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a softer update to an outlined look).
Source images: Courtesy ofAllureeditors; Collage: Laneen Wells
Basically, liners are the goof-proof Swiss army knife of lip products.
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“Velvety texture and long-lasting pigment make this a go-to for makeup pros,” Black says.
Allureshopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in shade Pillow Talk Medium.
New York City-based makeup artistJoseph Carrilloalso counts Lip Cheat among his favorites.
“It’s the perfect shade for most light to medium skin tones, Carrillo raves.
Shipin before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in shade Pillow Talk Medium.
Shipin before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in shade Pillow Talk Medium.
Shipin after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in shade Pillow Talk Medium.
“They’re perfectly creamy, blendable, and stay putin the loveliest pink-neutral shades to boot.
Since my lips lean a natural mauve, the Medium shade is great for enhancing its color.
Shipin after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in shade Pillow Talk Medium.
I’ll usually line my lips, then layer alip balmortinted lip balmover it and be done.
No need for lipstick!”
It also gets bonus points for its slender build, perfect for my ludicrously overstuffed tote bag.”
Allurecommerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Kosas Hotliner in Supreme
“[This formula] is long-wearing and is easy to blend out,” Carillo says.
It has just as much staying power as my more traditional lip liners, but feels more moisturizing.
Plus, I can apply it in a matter of seconds, which is a big plus.
Hussein before applying the Kosas Hotliner
All eight shades are created to compliment your lips' natural tone.
It’s like a colored pencil, but for your face, so feel free to get creative.
In addition to the variety of nude shadeslike No.
Hussein after applying the Kosas Hotliner in Supreme andHighr Collective Lipstick in Lion
“I like to apply my lipstick first and then line the lips,” Siard explains.
Finding the right shade of liner depends on your overalllip combo.
“For the most precise red lip, work backward,” he says.
Allureshopping editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in shade Daniel
“Apply lipstick, then liner to create the shape.”
How do you apply lip liner?
Both Brown and Davy agree that when it comes to lip pencils, the duller, the better.
Trakoshis before applying the Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in shade Daniel
“I love soft diffusion on the edges of lips,” Brown notes.
“[A diffused line] helps make lips authentically look fuller.”
“For staying power, I like to line on drier lips,” Brown says.
Trakoshis after applying the Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in shade Daniel
It will sort of float on top of the emollient lip balm."
), but Brown recommends following your natural perimeter and drawing ever-so-slightly above your natural line.
This helps to blend the color versus creating a distinct border.
Bianca Richards applying the MAC Lip Liner in Cork
“Your lips will look luscious and full.”
you might also follow this step to ensure a smooth base before applying your lip color over top.
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
Richards before applying the MAC Lip Liner
Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?
Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?
Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
Richards after applying the MAC Lip Liner in Cork
This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Deanna Pai applying the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil
Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?
Pai before applying the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil
Pai after applying the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil
Hussein applying Glossier Lip Line in Bit
Hussein before applying Glossier Lip Line in Bit
Hussein after applying Glossier Lip Line in Bit
Alluresenior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Ilia Lip Sketch Crayon in Night Bloom
Dall’Asen before applying the Ilia Lip Sketch Crayon
Dall’Asen after applying the Ilia Lip Sketch Crayon
