It's no secret that we use makeup to highlight our features, but enhancing the lips has always come down to one small tool: lip liners. While they were used by every beauty maven more regularly in the '90s and early 2000s, the emphasis on lip liners decreased over the years. But now, much like many nostalgia-driven trends, they're back.
When it comes to applying lip liner, the immediate use that comes to mind is to create fuller-looking lips, but that's not all there is to it. "There's a lot of different reasons to use lip liner. I think the top three reasons would be: A) You want to define your lips better; B) You want your lipstick to last longer; [and] C) [You want] to prevent feathering or bleeding from a lipstick or liquid lip," celebrity makeup artist Christin Cook Zito explains.
While there are multiple uses to lip liners and pencils, there are also multiple versions on the market. That's why we we tapped makeup artists Cook Zoto, Nydia Figueroa, Azra Red and Natalie Dresher to give us their top recommendations, as well as tips for proper application. We even included some of our favorite picks, too.
Keep reading to discover the best lip liners and pencils.
What to look for in a lip liner | Expert picks | Editor favorites | Frequently asked questions | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in a quality lip liner and pencil
In a quality lip pencil, Red recommends looking for something that will apply smoothly. "Sometimes you have a client in your chair that might not have exfoliated lips...so you definitely want something that glides on smoothly. That's really important when I apply it," she says.
Another important quality? Staying power! "I usually use pencils...to outline and color the lip as well, because I use it as a stain," Red explains. "Once I do that and then I apply a little bit of lipstick, my clients usually don't have to reapply. Even if the lipstick comes off while they eat or something, there's still usually a stain from the lip pencil underneath."
When it's time to apply, don't be afraid to use your lip liner or pencil as the star of the show! Cook Zito shares that she does it with her own clients. "A lot of times when I'm working with a celebrity, I might just use lip liner on them instead of using a lipstick because [they produce] a beautiful matte lip and they don't get chalky or dry out the lips at all. I think it's an excellent choice to have in your purse because it takes up no room and it can do the job of two things."
Best lip liners and pencils, according to makeup experts
Most affordable: NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil
- Affordable
- Wide shade range
- Smooth application
- Some say it wears off quickly
Colors available: 30 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Smooth glide, hydrating and conditioning
For an affordable drugstore option, Figueroa loves these lip liners from NYX Professional Makeup. She calls this option “really inexpensive but super buttery.”
Most precise: Stila Stay All Day Matte Lip Liner
- Precise application
- Long-lasting
- Tip can break
Colors available: 6 | Formula: Gel-based; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting, skip-proof, transfer-proof and bleed-proof
"My favorite way to over line smaller lips is with a waxy lip liner such as this one, because it creates a solid line that sits above the skin, providing a base for the lip product and looks almost like a true natural lip line," suggests Dresher. "I also love that this one has great lasting power."
Long-lasting stain: Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain
- Leaves a stain
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Some say applicator dried out
Colors available: 8 | Formula: Liquid; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting, non-drying, vegan, transfer-proof and smudge-proof
You might recognize this product because it went TikTok viral as a staining lip liner. And because of that, the liner is one of Dresher's favorites in her kit. "This lip liner will stay all day because of its staining properties, and its so easy to get precise lines with it given its unique felt tip shape," she explains. "I love this liner for brides, or more mature skin that is prone to lip line bleeds because this product really stays put!"
Transfer-proof: Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Liner
- Creamy yet matte
- Doesn't transfer
- Waterproof
- Can smudge
Colors available: 9 | Formula: Gel; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting, non-transferable and waterproof
Cook Zito calls this her “all-time favorite lip pencil.” She notes that it has a gel formula, which helps the pencil glide over your lips and easily create your desired shape. “I often use it as a liner or as a lipstick...and you can just put a gloss over it to make it look more like a lip gloss,” she says.
Makeup artist favorite: MAC Lip Pencil
Colors available: 28 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Smooth glide and quick application
Every makeup artist mentioned the MAC lip pencil as a staple they keep in their kits. They love it for the wide range of colors available — almost 30! — and the quality of the product.
