The 16 Best Lip Liners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Our top pick is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner
People / Paige VandeWiele
Lining the lips is about so much more than adding a pop of color to the pout, and lip liners are useful tools that can help you elevate your lip look, whether you’re going for a natural finish or a bold hue.
“Lip liners and lip pencils are tools used to add color, enhance, correct imperfections, and define with the sole purpose of perfectly framing the lips,” Yetty Bames, a makeup artist, eyebrow expert, and hair stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger salon, tells PEOPLE.
These are makeup products that can be used out of necessity to prevent lipsticks from bleeding or creasing in the edges of our pout or for self-expression and creating a fun and personalized look.
With so many different lip liners to choose from, our PEOPLE Tested team took it upon ourselves to dive in deep and find the formulas that are truly worth it. We considered 29 top formulas and spent over 460 hours testing them out in the real world — plus some lab research — to find the best lip liners.
People / Joy Kim
How We Tested Lip Liners
To find the best lip liners, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of formulas before selecting 29 products for lab and real-world testing. Over a two-week period, the team spent 8 hours testing in the lab and 464 hours testing at home and in the real world, carefully considering each formula — especially the application process, wear, texture, and pigment.
Application: When testing the lip liners, our team thoroughly examined the application process. In the lab, they made notes on how each formula applied to the lips, whether or not they were sharp enough to get an accurate application, and the removal process. While at home and testing in the real world, they considered the applicator (when applicable) and made note of the overall ease of use.
Wear: Our PEOPLE Tested team also considered the wear of each formula. During this portion of the test, we made note of how long the formulas last on the lips, whether or not they bleed or settle into any crevices, and how well they worked to definite the pout. We also made note of the removal process.
Texture: While testing, each team tester paid close attention to the lip liners’ texture and considered which options were easy to apply based on their consistency. We also made note of any instances where lip liners tugged or pulled the skin while applying and also considered how well they sharpened (when applicable).
Pigment: We also considered the pigment quality and made note of the formulas that were rich, full-bodied, and translucent, making note of their general buildability and considering which formulas helped us achieve our desired look.
At the end of the two-week period, our team carefully considered each experience to narrow down our top selections. As a result, these 16 formulas earned the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.
Best Overall Lip Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner
Pros
The smooth formula helps make the application process a breeze — it glides on effortlessly.
Even though it’s waterproof, it’s still super easy to remove at the end of the day without rubbing or tugging on your skin.
We colored our entire lips with this pencil, and it never bled or feathered (even after long wear).
The lip liner comes in over 20 different colors, making it easy to match your skin tone and lipstick hue.
Cons
It’s not the most budget-friendly option on our list but, at $25 we feel that you really get what you pay for.
After testing 29 different lip liner formulas, we can confidently say that the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner is one of the best lip liners we’ve ever tried. This formula is infused with skin-nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil to provide a smooth and easy-to-apply consistency that glides onto the pout and never dries out. It’s a waterproof formula with impressive staying power yet it’s still super easy to wipe away at the end of the day without rubbing or tugging the skin.
The Urban Decay lip liner is also smudge-proof, and when testing it out, we used it to fill in our entire pout and never experienced any bleed or feathering, even over hours of wear. It’s also easy to get a more precise outline, which is definitely half the battle when it comes to using lip liner.
While the formula isn’t the cheapest on our list, and $25 is a bit of an investment (especially if it’s not something you’ll use every day), we feel like the product boasts enough value to make this a fair price. You certainly get what you pay for with this product — and a little more.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 21 | Waterproof: Yes
Related: The 16 Best Lip Oils of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Overall Lip Liner, Less Expensive: Tower 28 OneLiner Lip Liner
Pros
It has a smooth consistency and creamy texture, making for a seamless application process.
You can get good, even coverage whether you’re more experienced with long strokes or new to lip liners and prefer shorter strokes to ensure precision.
Cons
Unlike the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner, this lip liner is only available in three colors.
If you want something that is less expensive, we are also obsessed with the Tower28 OneLiner Lip Liner, which costs $15 for a 0.04 oz. pencil. This lip liner performed exceptionally well with both in the lab and at home, and our testers raved about the seamless application, creamy texture, and smooth consistency.
