Lip Liner and Lip Pencils

Lip liner is used to outline and define your lip shape and/or to fill in your lips with color. It can help create a fuller, more defined look and can help your lipstick and lip gloss stay in place longer. There are many different types of lip liners available, including liquid, gel, and pencil formulas and even vegan lip liners. Choose the one that best suits your skin type and your look.

The correct lip liner really depends on the shade of your lipstick and the lip look that you are going for. Generally, you should choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick or a shade darker, but be sure it is the same color family as your lipstick. Using a darker shade lip liner will help give your lips a sharper definition and more of a dramatic look.

If you are not sure of what shade to choose, a nude or clear lip liner can work with any shade of lipstick but still helps prevent smudging and feathering of your lipstick.

Lip liner is usually applied before lipstick. It helps define the shape of your lips and helps prevent your lipstick from bleeding or feathering. It helps your lipstick last longer. You can either trace along your natural lip line using the lip liner or pencil to fill in the rest of your lips creating a base for your lipstick.

1.  Always prep your lips using a lip exfoliating scrub and a moisturizing lip balm so you have a smooth surface.
2.  Choose a shade that is one to two shades darker than your lips.
3.  Start on the outer edges of your top lip carefully lining your lip towards the center following your natural outline. For a more defined look, you can slightly overdraw your lip line, but do not go out too far. Repeat on your bottom lip.
4.  You can also fill in your lips before applying lipstick creating a base so that your lipstick lasts longer.
5.  Once done, apply your lipstick or lip gloss on top for a finished look.

In general, nude lip liners should mirror the shade of your natural lip. When choosing a nude lip liner, look for a color that is no more than two shades darker than your natural lip color. It should match the color of your lips as closely as possible, as well as the undertone (cool, warm or neutral) and the shade level (fair, medium or dark).

Lip liners and lip pencils both are used to help define and shape your lips before your apply lipstick or lip gloss. They both help prevent feathering and bleeding of lip color, extend help your lipstick last longer, and allowi for slight overlining your lips. They have a firmer texture than lipsticks for precise application. You can use them to outline lips, as a base, or wear alone for a matte look.

Pro tip: Choose a shade close to your natural lip color for versatility.