Lip Liner Secrets: Why This Tiny Tool Is a Makeup Game-Changer
If you prefer a low-maintenance beauty routine, you might have dismissed lip liner as unnecessary, wondering if lipstick alone can do the job. However, lip liner is actually a secret weapon that ensures your lipstick, gloss, or tinted balm performs optimally and lasts longer. This small but powerful tool prevents lipstick from migrating or feathering at the edges, locks color in place, and helps keep lips hydrated—all with just an extra minute in your daily routine.
Makeup artist Kathy Jeung emphasized in previous coverage, "Using a lip pencil will always help lipstick stay on better." And don't worry, using lip liner doesn't mean you'll end up with an exaggerated, over-lined appearance. You can customize it to achieve exactly the look you desire.
Expert Tips for Perfect Application
According to makeup artists, applying liner after your lipstick creates a subtler effect, while using it before lipstick results in a more intense look. For a seamless blend, choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade—this will prolong wear while maintaining a natural appearance.
For extra subtlety, try tweaking the classic tissue blotting method by creating a "carpenter's pencil" with your lip liner. Keri Blair, senior artist at Mac Cosmetics, explained, "Wrap the tip of the pencil in a tissue and squeeze it into a flat tip. This gives you the best tool to hug the corners of your mouth."
Read on for makeup artists' favorite lip liners and other non-liner products to ensure flawless lipstick application. Note that the experts consulted do not necessarily endorse the products listed unless specified otherwise.
Top Lip Liner Recommendations
- Amazon: Maybelline Lip Crayon
A liner-lipstick hybrid recommended by Kathy Jeung. This versatile crayon allows you to outline, shape, and fill lips simultaneously. Jeung noted, "Depending on how lightly or heavily you apply them, you can get a sheer look or one with more coverage." Available in numerous shades with a built-in sharpener, it's priced at $10 on Amazon and $11 at Target. - Sephora: Fenty Beauty Lip Liner
Richly pigmented pencils from Rihanna's iconic brand. Known for industry-defining makeup, Fenty Beauty offers creamy, waterproof liners designed to last up to eight hours. They provide true-cast shades for all lip tones without appearing ashy, available for $22 at Sephora and Ulta. - Kylie Cosmetics Lip Liner
A controversial favorite praised for its creaminess. Exceptionally creamy and long-lasting, these liners don't skip or tug on lips, making them a foolproof option for beginners. Priced at $19 at Ulta, Nordstrom, and Kylie Cosmetics. - Amazon: Chantecaille Definer Lip Liner
Artist-recommended for a subtle look. Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis suggested the Nuance shade, a creamy matte option. She advises keeping the pencil tip slightly dull to avoid harsh lines and ensure better blending. Available for $29 at Nordstrom and Dermstore. - Ulta: Mac Cosmetics Lip Pencil
Nude pencils for natural plumpness. Gisel Calvillo, senior artist at Mac, recommends shades like Subculture (beige brown) and Stripdown (neutral pink) to subtly define lips and create the illusion of fullness. Apply softly on the lip border for added volume, priced at $25 at Ulta and Sephora. - Amazon: Mented Lip Liners
Ideal for melanated skin tones. Based on Calvillo's nude liner recommendation, Mented offers creamy, long-lasting options like Nude (deep tan) and Bare (dark chocolate brown). Each liner pairs with matching lipsticks for easy coordination, priced at $12 on Amazon. - Sephora: Tower 28 OneLiner
A multi-use liner for lips, eyes, and cheeks. This three-in-one product provides creamy, matte definition with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and marula oil. Available in six shades for $15 at Sephora, Credo Beauty, and Tower 28. - Amazon: Rimmel Moisture Renew Transparent Liner
A colorless option for all skin types. Makeup artist Kari Bauce recommends clear liners to keep makeup in place without adding color. This budget-friendly, high-performing liner applies translucent and is mistake-proof, priced at $6 on Amazon. - Ulta: Urban Decay Ozone Lip Liner
A translucent liner with moisturizing benefits. Formulated with jojoba oil and vitamin E, this creamy liner prevents feathering and smudging for up to 24 hours. Also available in 17 pigmented shades, priced at $25 at Amazon and Ulta. - Ulta: Urban Decay Multipurpose Primer Pencil
A chubby clear liner for easy application. Thicker than traditional liners, this pencil prevents feathering, prolongs lip color, and fills fine lines. It can also clean up makeup mishaps like mascara smudges. Note that a larger sharpener, such as Urban Decay's Grindhouse Double Barrel, is needed. Priced at $23 at Ulta and Sephora.
