All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.

On lighter tones, it creates definition around the mouth by using it as a blurred drop shadow.

Beauty writer Kayla Greaves wearing three different shades of lipstick with brown lip liner

Kayla Greaves/Design by Bella Geraci

In short, its a versatile product that works foreveryone.

I started using brown lip liner well over a decade ago almost by mistake.

I was at a beauty supply outlet store in San Francisco, picking up a few random products.

Beauty writer Kayla Greaves wearing bright pink lipstick.

Kayla Greaves

As I was checking out, the cashier offered me a free sample of a deep brown liner.

Once I got back to my friends place, I was eager to give it a try.

However, dont get too hung up on trying to find a correct combo.

Half Magic Sculptitude 2-in-1 Liner in I’ll Pray For You two-sided pencil on grey background

Brown is not only a universal shade, but is also ultra-forgiving.

you might even layer two or more colors to create a unique look.

Heres how to do it.

Madame Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bonjour pink liquid lipstick and applicator on white background

Both Brown and Davy agree that when it comes to lip pencils, the duller, the better.

I love soft diffusion on the edges of lips, Brown shares.

Hold off on applying lip balm.

Beauty writer Kayla Greaves wearing neutral brown lipstick.

Kayla Greaves

For staying power, I like to line on drier lips, Brown says.

It will sort of float on top of the emollient lip balm.

I think it looks more artful, glam, and a tiny bit lived in, says Davy.

Dibs No Pressure Lip Definer in Dark striped pencil on white background

Kayla Greaves

Your lips will look luscious and full.

you could also follow this step to ensure a smooth base before applying your lip color over top.

I apply the lipstick or gloss to the center of the lips and blend outward, says Brown.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in 016 Shimmery Nude gloss tube with applicator on white background

This ensures that all the beautiful shadowing Ive done with the brown lip liner doesnt soften too much.

And voila youll be left with a gorgeous ombre finish.

Brown Lip Liner Inspiration

Ive never been a fan of flat color.

Beauty writer Kayla Greaves wearing matte chocolate lipstick.

Kayla Greaves

Now watch Kelsey Merritt’s makeup routine.

Don’t forget to follow Allure onInstagramandTwitter.

Ctzn Cosmetics Lipstroke in Sizdah black pencil with cap and swatch on white background

Bossy Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Determined gloss tube with applicator and swatch on white background

Beauty writer Kayla Greaves wearing neutral pink lipstick.

Kayla Greaves

Pat McGrath Labs Lust Lip Gloss in Peach Perversion lip gloss tube with black cap and applicator on white background

Beauty writer Kayla Greaves wearing red lipstick.

Kayla Greave

Violette_FR Petal Bouche Matte in Amour Fou red tube with white cap on white background

Beauty Write Kayla Greaves wearing red lipstick.

Kayla Greaves

Article image

Kayla Greaves

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Matte Lip Blur Liquid Lipstick in Flame Blur gloss tube with applicator and swatch on white background

Beauty writer Kayla Greaves wearing red lipstick

Kayla Greaves

Yensa Super 8 Vibrant Silk Lipstick in Fire gold lipstick tube with black cap on white background