The consistency makes this formula an excellent beginner-friendly lip liner, too, as some of our team concluded that its creamy nature makes it possible to get an even and precise application with very little effort. This was true while tracing the lip line in long and short strokes alike. While the formula isn’t waterproof, it still provides excellent staying power that doesn’t bleed or smudge throughout the day — even when applying just a gloss on top.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No
Best Budget Buy: Milani Color Statement Lipliner
Pros
We love the pencil tip and how easy it is to keep a pointed end for precise application.
It has a rich, full-bodied pigment that applies evenly to the pout with ease.
We were impressed with its staying power despite it not being a waterproof formula.
Cons
We wish the pencil was a little bit longer, but we think it’s a fair amount of product for the cost.
If you want something even more budget-friendly, the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner is our top pick for the best cheap lip liner. This under-$6 drugstore lip liner features a classic lip pencil design and comes in eight different shades — including several bolder options — that are easy to match with popular lipstick colors. While it’s not a waterproof formula, it is designed for long wear, and we were highly impressed by its staying power.
We loved the pencil tip and how easy it is to keep a pointed end for precise application. With just a few cranks in the sharpener, we were able to achieve a precise outline every single time. The formula also features a rich, full-body pigment that is buildable enough to customize your coverage.
If we were to change anything, we’d love to see this pencil in a longer design. Though, considering the price, we still think it’s a fair amount of product for the budget-friendly cost.
Size: Not listed | Shades: 8 | Waterproof: No
Best Luxury Buy: Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer
See at Victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Pros
The formula is enriched with peptides, which help decrease the look of fine lines over time.
It only comes in seven shades, but we found them versatile enough for a variety of lipstick colors.
Since it’s a waterproof formula, you can get away with wearing this all day without it budging.
Cons
Since it is a more luxury option, we wish it came with a sharpener to keep your pencil tip in a pointy shape.
Victoria Beckham is no stranger to lip liner, and it’s clear that she knew what she was doing when formulating the Lip Definer. If you’re into luxury makeup and want a lip liner worth investing in, this one is absolutely it. The formula is enriched with peptides, which can help decrease the look of fine lines over time, making this a nice touch of skincare and makeup all wrapped up into one classic lip pencil.
Although the lip liner only comes in seven shades, they’re all versatile enough to match with a variety of lipstick colors. We love that they have a rich yet buildable pigment that allows you to achieve a more natural look or something a little more eye-catching (like the lined lip look of the '90s). And, since it’s a waterproof formula, it has enough long wear to last all day long without feathering, bleeding, or smudging.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 7 | Waterproof: Yes
Best Lip Liner for Precise Application: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner
Pros
With this lip liner, it’s easy to achieve a more uniform-looking finish that doesn’t feather or bleed.
The matte application reduces shine but doesn’t ever make lips feel dry or flaky.
It has a smooth and waxy texture that is easy to apply and achieves a more precise outline.
Cons
This lip liner has a deep and intense pigment so, if you’re wanting something a little more natural-looking, this one probably isn’t the best option for your preferences.
Texture can play a significant role in overall ease of use — and we were so impressed by the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner consistency. This formula comes in 22 different shades, making it easy to find a hue that matches your lipstick color, and a smooth and waxy texture that is easy to apply and achieve a precise outline.
In addition to its texture, we were impressed by its mattifying finish. Thanks to its waxy texture, this lip pencil helps reduce the look of shine without drying the lips or looking flaky. It also provides a more uniform-looking finish that doesn’t feather or bleed.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner does have a deeper, more intense pigment. While we loved this feature, it’s worth noting that it’s hard to achieve a more natural-looking finish as a result. For something a little more buildable, consider the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner.
Size: 0.053 oz. | Shades: 22 | Waterproof: No
The Viral Lip Liner: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
Pros
This formula features incredibly rich and full-bodied pigment that is still buildable enough for a customized look.
It has a smooth and soft texture that helps achieve an even outline without drying the pout.
It comes in 22 different shades for easy color-matching.