Figueroa notes that this lip liner has been a "cult classic" for the majority of her career. Aside from praising the color ranges, she says they work for every skin tone "from the fairest to the richest complexions."
"They're really created for the artists and there's a wide range of shades to choose from," adds Red.
Most pigmented: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Liner
- Highly pigmented
- Waterproof
- Some say it doesn't last long
Colors available: 13 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Long-lasting, smudge-proof, waterproof and hydrating
Cook Zito really likes these lip pencils from Urban Decay. “The color payoff is really great,” she says.
They come in over 20 different colors with clear, nude and red options galore.
Waterproof formula: Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Lip Liner
- Stays put
- Waterproof
- Some say it doesn't last long
Colors available: 8 | Formula: Creamy; matte, satiny | Benefits: Long-lasting, transfer-resistant and waterproof
Cook Zito is also a fan of these waterproof gel lip liners from Pat McGrath Labs. "Sometimes when you use other kinds of lip liners, they come off really easily or you have to really dig in to get that definition in the shape that you want on the lip. When it's a gel formula, it's really easy to apply," she adds.
Splurge-worthy: Sisley Paris Phyto-Lèvres Perfect Lip Pencil
- Comes with a blending brush
- Conditioning
- High price point
Colors available: 9 | Formula: Creamy; satiny | Benefits: Long-lasting, hydrating and conditioning
“One of my favorite [lip pencils] that I’ve ever used is Sisley,” Red says. It’s made with ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera extract to nourish and hydrate the skin while providing long-lasting color in 10 different shades. “All of their makeup has skin care in it so it definitely feels...luxurious and it stays [on] pretty well,” she adds.
Best lip liners and pencils, according to editors
Drugstore pick: Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner
- Smooth application
- Self-sharpening tip
- Some say it is drying
Colors available: 8 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Self-sharpening tip, non-smudging
"I tried this lip liner for the first time in 2020, mid-lockdown, after seeing a celebrity (whose style I am obsessed with) apply it in an Instagram Live," explains editorial assistant Erica Marrison. "...it’s been my go-to liner ever since. I love that it’s inexpensive, effective and has a sharpener on the end, making it ideal for days (and nights) when I’m on the go. I’ve tried pricier liners, but I always come back to this one."
Most multi-purposeful: Tower28 OneLiner Lip Liner
- Multi-purposeful
- Long-wearing
- Precise tip
- Thin packaging
Colors available: 6 | Formula: Creamy, matte | Benefits: Long-wearing, non-smudging, non-dragging and hydrating
If you're looking for a one-and-done beauty product, consider Tower28's OneLiner. The name is more than fitting, as the product isn't just for the lips — it can also be used to add a wash of color or a cat eye to the cheeks and eye area. "Most days, I carry only this in my work bag because it is all I need for touch-ups," notes writer Madison San Miguel.
An everyday essential: Wonderskin Lip Liner Pencil
- Rich pigment
- Long-lasting
- Not a wide shade range
Colors available: 4 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Long-lasting, smudge-, transfer-proof and waterproof
"I have only gotten into lip liners in the last few years but this has become one of my favorites," Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon notes. "It’s long lasting and smooth and the color selection is so pretty. I use the shade 'Saddle' because it gives me that little bit of depth and doesn’t smudge when I apply a clear gloss over it."
Best new launch: Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Lip Pencil
- Water- and transfer-resistant
- Natural shade range
- Long-wearing
- Need a pencil sharpener
Colors available: 8 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Long-lasting, water- and transfer-resistant
Our editors can't stop talking about Glossier's recent launch, and so can't the Internet. Their viral lip liners have what the brand calls a "lip grip complex" so it stays in place throughout the day. "Not only is the formula so creamy and smooth, but it actually has some staying power," claims associate social media editor Dani Musacchio. "I drank and ate with it on and was surprised to see that it didn’t transfer at all."
