eyeshadow on your top lid to a minimum. A simple cut crease eyeshadow application finished off with a few layers of mascara is all you need.
Butterfly reverse liner
Take a Y2K spin with a nude eyeshadow, short black wing extended from the top liner, and bold blue lower liner.
Soft reverse cat eye
Want to know how to do a cat eye, reversed? This look combines a classic cat eye with a reverse smokey eye. Apply natural pink and brown eyeshadow in a winged shape, thinly line the upper lid and add a wing, then add thick, smokey lower lid liner.
Retro wings
Create an upgraded ‘70s-inspired look with a retro cut crease shadow using a nude slate and black eyeshadow in the crease, followed by a defined, unblended lower lash line that extends into an upward cat flick.
Best products for reversed eye makeup
Gel eyeliner is our formula of choice for this makeup look for a number of reasons. Firstly, the retractable pencil provides a highly-controlled application, while the smooth, creamy formula glides on effortlessly. Next, gel contains intense pigmentation – greater than pencils – which lends to the boldness required in this look. Lastly, gel can create both a clean, defined look, similar to liquid liner, as well as a more smudged, smokey look similar to pencil liner.
For these reasons, we recommend the Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner. This automatic twist pencil comes with a built-in sharpener for precise application – every time. Enriched with olive fruit oil and jojoba oil, expect long-lasting wear and soothed skin.<product>1</product>
Create your look with Wander Beauty
Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or going through your morning skincare routine, having clean, quality makeup and skincare products at your fingertips will help you move through the day with confidence – knowing that your cosmetics work as hard as you do.
