Winged Liner: It's Evolution, and a Deep Dive into the Iconic Look

From Cleopatra to Audrey Hepburn to Taylor Swift, winged liner lives on forever.

The iconic, effortless winged liner is a staple in makeup culture, evolving with every makeup fad and trend. The cateye look has been around for centuries, with a deep-rooted history dating back millennia. Winged liner is truly timeless— a staple in culture, an essential part of the world of beauty, and a key inspiration behind eye makeup as a whole.

Eyeliner dates back to ancient Egypt, but under a different alias: kohl. Made from ingredients like malachite, iron, and even lead, kohl served many purposes: from protecting ancient Egypt’s eyes from the blinding sun to warding off evil spirits and sickness. 

During this period, eyeliner was worn by both men and women, the rich and the poor. It knew no bounds. Not only was it decorative, but it also had practical and spiritual purposes.

Eye makeup was a shield, protecting these women through their daily rituals and building their confidence, both spiritually and through the enhancement of their beauty. These lines represented to them the divine gaze, being visible in both the physical and spiritual world. Putting on eyeliner was a sacred ritual. 

Though our reasons for wearing winged liner have evolved, our inspiration is still clear as day: the beautiful, sweeping lines that our ancestors wore with pride. 

Eyeliner was phased out with the conquest of Egypt by Greece, and later by Rome, as their rulers’ influence altered what beauty and makeup looked like during that time. Any cosmetics used were minimal, with liner being phased out. 

Eyeliner remained a symbol of the past until the early 20th century, when the rise of Hollywood’s silent film era brought back the dramatic look. 

Actresses like Theda Bara and Clara Bow brought back bold eye looks with an air of mystery and sensuality. This resurgence was, in part, due to the lack of camera quality during that time: the exaggerated eye showed up well in film. 

Women were taking their place in the spotlight slowly but surely, and dramatic makeup served as a tool of self-expression and power. 

Shifting into the 50s and 60s, we saw women like Audrey Hepburn and Bridgette Bardot popularize the look as a symbol of femininity. A dainty wing was classic and sophisticated, defining glamour in the world of makeup. 

The look persisted but evolved into a more power-oriented symbol with the rise of punk from the 70s to the 90s. It was a mascot for the rebellion; the grungey, raw wing being an expression of emotion and attitude. Artists like Courtney Love and her imperfect wing became an inspiration for many during this time, and forever symbolized themselves as icons. 

The flame has been slightly dimmed on the dramatic wing in recent years. This can be attributed to the rise of clean-girl makeup and grunge becoming a more niche style. A classic cat eye wing has been deemed "cheugy" by many. Given its edgy feel from the 80s and 90s, it’s to be expected that it would phase out as minimalist makeup became more popular. 

The modern wing lives on in many different forms. 

Winged liner is the subject of constant reinvention—neon colors, graphic liners, creative liners, the list goes on. It is a staple in the world of beauty, with origins that have stood the test of time. It will never go out of style. From its practical uses in ancient Egypt to its current role as a creative outlet, the wing is iconic and will forever be a statement piece.