How To Choose the Best Lip Liner?

Posted by Layne Sparks on August 01, 2025

Lip liners are often overlooked in makeup routines, but they’re a crucial step to achieving a defined, polished pout. In fact, a makeup artist will often emphasise how the right lip outline pencil can enhance your lips, make your lipstick last longer, and even help correct minor asymmetries. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best lip liner for your unique features and desired look.

Why Lip Liner Matters

Lip liner might seem optional, but it makes a big difference in your overall makeup and beauty routine:

Definition and Shape
A quality lip pencil provides clean edges, helping your lipstick or gloss appear more precise. It can subtly alter the shape of your lips, creating the illusion of fuller lips or balancing uneven sides. Certain liner shades also let you experiment with different looks, many of which have been shades tested to complement a range of skin tones.
Longevity
Lining your lips and sometimes filling them in as a base layer prevents your lipstick from bleeding or feathering. Some beauty lab tests confirm that a properly applied liner can drastically reduce feathering and extend wear. This extra step can extend your lipstick’s wear time, meaning fewer touch-ups throughout the day. For those who prefer a matte lip, using a blur liner or a waterproof lip formula can further enhance longevity by sealing in colour.
Colour Enhancement
By choosing a matching or slightly darker lip liner, you can intensify the colour of your lipstick or gloss. A neutral-tone pencil can also tone down a bold lip colour, offering versatility in your makeup looks.

Understanding Your Lip Liner Options

Before you can pick the best lip liner, it’s helpful to know what types are out there. The type you choose may depend on personal preference, comfort, and the look you’re going for.

Wooden Pencil Liner

Pros: Traditional and precise. Can be sharpened to a fine tip for detailed contouring.
Cons: Requires frequent sharpening, which can be inconvenient when you’re on the go.

Mechanical Twist-Up Liner

Pros: Easy to use. Just twist and apply. Often creamier in texture.
Cons: Less precise than wooden pencils because you can’t sharpen to a point. The tip may wear down quickly if the formula is soft.

Gel-Based Lip Liner

Pros: Ultra-smooth application and highly pigmented. Ideal if you want a bold, colour-rich outline.
Cons: May be less forgiving during application if you’re not used to the gel texture.

Matching Your Lip Liner to Your Lipstick

Colour coordination between your lip liner and lipstick can either be matched exactly or intentionally chosen for contrast.

Exact Match

When your goal is a seamless look, choosing a lip liner that matches your lipstick precisely is the best option.
Many brands offer matching sets or complementary shades to help you achieve an impeccable finish.

Slightly Darker Shade

For a more pronounced outline or an ombre effect, pick a liner that’s one shade darker than your lipstick.
This technique can add dimension, making your lips appear fuller.

Neutral or Clear Lip Liner

If you’re unsure about colour matching, a neutral or clear lip pencil is a safe choice.
Neutral shades commonly come in browns, beiges, or soft pinks that blend well with various lipstick hues.

Consider Your Skin Tone and Undertones

Choosing the best lip liner isn’t only about matching your lipstick. It’s also about choosing liner shades that flatter your skin tone.

Fair Skin Tones

For pale complexions, soft pinks, nude beiges, or light mauves work well.
If you’re interested in a bold look, try a liner in a dusty rose or a cool-toned red.

Medium Skin Tones

Medium or olive skin tones can experiment with warmer nudes, rich mauves, and rose-tinted browns.
Deep berry liners can be especially flattering for statement looks.

Deep Skin Tones

Deeper shades of brown, plum, and burgundy complement darker complexions.
A true red liner also pops beautifully on deep skin, accentuating the natural warmth.

Prioritising Formulation and Ingredients

While colour choice is crucial, formula and quality ingredients should not be overlooked when hunting for the best lip liner.

Long-Lasting Formulas

Seek out “long-wear” or “waterproof” labels. These formulas resist fading, even through eating and drinking.
Perfect for events, special occasions, or daily use when you don’t want constant touch-ups.

Hydrating Ingredients

Look for nourishing components like vitamin E, jojoba oil, or hyaluronic acid.
These elements help keep lips moisturised, preventing that dry or flaky appearance.

Cruelty-Free and Vegan Options

If ethics and sustainability matter to you, many brands now proudly offer cruelty-free and vegan lip liners.
Check the label or brand guidelines to ensure your chosen pencil aligns with your values.

Technique Matters - Application Tips For a Perfect Lip Line

Even the best lip liner won’t look its best if it isn’t applied correctly. Here’s how to perfect your technique:

Prep Your Lips

Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to remove any dry skin.
Apply a lip balm and let it absorb for a few minutes before lining.

Outline with Light Strokes

Start at your cupid’s bow and move outward in short, feather-like strokes.
This controlled approach helps you avoid harsh lines and ensures greater accuracy.

Blend Inward

After outlining, lightly fill in the rest of your lips with the liner.
This creates a base that secures your lipstick and prevents colour bleed.

Refine with Concealer

Use a small concealer brush to tidy up any uneven edges.
This step gives you a crisp, professional finish.

Common Lip Liner Mistakes to Avoid

Going Too Dark

Overshadowing your lipstick can make lips look harsh or outdated. Stick to one or two shades deeper than your lipstick if you want definition.

Skipping Lip Balm

Neglecting to hydrate can lead to cracking and uneven colour. Always ensure your lips are smooth before applying liner.

Forgetting to Sharpen

An unsharpened pencil can lead to messy application, especially if you need precise lines around the cupid’s bow.

Overdrawn Lips

A slight enhancement can look great, but drawing too far outside your natural lip line can look unnatural. Know when to stop for the most flattering shape.

Maintaining Healthy Lips

While the best lip liner can elevate your look, lip health is paramount:

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and use a nourishing lip balm to keep lips supple.
Exfoliate: Regularly remove dead skin to maintain a smooth surface.
SPF Protection: Use lip products with SPF to shield delicate lip skin from sun damage.

Finding Your Go-To Brand

In the pursuit of the best lip liner, it’s worthwhile to explore reputable brands that prioritise quality and comfort. At Nails & More, for instance, we offer a carefully curated selection of lip pencils in various shades and formulas. This approach ensures you find a product that suits your skin tone, lifestyle, and personal values.

Final Thoughts On Finding A Lip Liner For You

Choosing the best lip liner isn’t just about colour matching. It’s a holistic process involving the right formula, shade, brand ethics, and technique. Start by identifying your skin undertones, explore different types of liners, and remember to prioritise your lip care. With the right pencil, you’ll enjoy a polished, longer-lasting lip look that boosts your confidence every time you step out.

By following these beauty tips and embracing the options available, you’ll soon become an expert at finding and using the best lip liner for your individual needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Lip liner is a versatile tool that can dramatically transform your smile, whether you’re wearing it on its own for a subtle, matte finish or pairing it with lipstick for a bold statement look.

Browse Our Lip Liner Collection