Best Lip Liners to Enhance Your Makeup Looks
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Modele Anti-Wrinkle Lip Liner -
Universal Sephora Collection Lip Liner -
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Liner -
DuWop Reverse Colorless Lip Liner -
Prestige Cosmetics Automatic Lip Liner -
BH Cosmetics Waterproof Lip Liner -
Proteove Lip Liner Pencil Set - 12 Colors Lip Pencils & Black Eyeliner Duo w/Free Pencil Sharpeners- Lip Liner -
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil Hex Long Wear Lip Liner -
SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Gel Lip Liner -
Rimmel London - Exaggerate Lip Liner -
Wet n Wild Color Icon Lipliner -
Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner -
Revlon ColorStay Liner For Lips -
e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color -
Paula's Choice Long-Lasting Lipliner Clear -
Lipstick Queen Lipliner, Invisible -
MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil -
NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil -
NYX Slim Lip Pencil -
Prestige Cosmetics Classic Lipliner -
Clinique Quickliner for Lips -
Prestige Cosmetics Automatic Lip Liner -
Palladio Precision Lip Stain -
Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner -
NYX Retractable Lip Liner -
Buyer's Guide
Lip liners are versatile cosmetic products which keep lipstick and gloss in place to prevent your lip color from smudging and traveling outside your lip area. They also define and contour your lips, helping them appear fuller and bolder. Lip liners come in a wide assortment of shades to complement and enhance your lips in addition to clear and invisible liners for a more natural look. With so many options to choose from, our best lip liners in 2022 and the buyer’s guide listed below can help you decide which lip liner is right for you.
Compare The Best Lip Liners Of 2022
Modele Anti-Wrinkle Lip Liner - Best Lip Liner Overall
The area around the lips is often one of the first places to show our age. Lips lose that full, pouty effect the older we get. This lip pencil is ideal for fighting back and reversing the signs of aging, while going undercover. The undetectable pencil fills in cracks while actually reducing fine lines and wrinkles. You will have smooth, fuller-looking lips that can wear any lip color on top. Modele prevents feathering and keeps your lip color in place. This is not just a "short-term fix" type of product. You will see an overall improved lip condition with 40 percent younger-looking lips over time.
Universal Sephora Collection Lip Liner - Runner Up
If you want a high-quality lip liner that doesn't contain parabens, Sephora's Universal Lip Liner is a great option. It works wonderfully at inconspicuously contouring your lips, preventing your lip color from traveling. Even better, this totally clear lip liner is waterproof! It also goes on smoothly and easily, keeping your lip color fresh and crisp throughout the day. Users love the versatility and performance of this Universal Lip Liner and highly recommend it.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Liner - Honorable Mention
Keep your lip color in place all day with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil. This creamy, waterproof lip liner comes in Ozone, which is clear and perfect for preventing smudges and bleeding. It glides on effortlessly and moisturizes your lips with jojoba oil, cottonseed oil, and Vitamin E. Users love the long lasting properties of this lip liner and claim it doesn't dry out sensitive lips. The only downfall is this lip pencil costs $20, which is rather expensive.
DuWop Reverse Colorless Lip Liner - Best Clear Lip Liner
DuWop contains a lot of quality, natural ingredients like macadamia nut oil, cocoa butter, black tea, and a special anti-aging mushroom. The ingredients in this pencil make for an ideal lip color application. Lines are filled in naturally, and you get a fresh and pulled-together look as a result. DuWop comes in a somewhat smaller format, so if you want precise application, this option is easy to work with. It is a bit on the moisturizing side, but is not too greasy. However, you may need to layer a few coats for best, long-wearing results.
Prestige Cosmetics Automatic Lip Liner - Best Waterproof Lip Liner
In case you've never heard of (or tried) Prestige Cosmetics, rest assured that this line rivals any popular name brand on the market in quality and performance. It costs significantly less than designer name brands and gives you the perfect size tip: not too small or too bulky. You never need a sharpener, since it automatically goes up with a slight twist. This pencil gives you phenomenally even application, and will surprise you with its long-lasting staying power. The nine color options have a shade for all in red, plum, brown, and pink tones.
BH Cosmetics Waterproof Lip Liner - Best Waterproof Lip Liner
If you're looking for an affordable matte lip liner, this one may pleasantly surprise you. Available in seven flattering shades, ranging from bright hues like Raspberry and Fuschia to subtle tones like Nude and Earth, this waterproof lip liner by BH Cosmetics outlines your lips without fading or streaking. Each stick only costs around $4, so you can experiment with multiple shades without breaking your budget. Users love how this lip liner is smudge-proof; in fact, only makeup remover can remove it! The hues are very pigmented, as well, and really complement all skin tones.
