Winged eyeliner: making my life harder since the dawn of time.
Seriously, though, why does winged liner, particularly winged liquid liner, make me want to scream into a pillow?
The worst is that moment when the teeny wing you wanted — just a small kitten flick — suddenly morphs into a huge, oversized bat wing that reaches all the way up to your temples, and you have no control over the situation whatsoever.
It’s as if the universe invented winged liner primarily to mock us.
Well, universe, screw you and your plans for makeup mayhem, ’cause I just started using theBalm’s Schwing Black Liquid Eyeliner ($17), and I am no longer clutching my chair and rocking back and forth. 🙂
You might think that a look with thin liquid liner and a tiny kitten flick would be easy, seeing as how you’re not using a ton of product, but oh! — those skinny lines and tiny wings are like the makeup equivalent of open heart surgery. They’re just hard, man.
But Schwing is all about control. The felt tip draws skinny matte black lines with the precision of a fine-tipped calligraphy pen. Hugging lash lines is easy.
And there’s no drama when it’s time to kitten flick, either. I’ll be going along, doop-da-doo, drawing my skinny little line, and then, when I get to the end, I just lightly touch the edge of my eye with the tip at my desired angle. Meow! — there it is. All flicked out.
Sometimes I do have to make a tiny correction with a Q-tip and some eye cream, but that’s not as annoying as having to completely redraw the whole thing.
Several times over the past few weeks I’ve sat in front of the mirror after I’ve used Schwing, with my jaw literally hanging open, and me thinking, “Why was that so easy?” Is karma finally rewarding me for carrying around cat treats and feeding the hungry strays that cross my path? I dunno…
But I do know that Schwing has been making my liner life a hell of a lot easier.
The formula dries almost immediately, so you don’t have to deal with any annoying transferring into the crease. In the time it takes for a cute stranger to wink at you, it sets, and stays for up to 12 hours.
Later, at removal time, you won’t need a sledgehammer…but let’s just say that one would probably come in handy.
If you’re looking for a black matte liquid liner for flawlessly executed flicks and a wear time like WHOA, consider Schwing. It’s currently wooing all the ladies at theBalm counters and online.
PRICE: $17
AVAILABILITY: Available now at theBalm counters and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Mockingjay at 4:50 in Novato!!! Who’s with me? 🙂
I don’t know what you’re talking about Karen cause you’re winged liners skills are top notch! The whole makeup look is so pretty but I love the lips the most.
Enjoy the movie! Everyone (ok, almost everyone) in my FB feed is talking about this movie!
Well. No joke. I was just looking at this TODAY, I had it in my hand, then I thought, “No. You don’t need it.” Silly Jenny, of course I needed it! This sounds awesome.
What is the eyeshadow you’re wearing? So pretty. I’ve never tried anything by The Balm. This liner could be a good start. I love a small cat flick, but I rarely do it during the work week because I’m afraid I’ll make such a mess!
Affordable! Cute packaging too! *goes to my wishlist tab*
Sho look good to me! Karen, I LOVE that you know this song! That liner looks nice and really black. Just how I like it!
I just bought Schwing but haven’t tried it yet, I’m glad to know that you like it! Hopefully it will help me draw more precise lines, cause I’m a little desperate in the cat-eye department…
Ah, ein’ges liner, my arch nemesis.
Never get it right, but try again every day.
AHH! I’ve actually been on the hunt for MATTE liquid eyeliners so the timing of this post is perfect.
… crap. I’ve always I’m not a fan of TheBalm, mostly because of the packaging (which is a silly reason, I know) but I might have to change my mind now!
I’ve always struggled to achieve a clean cat eye with liquid liner. Between the flimsy applicators and runny formula it was just too much trouble for me lol. I like that this one has a felt tip though. They’re usually easier to work with so I may check this out soon..
Sounds good, I’ll have to investigate the tip
I’ve been looking for the liner that will help me with the perfect cat eye winged liner. Will have to find a Balm counter to try this one, especially since it’s a lot more affordable than the Tom Ford liner. Love the lipstick you’re wearing too. What shadows are you wearing with the winged liner look?
I want this!
Your wings always look great! Even when I do get it right, the cat eye is just not flattering on me. I think my eyes are just too droopy-lidded and asymmetrical. And, oh my, that was a depressing realization. HAHA!
Your makeup always look flawless, Karen, including your eye makeup. But that looks like exactly what I need. I could never do a perfect application of my eyeliner, so I seldom do a winged one. lol