Cons
We honestly wouldn’t change anything!
We aren’t surprised that the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner has gained viral popularity on social media. This waterproof liner is infused with jojoba oil, providing the lips with some skincare benefits while also adding rich pigment to the pout. It has a smooth and soft texture that helps achieve an even outline and mattifying finish without drying the lips.
The liner comes in a classic pencil format that allows you to sharpen it to maintain a pointed tip for better accuracy. Better yet, the tip keeps its shape over many uses, so you don’t actually have to sharpen it that often (meaning, the pencil lasts a long time). When testing this formula, we tried the Iconic Nude shade and were impressed by its rich pigmentation that still appears more natural-looking on the lips.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 22 | Waterproof: Yes
Best Twistable Lip Liner: Juvia’s Place Luxe Lip Liner
Pros
The lip liner has excellent depth and provides a rich and deep pop of color.
You only need one pass to achieve the desired look.
This is one of the creamiest liners we have ever tried.
Cons
We wish this lip liner had a built-in sharpener to maintain the pointed tip.
The Juvia’s Place Luxe Lip Liner is our top pick for the best twistable lip liner, as its packaging makes it super easy to use without the fuss of pencil shavings. Apart from that, we also love this lip liner for its excellent depth and how it provides the pout with a rich and deep pop of color. You also don’t need a ton of formula to get a desired look — just one pass across the pout is enough for good coverage.
Consistency-wise, this lip liner is one of the creamiest formulas we’ve ever tried, and we love how easy and beginner-friendly the application process is. It also never bleeds or feathers around the edge of the lips and fills the crevices well to create a nice foundation.
As much as we love this formula and found it easy to use, we wish it came with a built-in sharpener to help maintain the pointed integrity of the tip. The twist-up design makes it easy to reveal more product without the hassle of pencil shavings, but over time, the tip can flatten out, making application a little tricky for beginners.
Size: Not listed | Shades: 9 | Waterproof: No
Best Shade Range: MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil
Pros
This Mac lip pencil comes in 28 different shades, including an extensive nude range.
Since it’s a classic pencil design, you can easily maintain a pointed tip for better precision.
The lip liner has a rich and lustrous pigment.
Cons
The formula is a little dry at first — similar to more traditional pencil formulas — which can make application challenging if you’re new to lining your lips.
The Mac Lip Pencil is our top pick for the best shade range category because it includes 28 different hues, including an impressive line-up of nudes. In addition to its colors, this lip liner features a classic pencil design, so you can easily sharpen it between uses to maintain a pointed tip for better precision. It also has a rich and lustrous pigmentation that provides the pout with a good foundation for lipstick application.
With that said, it’s worth mentioning that this is very much a classic formula, and therefore tends to feel a little dry at first. This can make the application process a little challenging, especially if you’re new to lining your lips. If you have some experience and are looking for the best nude lip liner, the Mac Lip Pencil is absolutely it. If you want something a bit more beginner-friendly, consider the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner instead.
Size: 0.05 oz. | Shades: 28 | Waterproof: No
Best Shade Range, Less Expensive: Colourpop Lippie Pencil
Pros
This lip liner has a crayon-like consistency that makes it easy to apply to the pout.
Even though the tip is a little thicker compared to more traditional formulas, it’s still easy to get a precise application.
Cons
There's not much we didn't love about this lip liner!
If you're shopping for value, we also recommend going with the Colourpop Lippie Pencil, which comes in an impressive range of 42 different shades. The crayon-like consistency makes the application process super easy and gives the liner a little more versatility compared to traditional pencils.
Texture-wise, these lip liners have a creamy and waxy formula that allows them to glide evenly across the pout without a ton of practice. In addition to the super easy application process, they also provide a nice layer that actually fills in some of the crevices on the lips and creates a more uniform look.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 42 | Waterproof: No
Best Matte Formula: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
Pros
The lip liner has a waxy matte finish that glides easily across the lips and fills in crevices for a more uniform application.
It comes with a brush tip that you can use to blur and blend lines as needed.
It also comes with a sharpener to keep the tip nice and pointy.