Proteove Lip Liner Pencil Set - 12 Colors Lip Pencils & Black Eyeliner Duo w/Free Pencil Sharpeners- Lip Liner - Best Waterproof Lip Liner
No matter how extreme the conditions get, this lip liner will hold on until you decide to take it off. It will never melt down; it's truly waterproof and won't kiss off. The colors are vibrant, and you have so many beautiful colors to choose from that your lipsticks just might get jealous. Absolutely any skin tone can find a few perfect color matches in shades of pink, purple, brown, tan, red, and more. This pencil glides on smooth, and has a richly-pigmented matte finish. Keep the look simple and layer a sheer gloss on top if you want to show off your perfectly defined lips.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil Hex Long Wear Lip Liner - Best Waterproof Lip Liner
For those of you who love to experiment with color, check out Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil. Choose from bright reds, soft pinks, earthy hues, and everything in between. This waterproof lip liner glides onto lips like butter and delivers crisp, clean lines that stay put. It works well for priming and defining, so you can fill in your lips or just contour them. The moisturizing vitamins and oils also leave your lips supple, never dry or cakey. Expect to pay around $20 per pencil, though, which is pricier than most lip liners.
SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Gel Lip Liner - Best Waterproof Lip Liner
Sephora Collection products are certainly one of those ideal "go-to" brands when you may not necessarily want to splurge. If you want reliability and performance at a reasonable cost, it's not asking too much to have stay-put color in an easy to use format. This pencil comes with all the bells and whistles. The retractable tip renders sharpeners useless, and features the creamy consistency of a crayon. It blends easily into lips and gives them a silky feel. The little brush on the end helps with blending and defining. The color options are so pretty in red, mauve, and bold earthy tones. These hold up when met with drinks or saliva, but may need a touch up.
Rimmel London - Exaggerate Lip Liner - Best Drugstore Lip Liner
This classically designed pencil is made to last at least eight hours. It blends in beautifully and comes in true red, plum, brown, nude, and taupe/pink shades. The color is extremely rich; even though it looks like it may be dry, this pencil glides on smoothly so you never need to worry about the pencil jabbing, tearing, or pulling your delicate lip skin. Once it’s on your lips, there's no need to worry about it kissing off onto whatever or whomever. This is great option if you love to wear red lipstick, since a lip pencil is paramount when wearing such a bold color.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Lipliner - Best Drugstore Lip Liner
If you were around in the 80’s, then you most certainly had some sort of brightly colored eye shadow from this iconic brand. Wet n Wild has evolved, and has created some quality fashion-forward colors that help rock today’s hottest looks. Give their Color Icon Lipliner a try - it will set you back a dollar or two, but is worth every penny. This one just may surprise you with how long it lasts on you and in your makeup bag. This little find allows you to afford a handful of the six different colors.
Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner - Best Drugstore Lip Liner
Available in 13 shades, Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner is another fantastic drugstore lip liner. This automatic lip liner features a smooth texture and fine tip for easy and precise application. It's perfect for defining lips without spending a lot, and it rivals high-end lip liners. Expect highly pigmented, matte color that stays on your lips for several hours. The only drawback about this lip liner, however, is it tends to break or crumble easily. Nonetheless, most users are very satisfied with the shades, longevity, and overall performance of Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner.
Revlon ColorStay Liner For Lips - Best Drugstore Lip Liner
Revlon’s Colorstay Lipliner does exactly what its name suggests. It goes beyond just staying put; it holds lipstick in place for beautifully defined lips. This liner is made with the new “Softflex” technology, which allows makeup to stay as supple and as pliable as your skin without cracking or drying out your lips. You have a ton of colors to choose from, which range from dark rich tones of plums, wine, berry, and mauve. Opt for natural rich colors in soft corals, pink, nude, beige, and more.
e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color - Best Drugstore Lip Liner
Sharpening a lip pencil is often a pain, but the good news is you never have to sharpen this one! Just simply twist this jumbo-sized lip pencil and then glide into on your lips for lasting matte color. Although only available in six shades, e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color goes beyond by moisturizing your lips with Vitamins A, C and E. You also can't beat the price - just $3 per pencil! The great thing about this product is you can either use as it lip liner or lip color. Users are impressed with the easy application and lasting power of e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color.
