While grossly underrated, a lip liner is one of the best additions you can make to your makeup kit! While your go-to lipstick will just spruce up the color of your lips, the best lip liners can help you achieve a variety of looks and styles. 

Just like lipsticks, lip liners come in various shades that can complement or match your lipstick color. This versatility allows you to experiment with different lip looks, create ombre effects, or blend different shades together. You can create lip shapes that have been trendy over the decades — cupid’s bow, downward-turned pouts and the cult-favorite “overlined lips” with your lip liner — they give you the freedom to customize and play with your lip color to achieve desired results.

Lip liner pencils provide a base for your lipstick, helping it adhere better and last longer. By filling in your lips with a lip liner before applying lipstick, you create a smooth and even canvas for the color, preventing it from feathering or bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth. Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, who is an experienced cosmetologist, shares, “A lip liner adheres to your lips better than lipstick because it contains very little oil. (Besides), lip liners can make your lips look 3D if you use a much darker color than your lipstick to shape your lips”. Further, a lot of people don’t have lips that are naturally lined very well, and using one can make a monumental difference to their appearance.

We will dive into the world of lip liners and explore some of the best products on the market. So, grab your favorite shade of lipstick, and let's get started!

• 1
  Best OVERALL

  HAUS LABORATORIES By Lady Gaga: RIP LIP LINER

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Lay your trust in Lady Gaga and you won’t be disappointed. The global icon launched her own makeup brand Haus Labs and has released one of the best lip liners ever. The RIP Lip Liner is a soft brown color that perfectly blends into every skin type. Whether you’re opting for red lipstick or a lip gloss, this beautiful color instantly adds definition to your lips. You can even use the lip liner as a lipstick and dab on some gloss for an extra sheen.

2

Best for Chapped Lips

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP LIP PENCIL - Ever

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You can experience the difference this creamy lip liner from NYX can make as it is designed to glide on smoothly and effortlessly, providing impeccable precision for a flawless finish. Its rich formula is infused with nourishing ingredients, which ensures your lips stay hydrated and look beautiful all day long. 

With a wide range of shades to choose from, you can find the perfect match for any lip color. This highly pigmented and long-lasting lip pencil is a must-have in any makeup collection. 

3

Most Versatile

Italia Deluxe Ultra Fine Lip Liner set - Pack of 12

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This set by Italia Deluxe features six ultra-fine, smooth and pigmented pencil lip liners that deliver precise application. Each item consists of a creamy formula that is ideal for defining and enhancing your natural lip shape. The set includes shades that complement all skin tones and can be worn alone or paired with your favorite lipstick. 

Whether you're looking for a natural, nude look or a bold pop of color, the Italia Deluxe Ultra Fine Lip Liner set has got you covered.

4

Best Shade Range

REVLON COLORSTAY Lip Liner-670 Wine

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You can achieve the flawless lips you've always wanted with this twist-up lip liner by Revlon that is designed to enhance and define your lips, ensuring that your lipstick stays in place for hours. With its long-lasting formula, this lip liner prevents your lipstick from feathering or bleeding, giving you a finish that lasts all day. 

Lastly, the REVLON COLORSTAY Lip Liner comes in a variety of shades to match any lipstick color, making it the ultimate tool for achieving the perfect pout.

5

Best for Gifting

BestLand MATTE LIQUID LIP-LINER SET - 6 Pairs, 12 Pieces

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This lip liner set is the ultimate lip color for a bold and long-lasting look. These lip liners glide on smoothly, providing full coverage that stays put for hours without smudging or fading. Their matte finish gives your lips a velvety texture that is both comfortable and on-trend. 

The high-pigment formula ensures that your lips stay vibrant and bold, while the nourishing ingredients keep them hydrated and moisturized. You may be looking for a classic red or a trendy nude — BestLand has a shade for every occasion. 