Cons
During application, the lip liner pulls at the lips a little bit, but it’s nothing too concerning.
The Make Up by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil is another formula we’re impressed by, and we particularly love it for its waxy matte finish. This lip liner glides across the lips easily — there is a slight pull, but nothing too concerning — and fills in crevices for a more uniform application. It feels firm on the pout and stays in place without bleeding, feathering, or making the lips feel too dry.
We also love that this lip liner comes with a brush tip that you can use to switch up your lip liner style and blur or blend as needed. On top of that, the liner also features a sharpener to help keep the tip nice and pointy for a more precise application.
Size: 0.049 oz. | Shades: 23 | Waterproof: No
Best Drugstore Buy: Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner
Pros
You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to get a highly-pigmented application.
It’s very easy to remove — all you need are a few swipes of a makeup remover wipe.
It works exceptionally well at coloring in the lips.
Cons
The tip loses its pointy silhouette over time.
For a top drugstore option, consider the Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner. This formula has a lightweight matte finish that glides across the lips with ease. We love it because you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to get a highly-pigmented application, and it works exceptionally well at filling in the lips.
The Maybelline lip liner also has a creamy consistency that fills in the crevices and helps enhance the look of lips without a super harsh line. In addition to its application, the lip liner is also super easy to remove and only requires a couple of swipes of a makeup remover wipe.
Size: 0.01 oz. | Shades: 20 | Waterproof: No
Best Long-Lasting Formula: Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil
Pros
The formula has a soft, buttery texture that glides across the lips with ease.
It comes in 23 different shades, so it’s easy to find an option that complements your lipstick and/or natural lips.
Even though it’s not a waterproof formula, it has incredible staying power and doesn’t budge throughout the day.
Cons
While we appreciate that it comes with a sharpener, that feels a little excessive. We wish you could opt out of the sharpener when buying more than one color.
After testing several formulas — including lots of waterproof options — we are blown away by the staying power of the Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil. This lightweight lip liner features a creamy gel consistency that blends well and makes it easy to get a precise application. Despite not technically being waterproof, it's long-lasting and doesn’t smear, smudge, bleed, or transfer. While it does have a matte finish, the lip liner provides the pout with some comfortable hydration, too, so you don’t experience that semi-uncomfortable, tight, dry feeling that some mattifying formulas have.
This is ultra-particular, but if we could change one thing, we’d make the included sharpener an optional addition. The lip liner comes with a sharpener, which is awesome and so helpful, but if you buy more than one shade, you end up with just as many sharpeners, which feels excessive. We wish you could opt out of the included sharpener to reduce waste.
Size: Not listed | Shades: 23 | Waterproof: No
Best Everyday Lip Liner: Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
Pros
The twist-up design makes it easy and convenient for everyday use.
It has a balm-like consistency that makes the application process super easy.
The pigment lasts all day long without smudging, smearing, or bleeding.
Cons
We wish there were a way to sharpen the tip to keep its pointy integrity.
The best lip liner for everyday wear is the Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner. This formula comes conveniently packaged in a twist-up tube design that makes application easy enough for everyday use. It also has a balm-like consistency that glides evenly across the pout and a rich pigment that lasts all day long without smudging, smearing, or bleeding.
While testing this formula, we also liked that the shades have more of a natural feel, so you can use them to enhance the pout even while wearing your favorite lip gloss. The creamy consistency also makes it easy to customize your coverage, depending on how much of a stark line you wish to create.
Since it has a twist-up design, the tip doesn’t stay pointy after a few uses. This isn’t a deal-breaker for us, but we do wish there were a way to sharpen it between uses to keep its integrity and make it easier to get more definition in our lines.
Size: 0.014 | Shades: 10 | Waterproof: Yes
Related: The 20 Best Lip Balms of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Formula for Dry Lips: Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip Liner
Pros
Despite its twist-up design, the tip stays pointy even after two weeks of regular use.
It has a velvet matte finish that keeps the lips comfortable and hydrated without a tightening sensation.
It’s formulated with marajuca and hyaluronic acid for added nourishment.
It has a built-in sharpener to keep its pointy tip.