Paula's Choice Long-Lasting Lipliner Clear - Best Invisible Lip Liner
Those who have been searching for a quality invisible lip liner and have been lucky enough to discover Paula’s Choice love what they have uncovered. Fellow users rave about the excellent results and high performance, and say this one is easy to use and really stays put. Save yourself some time and give it a go; because it will only set you back about $7 to $8, this is a great economical option as well. This pencil is retractable, so simply turn it and apply - no need for sharpening. You can wear this liner with your boldest and brightest colors and they will not bleed. Use this liner with lipsticks for best results.
Lipstick Queen Lipliner, Invisible - Best Invisible Lip Liner
This liner goes on the outer edge of your lips to keep color locked into place. You can use it within the outer edge to plump and fill in the fine lines and creases around the lips. This is a luxury brand product that is carried by your local Nordstrom (if you happen to find yourself shopping there). Lipstick Queen Lipliner doesn’t require a sharpener, and is compatible with any gloss or lipstick. This invisible lip liner takes it one step further and keeps color within and on lips while preventing it from smudging.
MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil - Best Pencil Lip Liner
MAC is yet another color-rich brand that never falls short of expectations. This is a moderately-priced option that gives you top quality and long-wearing results. The tip allows you to define lips with the precision of a brain surgeon, but never yanks or drags across the skin. Wield this pencil with a light hand and layer on more as you go if needed. Let’s talk colors: there are endless options, but if you love to wear red lipsticks, MAC gives you the perfect foundation in about 4 different red tones. The rest of the colors options range from light to dark in brown, taupe, nude, umber, pink, and purple.
NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil - Best Pencil Lip Liner
The only drawback about this pencil is the fact that you need to purchase a NARS jumbo sharpener in order to assure that you can sharpen the tip, but it is worth it. The jumbo-size pencil allows you fill in lips quickly and easily. This is one of the most moisturizing lip pencils available; it contains vitamin E and emollients for long-lasting hydration. This is also a very highly-pigmented product that comes in a variety of colors. Many makeup lines create colors within the same color story, but NARS has colors that stand alone. This comes in shades of vibrant reds, pinks, and plums, or soft nude, light purple, berry, auburn, copper, bronze, and more.
NYX Slim Lip Pencil - Best Pencil Lip Liner
If you want lots of shades to choose from, NYX Slim Lip Pencil is a fantastic option. It comes in 50 shades, ranging from Burnt Metallic Orange to Purple Rain. This slim pencil has a smooth consistency that goes on easily for perfectly even lip contouring. It resist bleeding and blends easily - two important factors of a great lip liner. NYX Slim Lip Pencil also contains moisturizing coconut oil to condition your lips while they sport gorgeous color. The best part is this lip liner costs under $5, so it's affordable for all budgets.
Prestige Cosmetics Classic Lipliner - Best Pencil Lip Liner
Prestige Cosmetics Classic Lipliner is right up there with the rest of their products. It's available in 20 flattering shades, ranging from bright corals to deep purples and subtle earth tones. This smooth liner glides on with one easy stroke and won't smudge, streak, or even budge. Users rave about the beautiful colors and amazing quality of Prestige Cosmetics Classic Lipliner. Although the quality is superior to many brand-name cosmetics, you'll only pay around $5 per pencil. The quality and affordability of Prestige Cosmetics Classic Lipliner makes it one of the best pencil lip liners.
Clinique Quickliner for Lips - Best Mechanical Lip Liner
There are so many things to love about this mechanical lip liner. Besides the fact that all of Clinique’s products are dermatologist approved, hypoallergenic, and safe on sensitive skin, this liner is pretty darn affordable too. The liner goes on with a creamy consistency, and prevents lips from drying out. Don't worry, it isn’t too soft that it will break. Just be sure not to turn any of these pencils up too high before applying. There are way too many color options to name them all, but you will find the perfect shade to layer with any lip color. There are a lot of earth tones and mauve shades, as well as a bright red, peach, and rosy pinks.
Prestige Cosmetics Automatic Lip Liner - Best Waterproof Lip Liner
In case you've never heard of (or tried) Prestige Cosmetics, rest assured that this line rivals any popular name brand on the market in quality and performance. It costs significantly less than designer name brands and gives you the perfect size tip: not too small or too bulky. You never need a sharpener, since it automatically goes up with a slight twist. This pencil gives you phenomenally even application, and will surprise you with its long-lasting staying power. The nine color options have a shade for all in red, plum, brown, and pink tones.
