How To Do A Butterfly Eye Makeup Look

Trying your hand at fun, out of the box makeup looks is a great way to explore your creativity and experiment with your tools and palettes. Luckily, even some of the most intricate designs, such as a trendy butterfly eye, doesn’t always need the skilled hands of a makeup artist. If you’re looking to DIY this cool makeup, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, we’re sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to recreate a gorgeous butterfly makeup look that’s equal parts striking and ethereal. 

Step 1. Prime Your Eyes 

To be sure that your eye makeup look is pigmented and long-lasting, priming your eyes is key. Blend a bit of eyeshadow primer or concealer on your eyelids and the area around your eyes where you’ll be creating the butterfly wings. 

Step 2. Create Winged Eyeliner 

To define your eyes and begin the process of creating the outline for the butterfly look, you’ll want to create winged eyeliner using a liquid liner. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner and create definition at your upper lash line. Be sure to drag the line out until it reaches the end of your eyebrows or even beyond as this will create the top of the butterfly wings. 

Step 3. Outline The Shape  

Now you’ll want to finish outlining the rest of the shape. You can sketch your outline with a soft eyeliner pencil that’s close to your skin tone in case you make mistakes. Once you’re happy with the shape, trace over it with the liquid liner. If you’re a master artist, you can skip the initial outlining step. 

Since you have the top part of the wing done, you’ll simply draw the curves of the bottom of the wing and form a point at the outer corners. Hold off on creating the veining of the inner part of the wings in order to make applying the color easier. 

Step 4. Fill In The Wings With Color 

Now that you have your butterfly wing shapes, it’s time to fill them in with color. This part is completely customizable, so pick whatever shades you like and decide whether or not you want consistent colors on both sides. Because you’re working with a small section, it’s best to fill in the color with an eyeliner pencil like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner. Not only is it richly pigmented, but the fine tip makes it easy to stay within the lines. 

Step 5. Create The Veining Detail

With your liquid eyeliner, create the intricate veining on the internal part of the wings by freehand drawing asymmetrical lines that connect the top and bottom of the wings. 

Step 6. Add Your Gems (optional) 

If you have face gems that are safe for eyes and want to take the look up a notch, add a few small gems on the outline of the butterfly wings. While this step is totally optional, adding the gems gives the look some extra dimension and shine. 

Step 7. Finish Off With Lengthening Mascara 

This butterfly makeup look wouldn't be complete without fluttery eyelashes. Top off the look by adding one to two coats of a lengthening mascara like the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara. It extends the lashes while also separating them and providing volume while avoiding clumps. 

Next: How To Create A Reverse Cat Eye

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Makeup Assistant: Crisdanil, Hair Stylist: Jasmine Burnside, Visual Designer: Hannah Packer, Supervising Producer: Jessica Thiel, Line Producer: Kaela Francesca, Digital Tech: MJ Kroeger, Model: Cierra