Cons
We wouldn’t change a thing!
If you have dry lips, we recommend trying the Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip Liner, which is infused with marajuca (hence the name) and hyaluronic acid to provide the pout with a burst of nourishment. In addition to its hydrating formula, this lip liner features a convenient twist-up design with a tip that stays pointy even after two weeks of regular use (plus, it comes with a built-in sharpener, so you never have to worry about it getting too dull).
The lip liner is matte, but it has more of a velvet finish, which helps the lips remain comfortable and hydrated without a tightening sensation. It also has rich and buildable pigment that stays well without bleeding, feathering, or transferring.
Size: 0.07 | Shades: 11 | Waterproof: No
Best Waterproof Lip Liner: Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner
Pros
The waterproof formula is long-lasting and doesn’t bleed or smudge.
The liner stays on even after eating and drinking.
It has rich pigmentation that is buildable for most custom coverage.
Cons
It has a flat tip, which takes some time to get used to.
When you need a waterproof lip liner that doesn’t budge, consider trying the Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner. This lip liner features a long-lasting formula that doesn’t bleed, smudge, or transfer. We tested it while eating and drinking and found that, while our lipstick rubbed off and needed a reapplication, our lip liner stayed put.
The formula has a velvety smooth texture that glides onto the lips and feels comfortable enough for all-day wear. Plus, it’s enriched with jojoba wax and shea butter for added hydration. It also has rich pigmentation that you can easily build upon for more custom coverage, too.
Since the tip is flat, it takes a little bit of time to get used to, especially if you’re new to lip liners. Nonetheless, it was still a relatively easy formula to apply, and the staying power makes it a great choice for those who want something they won’t need to touch up throughout the day.
Size: 0.008 oz. | Shades: 5 | Waterproof: Yes
Best Plumping Effect: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper Plumping Liner
Pros
It has a smooth consistency that glides onto the lips with ease.
The formula features the brand’s Lip Injection Volumizing Technology to create a plumping effect.
The plumping effect lingers after removing the lip liner.
Cons
Much like the Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner, this lip liner also has a flat tip that takes some getting used to.
The Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper Plumping Liner is our top pick for those who want to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips. This Too Faced lip liner is formulated with the brand’s Lip Injection Volumizing Technology to create a plumping effect, and it definitely works. While testing this formula, we were impressed by how some plumping effects remained even after removing the liner from our lips.
In addition to its plumping benefits, this lip liner features a long-lasting, waterproof formula and has a smooth consistency that glides onto the lips with ease. It also has a rich pigmentation that allows for impressive coverage that is buildable enough to create a custom look.
Much like the Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner, this formula also features a flat tip that takes a little bit of getting used to. While we wish that the tip were pointed, we still think the formula is worth the extra effort, especially considering the benefits.
Size: 0.01 oz. | Shades: 6 | Waterproof: Yes
Related: The 7 Best Lip Plumpers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Others Lip Liners We Tried
Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner: In addition to these top picks for the best lip liners, we also tried the Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner. This lip liner is infused with skin-nourishing ingredients and has a rich and highly pigmented consistency that makes it easy to achieve a desired look as well as precise line-work. This lip liner is technically supposed to be a plumping formula (hence the name), but we didn’t notice a difference in our lips after using it. Nonetheless, if you want something with rich pigments and nourishing ingredients that are easy to use, this one is still worth a try.
Natasha Denona I Need A Rouge Lip Crayon: The Natasha Denona I Need a Rouge Lip Crayon is another excellent high-end option. This lip-lining formula is enriched with silky ester oils that help you achieve a mattifying look without drying out the pout. The lip liner also features a pointed tip that makes it easy to get a precise application without sharpening. With that said, this option is best for someone who prefers a lip-staining formula, as we found that the pigments were so strong that they left a tinge of color on our pout after removing.
People / Joy Kim
Things to Consider Before Buying Lip Liners
Skin Tone and Undertones
When shopping for lip liners, Bames says it’s important to keep your skin tone and undertones in mind to select the best shade for your complexion (similar to lipstick). “It’s best to select a color that’s one to three shades darker than your lips while pairing it with a lipstick, lipgloss, or lip stain that is one to two shades lighter than the lip liner,” she explains. “This combination makes the lips appear softly contoured while well-defined.”