Palladio Precision Lip Stain - Best Mechanical Lip Liner
If you're looking for a waterproof lip liner that's super easy to apply, Palladio Retractable Lip Liner is a great option. This crayon-like lip liner is perfect for all-day wear wherever you go - even to the beach or gym. It won't streak, run, or smudge! You don't have to bother sharpening this pencil, either, because just one simple twist returns it to its original state. Users appreciate the smooth application, affordability (around five bucks), and thin line this pencil creates. Although the pigments don't blend very easily, according to one user, you don't have to worry about break-offs. Choose from nine gorgeous shades like Red Rose, Coffee, and Blackberry.
Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner - Best Drugstore Lip Liner
Available in 13 shades, Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner is another fantastic drugstore lip liner. This automatic lip liner features a smooth texture and fine tip for easy and precise application. It's perfect for defining lips without spending a lot, and it rivals high-end lip liners. Expect highly pigmented, matte color that stays on your lips for several hours. The only drawback about this lip liner, however, is it tends to break or crumble easily. Nonetheless, most users are very satisfied with the shades, longevity, and overall performance of Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner.
NYX Retractable Lip Liner - Best Mechanical Lip Liner
If you want to crank up the volume and go for a bold, daring look, then NYX is your brand. There are 19 shade options that come in bright and bold browns, reds, berry tone, coral, a few pinks, and black. Whether you are a gothic queen, dancing queen, or queen of your life, these shades will leaving you feeling powerful and daring. The pencil glides on with a creamy consistency and is pigment-rich, so you only need a light stroke of the hand. This is a great budget-friendly yet high-quality option.
Buyer's Guide
Lip liner plays a supporting role to your lipsticks and lip glosses by keeping them in place. These beauty products are used to outline your lips and lock lip color in place, preventing it from smudging and moving outside your lip line. Lip liners come in many shades to complement any lipstick color, and there are many types including waterproof, clear, and pencil lip liners. Whether you want to define your lips or secure your lip color, there are quality lip liners available to suit your needs.
Application
The application of a lip liner can affect how it performs and appears on your lips. You should not experience any resistance from a lip liner such as dragging on the skin during application. Quality lip liners have a smooth, lightweight texture allowing them to glide effortlessly onto your lips.
Performance
Quality lip liners should shape and define your lips while securing your lipsticks colors and glosses in place for hours at a time. The best lip liners don’t smudge, fade, or bleed outside the lip line either. Lower quality lip liners may dry out your lips, but quality liners have moisturizing properties to ensure your lips remain soft and supple.
Appearance
How a lip liner actually appears on your lip is another important factor to consider. Quality lip liners appear natural without leaving an ugly ring around your lips. The best lip liners (not including clear options) come in an assortment of bold, highly pigmented colors which complement all skin tones and lipstick shades.
Lip Liner Types
Pencil
A pencil lip liner requires manual sharpening on a regular basis to main a sharp tip. The downside is they’re somewhat messy due to the wood shavings which accumulate while sharpening and manually sharpening them can be inconvenient at times. On the upside, you’re able to control and adjust the tip of a pencil lip liner for more precise contouring. Like mechanical liners, pencil liners are available in numerous shades.
Mechanical
As convenient alternatives to pencil lip liners, mechanical lip liners require no manual sharpening and there are no messy wooden shavings. You just twist the liner at the base or top for more cosmetic to emerge. The downside about mechanical lip liners is you can’t sharpen their tips and control isn’t as precise. Like pencil liners, mechanical liners come in many different shades.
Drugstore Lip Liner
Spending less money doesn’t always mean settling for a lower quality item. Drugstores carry reputable cosmetic brands such as Rimmel London and Revlon, which offer quality lip liners in many super-defining shades that perform extremely well in terms of smooth application, functionality, and longevity. Whether you want a mechanical liner or pencil liner, you are sure to find a suitable drugstore product at an affordable price.
Clear & Invisible
Clear and invisible lip liners define and shape your lip without using additional pigmentation. They provide a translucent barrier around your lip color without an unsightly ring like other pigmented liners may leave behind. Many clear and invisible liners contain moisturizing and even anti-aging properties to make up for their lack of pigmentation.
Waterproof
With waterproof liners you don’t need to worry about retouching your lips every time you drink a beverage or break a sweat. Waterproof liners work just like regular lip liners, shaping and defining lips using a variety of shades, you simply worry less about fading and smudging.