We can all agree: making the final crisp flick using our eyeliner pen has got to be the hardest part of our entire makeup routine.
It’s why we were so impressed when Singapore TikTok creator @unbiden nailed her eyeliner wing while doing her makeup on the MRT on the way to work, and the reason we #relate extra hard when we stumble upon videos talking about how difficult it is to get eyeliner right (re: this video).
But we’ve found a viral TikTok eyeliner hack that doesn’t even require us to put a pencil to our eyes (and risk a shaky line), and it’s one that’ll let you nail an airbrushed eyeliner wing even when you’re on the go.
TikTok’s “finger eyeliner” hack
@bexcxmpbell I’m obsessed #linerhacks
TikTok creator Bex (@bexcxmpbell) was the person to introduce this eyeliner hack that quickly blew up on the app. Instead of using an eyeliner pencil to draw a wing from the outermost corner of the eye, Bex unlocked a whole new realm when it comes to eyeliners by simply using her finger.
Since we often use our fingers to sweep eyeshadow onto our lids, it’s funny we haven’t thought of it before.
How to do the “finger eyeliner” hack
Just dot and drag. Photo source: @bexcxmpbell/TikTok
Bex begins by identifying the position to place the index finger. “Put your finger right in the corner of your eye, where you can feel the pressure. That’s where you’re going to put your pencil liner,” she revealed.
Then, she uses a pencil eyeliner to draw a large dot on her index finger and presses her finger to the corner of her eye – the same spot she’d picked out a few seconds ago. Putting pressure using her finger, she drags it in an upward direction, according to how she wants her eyeliner to look.
Voilà: the perfect airbrushed winged liner. Eyeliner that’s perfected within seconds? It almost looks too good to be true.
Photo source: @mimiermakeup, @theamyna/TikTok
Other TikTok users have tried their hand – literally – at this hack with impressive results. @mimiermakeup’s jaw dropped when she realised how easy this hack proved to be.
When she used the “finger eyeliner” method on her right eye, the wing turned out perfect, whereas she needed to blend out her eyeliner a little when she performed it on her left side.
@theamyna also followed suit, only she dabbed some concealer onto a small brush and touched up the underside of the smudged wing when she was done. The result was an extra-crisp and lifted wing look.
@theamyna Using your finger to apply eyeliner seriously works 🤯 thank you @bexcxmpbell for the hack 🔥 #fyp #makeuphack
The “finger eyeliner” alternative hack
Make a dot at the corner of your eye instead of on your finger. Photo source:@aideenkatemua, @roni4444ka/TikTok
If you’re having trouble with the original finger eyeliner hack, Bex has also shared an alternative method that might just do the trick.
Instead of drawing the large dot on her finger, she used her eyeliner pencil to create a dot on the outermost corner of her eye, at the same spot. Then, she used her finger to smudge the eyeliner outwards and upwards, as she did before. Again, a Kardashian-worthy winged eyeliner.
@aideenkatemua #stitch with @Bex omgggggg! I used @True Beauty by AK liner duo in black & brown #makeuptips #makeuphack #eyelinerhack
Makeup artist @roni4444ka put her own twist on the hack, outlining the outer corners of her eyes with pencil eyeliner before using the nail on her pinky finger to pull the eyeliner wing out. A slimmer, crisper wing emerges – but, best be careful not to scratch your skin during the process!
@roni4444ka my fave eyeliner hack 💗 pencil – @maybelline tattoo liner #makeuphacks #makeuptutorial #eyelinerhack #fypシ
Best eyeliner pencils for TikTok’s airbrushed wing hack
Sephora Collection 12H Colorful Contour Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
Bex’s “finger eyeliner” hack doesn’t just work with typical black or brown pencil eyeliners, but also with coloured pencils too.
Sephora Collection’s 12H Colorful Contour Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner is known for its wide range of shades and variety of finishes, including everything from matte Black Lace to glittery Fresh Mint.
You’ll spruce up your liner look in no time.
Sephora Collection 12H Colorful Contour Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner retails for RM49 on Sephora.
KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
KVD Beauty’s Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is smooth and creamy enough to be smudged when you’re trying the TikTok “finger eyeliner” hack.
Word of caution: the liner dries down quickly, so you’ll have to be fast when you’re dragging out the pencil line. Since Bex’s eyeliner hack is made to help you nail a quick eyeliner application, it should be no problem at all.
KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner retails for RM115 on Sephora.
Dior Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Show off ultra-luxe winged eyeliner with Dior’s Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil!
This eyeliner pencil is luxuriously creamy and pigmented, which makes it easy for you to smudge it out when you first apply it. After that, you can expect it to lock down on your lids and stay in place all day.
The best thing about Dior’s eyeliner pencil is that it comes with a brush. If you’re testing the alternative hack – drawing a dot at the outermost corner of your eye and then blending it out, you won’t even have to use your finger to perfect it. Just pop off the lid and use the brush instead.
Dior Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil retails for RM105 on Dior.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner
The eyeliner pencil known for being budge-proof and long-lasting, Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner will keep your airbrushed eyeliner wings looking flawless from day to night. Just be sure to blend it out quickly after you apply it for the “finger eyeliner” hack to work!
Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner retails for RM108 on Zalora.
Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil
Infused with silicones, Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil glides as smoothly as butter on the lids. Since a smokey, airbrushed eyeliner wing is what we’re aiming for with the TikTok “finger eyeliner” hack, take your time to dot and drag for 2023 runway-worthy diffused lines.
On days when you have enough time to fiddle around as you put the eyeliner pencil onto the outer corners of your eyes, you’ll also be able to secure crisp, clean lines with this perfect-staying formula.
Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Eye Pencil retails for RM140 on Sephora.
Featured image credit: @bexcxmpbell, @mimiermakeup/TikTok
Related read: 3 ways to draw eyeliner on monolids, including the Korean puppy style!
