Your Guide To All Things Beauty and Makeup Sign Up

Makeup

The 6 Best Lip Liners For All Lip Combos

By Sophie Joaman • June 30, 2024 • 6 mins read

Products featured on Ntrl Look are chosen independently by our editorial team. When you purchase through our affiliate links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In the great, big world of makeup, very few products have the transformative power of a good lip liner. Whether you’re aiming to create the illusion of fuller lips, add definition, or simply help your lipstick last longer, lip makeup essentials like lip liners are an indispensable tool in any beauty kit. With a multitude of options on the market, from luxury lip liners to affordable lip liners, finding the perfect product for your preferences can be daunting.

But fret not, as we have conducted the research and handpicked some of our own favourites that you’re sure to love as much as we do. We certainly couldn’t live without our top lip liners, and by the end of this article, neither will you.

What Makes A Good Lip Liner

When looking for a new lip liner, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the best value for your preferences and budget. Firstly, opt for a long-lasting lip liner formula. Your lip liner lays the groundwork for your lipstick and helps keep it in place. To avoid smudging, fading, and feathering, longevity is essential. Choose smudge-proof lip liner products that stay put for longer and maintain a freshly applied look throughout the day.

Another consideration is the smoothness of application. A smooth-textured or creamy lip liner prevents tugging and dragging, which can result in an uneven look. Such liners offer more precision and control.

Additionally, if your lips tend to dry out during the day, a moisturizing lip liner formula can be beneficial. A bit of hydration keeps your lips looking fresh and prevents that dry, cracked appearance. Lastly, if you prefer not to deal with sharpening, a retractable lip liner might be a better option. These types of lip liners are often more convenient, especially if you do your makeup on the go.

Want to elevate your everyday lip routine? Try pairing your liner with a glossy finish. Discover how to perfect the timeless lip liner with gloss trend — it’s the ultimate way to achieve fuller, more defined lips that shine beautifully all day.

The Best Lip Liners

We believe our curated list of the best lip liners excels at longevity and preventing lip feathering. Check them out:

1. MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil

The MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil is a classic makeup bag must-have in any beauty collection. This pencil features a creamy lip liner formula that provides a smooth application without skipping or dragging on the delicate skin of the lips.

With a wide shade range, you can outline and fill in your lips quickly, easily, and with impeccable results. No wonder this is one of the most trusted lip liner brands adored by the pros. It beautifully defines lips and enhances lip shape, making your lips look instantly fuller.

MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil

2. Morphe Colour Pencil Lip Liner

The Morphe Colour Pencil Lip Liner provides precise lip definition with rich, creamy colour that glides on smoothly for professional lip liner results.

This versatile lip liner features a soft, blendable formula that prevents lipstick bleeding while extending wear time throughout the day. The highly pigmented lip liner colour payoff allows you to outline, fill, or wear alone for a matte lip liner look that stays put.

Morphe Colour Pencil Lip Liner

3. Fenty Beauty Trace’D Out Pencil Lip Liner

The Fenty Beauty Trace’D Out Pencil Lip Liner delivers ultra-precise definition with a smooth, creamy lip liner formula that effortlessly shapes and defines lips. This high-performance liner features rich pigmentation that glides on without tugging or skipping, creating clean lines that enhance lip shape or completely transform it.

The long-wear makeup formula prevents lipstick bleeding and feathering while extending the life of your lip colour throughout the day.

Fenty Beauty Trace'D Out Pencil Lip Liner

4. NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner

The NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner creates smooth, velvety definition with intense colour payoff at an affordable lip liners price point. This creamy lip liner features a soft, matte finish that glides on effortlessly without dragging or catching on dry areas.

The highly pigmented lip liner provides full coverage in one swipe, making it perfect for lip contouring or filling in completely for a bold matte lip liner look.

NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner

5. Nars Precision Lip Liner

The NARS Precision Lip Liner delivers professional lip liner quality definition with a smooth, long-lasting lip liner formula that creates flawless lip contours. This high-performance liner features a firm yet creamy lip liner texture that applies precisely without feathering or bleeding, allowing for clean lines and expert shaping. The richly pigmented colour glides on effortlessly in one stroke, providing full coverage that enhances lip shape or creates dramatic definition.

Nars Precision Lip Liner

6. Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on lip pencil

A few years ago, a waterproof lip liner might have seemed impossible, but today, it’s very much a thing. The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil is a perfect example of this innovation.

This liner is indeed waterproof lip liner — or sip-proof if you’re wearing it on a night out. Despite its lasting power, it doesn’t dry out; rather, it maintains a creamy lip liner texture on the lips. It also looks incredibly natural, enhancing lip shape and defines lips while creating a gorgeous, plump look without an ‘overdrawn’ effect.

Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on lip pencil

Choosing the right lip liner can truly elevate your makeup game, offering not only precise definition but also long-lasting lip liner wear and enhanced lip fullness. air your liner with a hydrating lip oil for soft, glossy lips that stay smooth and defined all day.

Whether you opt for an easy, everyday winning formula for on-the-go efficiency or one that offers dramatic, long-wear makeup results, each product mentioned serves to enhance lip shape and complement your unique style. With innovative lip liner techniques like these, achieving beautifully sculpted lips has never been easier.

So, why not choose a new lip liner that suits your needs and preferences and enjoy effortlessly stunning lips every day?

Author Image

Sophie Joaman

Sophie Joaman is a freelance writer with a real love and focus for fashion, beauty, lifestyle and culture. With a Master's degree in Journalism and Media Communications, Sophie is ​​currently an ongoing contributing freelance writer for Cohorted Cult-sister website of beauty subscription box Cohorted. She was also a contributing writer during London Fashion Week and London Fashion Week: Men's from 2015-2018.

Related Posts

Makeup

Makeup Essentials: The 18 Must Have Products!


2 Aug 2022
Makeup

Summer Makeup Trends 2025: Sunset Colours, Glowy Skin and More


15 Feb 2025
Makeup

Foundation Brush Vs Sponge for Application: Which One Is Better?


7 Apr 2023