Even for individuals with steady hands and a lot of experience, perfect winged eyeliner, or "arrows," can be difficult to achieve. This is where stencils come into play, providing an easy way to quickly and easily create symmetrical, sharp lines.
Beginners and those looking to cut down on makeup application time will find stencils to be an invaluable tool. You can use a stencil to create perfect arrows that accentuate your eyes and finish your look in a few simple steps.
We’ll walk you through the arrow stenciling process in this post so you can consistently create flawless wings. Stencils can be a big help when applying makeup for special occasions or just to liven up your regular looks.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Prepare the eyelid by applying primer or foundation. |
| 2 | Place the stencil along the lash line where you want the arrow to be. |
| 3 | Fill in the stencil with eyeliner, starting from the inner corner. |
| 4 | Remove the stencil carefully, making sure the line is smooth. |
| 5 | Make any necessary touch-ups to perfect the arrow. |
Why do you need a stencil for arrows?
One cannot classify an arrow stencil as first aid. Using this extra tool to draw lines at the contour of your eyelashes makes lining your eyes much easier. Usually, it’s a tiny plastic piece or a paper sticker with cutouts in the shape of figures. After applying the stencil to the closed eye, the makeup artist starts working. The template is used to create the cat eye effect by allowing you to paint the skin of the eyelid from the lash line to the stencil’s defined boundaries.
By the way, this video contains comprehensive instructions for making "cat" arrows.
The benefit of using paper stencils/stickers is that they can be applied to the eyelid skin, allowing you to concentrate on the arrows with colored shadows (you can use multiple shades to create a gradient transition) or the standard black liner. It’s a different story with a plastic stencil: you have to hold the plate with the template and make sure it fits the skin snugly, which requires one hand to be busy. There won’t be any mobility freedom. In contrast, paper stencils are typically thrown away, while plastic stencils have a longer lifespan.
This unique tool can be used in a variety of ways. For some, it can assist with drawing arrows entirely; for others, it can help create a smooth and attractive "corner" outside in cases where manual drawing is not feasible. There are lots of options; simply move the stencil or position it at an angle to draw broad arrows rather than the typical thin lines for a striking effect. In addition, the stencils themselves are unique, featuring slits of various shapes, some of which let you create artistic arrows. Additionally, some eyeliners—like L’Oréal Paris’ Superliner Cat Eye, for instance—are available right away and come with stencils.
Applying symmetrical, accurate eyeliner can be quick and simple with the help of an arrow stencil, especially for inexperienced users. Anyone can achieve a polished, professional look without the stress of freehand drawing by following easy steps and practicing a little.
What arrows can be drawn using a stencil?
Those who enjoy graphics will benefit most from a stencil for arrows in eye makeup; soft arrows are outside of its "competence." It all comes down to how clear the given shape is. However, if you’re into cat-eye makeup, a stencil will come in handy. particularly since the outcome is not set in stone.
You can get a range of arrow types by using a stencil.
An understated, everyday accent can be created with a clean line that draws attention to the shape of the eyes and a tasteful sharpening. You can add expressiveness to your look by "lifting" the corners upward and "stretching" your eyes slightly if you extend the arrow past the outer edge. Making these kinds of arrows will be simple with Lancôme’s Liner Plume liner.
The arrows will be wider if you move the stencil a little bit away from the lash line because there will be more space for color to fill in.
Ready to enhance your makeup with this kind of detail? Proceed with the stencil nearly to the center of the eyelid. You’ll need a highly pigmented product, such as NYX Professional Makeup’s Epic Ink Liner.
You will need specific stencils for this; some examples include stencils with a zigzag tail, a bifurcated arrow at the tip, and other possible shapes. It’s common for makeup artists to draw arrows backwards.
How to use a stencil for arrows on the eyes?
Prime the skin on the eyelids to prepare it. Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion will work. The entire surface of the upper eyelids can be shaded with the base shadow shade, beige.
To draw arrows, pick out a pencil, a liquid liner, or some shadows. If you have access to a plastic tool, use it to attach the stencil to the skin. Simply adhere the paper stencil to the eyelids if it is one. In both situations, the stencil needs to be adjusted so that the shooter’s outline slots are the proper distance from the cilia edge.
Add color to the empty space inside the stencil’s slot. Make an effort to behave sensibly. But the template protects against errors and blots.
You can always refer to the training videos that makeup artists, bloggers, and other amateur beauty enthusiasts have posted if the instructions for drawing an arrow on the stencil do not have enough nuance.
How to make a stencil for shooters with your own hands?
There are good reasons to use a homemade stencil rather than a pre-made one. Though thought to be universal, beauty brand products may still not be appropriate because each person’s eyes are unique in terms of size and shape. Furthermore, you might require a particular shape, and it’s possible that the stencils that are for sale won’t have it. Well, it’s not that hard to make the right one yourself. How would one go about doing that?
For the sketch, you’ll need regular paper; for the template, you’ll need thicker paper (not cardboard), scissors, and a pencil. If you want an easy-to-use disposable stencil, you can also use adhesive paper. Get everything you’ll need ahead of time.
Draw a line with the necessary bend on a standard sheet of paper; this will serve as the foundation for additional arrows. To create a "corner" and sharpen it, attach another one to it. To ensure that the stencil meets your needs, pay attention to the width of your eyes.
After placing the sketch sheet on a thick piece of adhesive paper, cut out the stencil. It will be operational right away.
Look into what they are and how manufacturers make them easy to use to make the process of creating your own template easier. Their methods and strategies will also be useful when working independently.
Getting proficient at using a stencil to create arrows will streamline and improve the fun of your makeup routine. Stencils can assist you in consistently producing straight, even lines with a little practice.
Stencils can be an excellent addition to your cosmetics kit, whether your goal is a bold, dramatic style or a more understated everyday look. They lessen the frustration of trying to get perfect matching in both eyes and save time.
Don’t be scared to try out various stencil techniques and shapes. You’ll eventually find what suits your particular eye shape and style the best, enabling you to confidently create faultless arrows.