6

Best Pigmentation

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK COLOR sensational SHAPING LIP LINER- Nude Pink

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Use this lip liner from MAYBELLINE NEW YORK to overline your lips and give it a fuller appearance. Designed to effortlessly shape and define your lips, giving you a flawless, long-lasting pout that stays put all day. With a range of shades to choose from, you can easily match it with your favorite lipstick or wear it alone for a natural, polished look. 

The smooth formula glides onto lips, making it easy to apply without tugging onto your lips, while the highly pigmented color ensures a bold, vibrant finish. 

7

Best Non-drying Formula

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner - Beyond Pink

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This lip liner provides precise and smooth application, allowing you to define and enhance the natural shape of your lips. The creamy formula is infused with nourishing ingredients that keep your lips moisturized and prevent feathering and bleeding. 

The shade Beyond Pink is a beautiful color that blends with and complements a wide range of lipsticks and glosses, making it aa go-to lip-liner for all occasions. Whether you're going for a bold or natural look, this lip liner by L'Oreal Paris is an essential tool to achieve a flawless finish.

8

HAUS LABORATORIES By Lady Gaga: RIP LIP LINER - Slayer

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You can define and shape your lips with precision with this long-wear lip liner byHAUS LABORATORIES. This innovative lip liner is designed to help you create a flawless, defined lip look that lasts all day. With its creamy, highly-pigmented formula, it effortlessly glides onto your lips, creating clean and precise lines that won't smudge or feather. 

Available in a range of bold and beautiful shades, this lip liner complements any skin tone and pairs perfectly with any lipstick or gloss. 

9

Rimmel LASTING FINISH LIP LINER - Undergroun

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This lip liner from Rimmel will define and enhance the natural shape of your lips, while also providing a smooth and precise application. With its rich and creamy formula, this lip liner glides on effortlessly and stays put for up to 8 hours, ensuring that your lipstick stays in place all day long. You can create a subtle and natural finish or a dramatic look and this lip liner has got you covered. 

10

Best for Special Occasions

Nabi LIP LINER PENCILS

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Available in a variety of shades these lip liner pencils by Nabi are perfect for any skin tone or lipstick color. The smooth and creamy formula glides on effortlessly and provides long-lasting wear that won't smudge or fade. Designed with a retractable feature, these lip liner pencils eliminate the need for sharpeners, making them easy to use and convenient for on-the-go touch-ups. The slim and sleek design of the pencil also makes it easy to handle and control, allowing for precise application every time. 

11

Most Multi-functional

DC-BEAUTIFUL Stereoscopic - Style

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DC-Beautiful lipliner is the ultimate solution for achieving perfectly defined lips as this set includes 12 rich and versatile colors that can be used alone or combined with your favorite lipstick to give your lips a fuller, more defined look. 

These lip liner pencils are easy to apply and provide a smooth, creamy texture to your lips. Also, they glide on quite effortlessly! The highly pigmented formula ensures that the color lasts all day without smudging or fading. It is perfect for makeup enthusiasts who want to create a variety of looks, from bold and dramatic to subtle and natural.

12

Most Affordable

wet n wild perfectpout GEL LIP LINER - Red The Scene

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This lip liner from Wet n Wild comes in a gel formula that can be applied onto your lips easily, ensuring precise and smooth application every time. Its ultra-pigmented color ensures that your lips are accentuated with bold, long-lasting color that stays put all day. 

Available in a range of gorgeous shades, this lip liner is perfect for any occasion — from everyday wear to special events. Whether you're looking to define, shape, or fill in your lips, this product is the perfect addition to your makeup collection.

13

RUBY KISSES AUTO LIP LINER - Dark Brown

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Featuring a retractable design, this dark brown lip liner by Ruby Kisses makes  it easy to apply and carry with you wherever you go. It glides smoothly onto your lips, providing a precise and long-lasting finish that won't smudge or fade throughout the day. 