Symmetry
There is a bit of a learning curve with lip liners and pencils, so it’s worth watching a few tutorials and getting some practice in, too. “It’s important to take the time to line your lips as symmetrically as possible, especially if you have uneven lips, to create the appearance of evenness,” says Bames. With this in mind, go slow and use a magnifying mirror to see the area. If you go for a pencil that requires sharpening, ensure you have that on hand, just in case.
Formula
Lip liners come in a variety of different formulas, including some that are more hydrating as well as some waterproof options. Before shopping for lip liners, consider the type of formula you might need and look for those key features in the product descriptions.
People / Joy Kim
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lip liners are the best?
Our top pick for the best lip liner is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner. This lip liner has a smooth formula that creates an effortless application process with impressive staying power. And, even though it’s waterproof, the formula is super easy to remove at the end of the day without staining the pout or tugging on the skin.
We also love the Tower28 OneLiner Lip Liner for its smooth consistency and creamy texture that makes the application process a total breeze. This lip liner is also great for beginners as you can easily achieve even coverage and a seamless line, even if you use shorter strokes when applying.
For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend trying the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner, which costs less than $6 and has a rich, full-bodied pigment that applies evenly to the pout with ease. The Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip Liner is also an excellent choice if you have dry lips and are looking for a formula with nourishing skincare ingredients that support long-lasting moisture. The Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner is another one of our top picks for its impressive waterproof formula, which stays put after long wear.
What lip liners stay on?
Our top pick for the best long-lasting lip liner is the Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil. This lip liner is rich and buildable with a smooth consistency that goes onto the lips like butter. We also have several incredible waterproof lip liners on our list, including the Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner, and Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner. Since they are waterproof, these formulas are designed to last a long time without smearing or smudging and are great choices for those wanting a more sweat-proof formula in humid climates.
What lip liners don’t need sharpening?
After testing 29 formulas, we found several top picks for lip liners that don’t need sharpening, including Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper Plumping Liner, Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner, Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip Liner, Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner, Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil, Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner, and Juvia's Place Luxe Lip Liner. These lip liners all feature designs that allow you to line the lips sans sharpener.
What is the purpose of lip liners/lining lips?
According to Bames, the benefits of using lip liner include defining and framing the lips, enhancing the lips, and correcting imperfections. You can also use them to add some color to your lips, with or without following up with a lipstick.
Some people use lip liner to overline their lips, which can create the illusion of a fuller pout without the use of injectables or implants. This can be achieved by adding lip liner to the outside edge of your cupid’s bow and tracing the natural lips with lip liner before finishing off the look with a swipe of lipstick.
What is the difference between lip pencil and lip liner?
Lip pencils and lip liners are used interchangeably when referring to makeup formulas that can be used to outline the pout. However, there is technically a difference between the two. Bames says that lip pencils are the products that come in pencil form and require a sharpener. “Lip pencils are firm, point, and deeply pigmented — this allows the lip pencil to create sharper and more defined edges around the lips,” she explains.
Lip liners don’t usually require the use of a sharpener and instead come in a retractable form that you twist up to reveal more product and down to store. According to Bames, they’re usually smoother in texture and can actually be used to line the entire lip — either as a pre-gloss or lipstick stain or the final look — similar to lipstick.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best lip liners, Jessie thoroughly reviewed each PEOPLE Tested team member’s experience to get an idea of the formulas’ application, quality, pigment, and wear. She also considered which products have additional perks like more hydrating ingredients and waterproof formulas. From there, Jessie connected with makeup artist Yetty Bames to learn more about what to look for in top formulas and answer some of our most pressing questions about the benefits of lining the lips, and the difference between lip pencil and lip liner. After thoroughly vetting the PEOPLE Tested team’s experiences and considering Bames’ insight, Jessie curated this list of the best lip liners.
Meet Our Expert
Yetty Bames is a makeup artist, eyebrow expert, and hair stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger salon.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
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