Ghost Wing Eyeliner: How to Do the Soft, Smudged Cat-Eye

Makeup artist Melissa Hurkman describes the effect in ELLE's ghost-wing explainer: the placement suggests a wing while the border stays diffused. The look sits between a bare lash line and a crisp cat-eye. It also fits the softer eye looks in our fall makeup guide.

1. Sketch the outer third. Press a creamy brown pencil close to your upper lashes, concentrating on the outside. Leave the inner corner nearly bare.
2. Smudge out and slightly up. Use a tiny angled brush to pull the color toward the end of your brow. Work in short strokes; you can always add more.
3. Blur the border. Tap a clean brush over the top edge until it looks like a shadow, not a drawn-on line. Keep the lift visible when your eyes are open.
4. Finish with mascara. Place a little extra emphasis on the outer lashes. If the wing becomes too dark, soften it with a clean brush rather than starting over.

This is adapted from Hurkman's method in ELLE. There is no need to line your waterline. If you want a defined line instead, see our classic winged-liner tricks.

No pencil? Pick a matte taupe or soft brown shadow and a small angled brush. Press the shadow into the outer upper lash line, then sweep the remaining color slightly up and out. Build in thin layers. A soft edge is the point, so this version is particularly forgiving if your hands are shaky. Pair it with latte makeup for an all-over warm-neutral look.

These are editor's technique tips, not rules. Try the placement with your eyes open and adjust the width until the color shows where you want it.

The two images below show finished looks on different eye shapes; they are illustrations of placement, not a promise that one shape works for everyone.

For a subtler result, use taupe; for more contrast, try chocolate brown. A muted burgundy liner gives the same technique a different mood.

What is ghost wing eyeliner?

It is a diffused cat-eye concentrated on the outer upper lashes. The lift is visible, but the line has no hard edge.

How do you make a smudged cat-eye?

Place brown pencil or matte shadow close to the outer upper lashes and blend it outward and slightly upward with a small brush.

Can you use eyeshadow instead of eyeliner?

Yes. A matte taupe or brown shadow and an angled brush make a soft wing with more room for adjustment.

Can hooded eyes wear a ghost wing?

Yes. Map the shape while looking forward so you can see the smudge with your eyes open; adjust its height for your own lid.