Learning how to apply liquid eyeliner so that it looks even on both sides is a unicorn-level fantasy for most of us, but with this doable liquid eyeliner technique, symmetry is finally within reach. First tip? Never draw the wing with your eye closed. "When the eye is closed, you can't see where your skin naturally falls," says Stewart. In other words, you're guaranteed to end up with wonky, lopsided liner.

Instead, apply the wing with your eyes open, looking directly into the mirror. "Your wing should be at about a 45-degree angle, extending from your bottom lash line," says Stewart. "I like to line the handle of a brush up against my face at the angle I want the flick. It can be helpful to have a visual before drawing it on."

Once you have your angle in mind, apply the wing starting at your bottom lash line and drawing up and out. Top off the wing by taking your brush from the center point of your lid outward and filling in the tip as needed. Then use your liner to connect the inner corner of your lid back to that center point.

"Positioning yourself just right in the mirror helps," adds Stewart. "Lean your head back as you look into the mirror -- this gives you full visibility of your eyelid and moves your lashes out of the way."

Beginners learning how to apply liquid eyeliner are almost always guilty of pulling and tugging the eye during application. According to our experts, this is one of the messiest mistakes you can make. "When you pull then release, your eye bounces back and so does your eyeliner," Stewart explains. "This can create bumpiness, texture and the dreaded check mark hanging off the eye."

Instead, you want to let your brush or applicator do the work for you, says Blair. With eyes open and relaxed, anchor your elbow against the mirror in front of you and pivot with your elbow, not your hand, to draw your line in one smooth motion.

"If you're using a gel or cream eyeliner with more viscosity, press your applicator in individual motions down the eyelid," Blair advises. Think of it as baby steps toward a perfect, even line.

When learning how to apply liquid liner like a true pro, it's important not to forget the details. "Liquid eyeliners have different finishes -- glossy, shimmery and matte," explains Stewart. "Ensure that you are purchasing the right one for your look."

Matte and glossy finishes are the most traditional for cat eye effects, she says. (Try NYX Cosmetics Matte Liquid Liner, $6.99). It's also smart to choose a waterproof liner, such as Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner, $23, "to avoid all your hard work transferring into your crease or smudging throughout the day."

Don't be afraid to try a little color, either. Navy eyeliner for brown eyes, eggplant for green or hazel eyes and bronze for blue eyes tend to be the most flattering shades. (Try mark On The Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner, $10).

Learning how to apply liquid eyeliner perfectly every time is practically impossible, and eyeliner mishaps happen even to the pros. Luckily rogue lines and smudges are easy to fix.

Dip the edge of a small square brush, such as M.A.C. 239 Eye Shader Brush, $25, in a silicone-based eye cream (try Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, $21.99) and do a quick sweep to clean up your liner. The silicone-infused formula will make sure the rest of your makeup won't smudge or change, Blair says. If you end up with an asymmetrical cat eye, you can use the same technique to shape and refine the edges of each wing.