With its automatic twist-up design, you can easily control the amount of product you apply, while the fine tip allows for precise application. Available in a variety of rich, highly pigmented shades, this lip liner is the perfect complement to any lipstick or lip gloss.

14

e.l.f. LOVE TRIANGLE LIP FILLER LINER - Soft Pink

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This pencil lip liner from e.l.f. will give you precision and accuracy for a flawless application. It features a unique triangular shape that effortlessly glides across your lips, giving you precise and even application every time. 

The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil, which help to hydrate and moisturize your lips while providing long-lasting wear. It is available in a range of gorgeous shades, so you can find the perfect match for your skin tone and personal style. 

15

SORME TREATMENT COSMETICS SMEARPROOF LIPLINER- Decaf

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With the long-lasting formula of this lip liner by Sorme, you won't have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day or night. This lip liner is designed to glide on smoothly and define your lips with precision, providing a flawless look that lasts for hours. Whether you're heading to work, a night out with friends, or a special occasion, this pencil lip-liner will keep your lips looking fabulous and perfectly defined. 

It's available in a range of shades to match your favourite lip colours, so you can create the perfect pout every time. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to carry in your purse or makeup bag for on-the-go touch-ups.

16

URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON LIP PENCIL- Venom (Rich Plum)

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You can create endless lip looks that are sure to turn heads as this long-lasting lip pencil glides on smoothly and provides a rich, creamy texture — perfect for defining and enhancing your lips. The formula is waterproof and transfer-resistant, ensuring that your lip color stays put all day without smudging or fading. 

This lip pencil comes in a wide range of shades that are designed to complement any skin tone, from bold and bright to soft and subtle. With its easy-to-use design and long-lasting formula, it is a must-have for any beauty enthusiast looking to create a statement look.

Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best lip liners, let us see the following buying guide and steps to use to shop wisely and make the best of the product.

Here is a guide to help you choose the best lip liner for you!

Lip Shape: The first step in choosing a lip liner is to determine your lip shape. Different lip shapes require different techniques to enhance and define them. For example, if you have thin lips, you might want to choose a lip liner that is slightly darker than your natural lip color to create the illusion of a fuller pout. If you have full lips, a neutral-toned lip liner will help define your lips without overpowering them.

Skin Tone: Your skin tone is another important factor to consider when choosing a lip liner. If you have fair skin, you might want to choose a lip liner with frosty colors and soft pink undertones. For medium skin tones, corals, reds, brown nudes and berry shades work well. Darker skin tones can pull off deeper shades like burgundy and plum.

Shade: Choosing the right shade of lip liner is essential to achieve the desired look. If you want a natural look, choose a shade that's similar to your natural lip color. If you're going for a bold look, choose a lip liner that's darker than the shade of your lipstick. You can also choose a lip liner that's the same color as your lipstick, which will create a more seamless look.

Formula: Lip liners come in various formulas, including pencil, gel, and liquid. Pencil liners are the most common and easiest to use. They are also very versatile and can be used to fill in the lips as well as outline them. Gel liners are great for creating a precise outline, and they tend to be long-lasting. Liquid liners are best for creating a bold, dramatic look.

Texture: Texture is another essential factor to consider when choosing a lip liner. If you have dry or chapped lips, you may want to choose a creamy, moisturizing lip liner. If you have oily skin, you may want to choose a matte lip liner, which will help to control shine. If you're looking for a long-lasting lip liner, choose one that's waterproof or smudge-proof.

With these factors in mind, you're sure to find the best lip liner to complete your makeup look.

Conclusion:

A lip liner is an essential tool for anyone looking to achieve a flawless lip look. Whether you're aiming to define your natural lip shape or create a bold, statement lip, the best lip liner can make all the difference. By choosing a high-quality formula and following some simple application tips, you can ensure that your lip liner stays in place all day and helps you achieve the perfect pout. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and finishes to find your perfect match, and enjoy the confidence boost that comes with a perfectly lined lip.

Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles