The cat eye has long held its place as a beauty classic, but its latest iteration is taking a softer approach. Meet the ghost wing, a diffused take on traditional cat-eye liner. It swaps the crisp, graphic flick for a more subtle, smudged finish. The shape still gives the eyes that signature lifted effect, but the softer edges make it feel a little more relaxed and modern. There’s also less pressure to get every line perfectly precise, which makes the look way easier to recreate. Consider it a fresh way to revisit a makeup staple without changing your entire routine. Ahead, we’re breaking down how to master the ghost wing and get the look just right.
Prep
One of the best things about the ghost wing is its versatility. It works beautifully with both matte and dewy complexions. Once you’re ready to move on to the eyes, start by grooming your brows and lightly filling in any sparse areas. A softly defined brow helps establish that lifted, youthful effect before you even reach for your liner. Next, add some warmth to the lids with a soft brown eyeshadow. If you want a little more drama, sweep a deeper shade into the crease, then blend until the edges are nice and diffused.
Ghost Wing
Now for the main event. Grab a creamy brown eyeliner pencil and trace along the upper lash line, keeping the pigment as close to the lashes as possible and concentrating most of the product toward the outer corner. Using a small angled brush, smudge and diffuse the liner outward, extending it into a soft cat-eye shape. The goal is for the wing to look like a natural extension of your lash line and not a perfectly drawn-on shape. Finish by curling your lashes and applying mascara, focusing the bulk of the product on the outer corners to emphasize that elongated, lifted effect.
Consider the ghost wing your low-maintenance answer to the classic cat eye.
Susan is an experienced fashion and beauty writer with a knack for sharing insider tips and tricks. With a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for all things style-related, she is here to guide you on your fashion and beauty journey. Susan has attended several fashion weeks and gained a behind-the-scenes look at countless beauty teams, witnessing the magic that happens both on and off the runway. Having collaborated with top beauty brands and ghostwriting for renowned influencers, there's no doubt she has valuable insights into the exclusive world of fashion and beauty. Susan's distinctive voice combines an editorial edge with a conversational and lighthearted tone, making her advice accessible and enjoyable. She understands that fashion and beauty are about self-expression and feeling confident in your own skin so she is committed to empowering you to embrace your own aesthetic and enhance your inner beauty. Tune into her musings to stay up to date on the latest fashion obsessions, discover beauty secrets, and obtain expert advice that will make you feel like a superstar on the daily. Whether you're seeking fashion-forward tips, the perfect skincare routine, or a dose of style inspiration, Susan has you covered. Get ready to decode the hottest trends and uncover game-changing products with her guidance.
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Photo via @melissa.hurkman