Plus, they come in "true to lip" tints for a natural yet enhanced pout. "I’ve really been liking the shade 'buff,' which a makeup artist at the brand’s launch event told me happens to be flattering on most skin tones," adds production coordinator Audrey Ekman.
Most practical: Kosas Hotliner
- Has a brush and sharpener
- Retractable
- Creamy formula
- Some say it doesn't stay
Colors available: 8 | Formula: Creamy; satiny | Benefits: Long-lasting, hydrating and conditioning
"I just tried Kosas’ new Hotliner, which is packed with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, and I’ve already added it to my regular beauty rotation," raves Marrison. "The tip is precise (but even if it gets dull, there’s a sharpener [and brush] on the other end) and the consistency holds its pigment while feeling light."
A hybrid liner: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Le Monster Lip Crayon Vegan Lipstick and Lip Liner
- Comfortable
- Very pigmented
- Multi-use
- Not as long-lasting as others
Colors available: 12 | Formula: Creamy; demi-matte and shimmer | Benefits: Smooth application, hydrating and conditioning
Why use lip liner for just lining the lips? Another recommendation from San Miguel, Haus Labs' Lip Crayon combines the power of a lipstick and a lip liner into their lip crayon for a highly pigmented and creamy formula. "The tip is precise enough where you can still add a sharp line, yet if you angle it enough, it easily glides onto the entire lip for full coverage," she notes. "You essentially get two products in one!"
Most precise tip: Anastasia Beverly Hills Long-Lasting Velvety-Matte Lip Liner
- Pointed tip
- Lightweight
- Highly pigmented
- Some say it is a bit drying
Colors available: 18 | Formula: Creamy; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting and blendable
If you want to perfect your pout, trust the expert to provide the best of the best. Anastasia Beverly Hills lip liner has a perfectly pointed tip so you can enhance every curve and crevice. Expect your lips to be more shaped, contour and pigmented, as it does it all! "My personal favorite shade is 'Cool Brown' — it went viral online for recreating a '90s lip, and it is the perfect tone," says San Miguel. "And the tip is so perfect that I've never gotten a more precise line. I often struggle with other liners!"
Perfect for deep skin tones: SKKN by Kim Lip Liner
- Great shade variety
- Long-wearing
- Smudge-resistant
- May need frequent sharpening
Colors available: 15 | Formula: Creamy; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting, blendable, non-dragging and smudge-resistant
It seems as though our entire office has been talking about SKKN by Kim, especially their lip liners. Developed by Kim Kardashian, the brand recently relaunched and brought back some customer favorites, including this one. But now, their lip liners are in an improved formula. It's blendable, long-wearing and comes in a diverse set of true nude shades for various skin types.
Easy to blend: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
- Has a brush
- Full coverage
- Easy to blend
- Some say it is drying
Colors available: 23 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Long-lasting and full coverage
Soft and smooth like suede, Makeup by Mario's lip pencil blurs into the lips like a dream. Its creamy and full coverage formula blends seamlessly with your fingertip or the included brush at the end of the pencil. And if you're looking for an everyday shade, San Miguel loves "Burnt Sienna."
Super pigmented: NARS Precision Lip Liner
- Easy to sharpen
- Very pigmented
- Lightweight
- Some say it drags a bit
Colors available: 18 | Formula: Creamy; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting and full coverage
"One of my favorite liners at the moment is this one from NARS," says San Miguel. "I recently tried it in shade 'Rouge Marocain,' and while the color was a bit outside my comfort zone (these are so pigmented!), the product blends effortlessly. There were no uneven edges or patchy areas — just a seamless application."
Internet favorite: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
- Velvety formula
- Flattering shade range
- Doesn't smudge
- Can be difficult to sharpen
Colors available: 23 | Formula: Creamy | Benefits: Long-lasting, waterproof and non-smudging
Nowadays, it seems that everyone is wearing Lip Cheat, especially in the shade Pillow Talk. But there's a reason behind it: The shade is incredibly flattering on most, if not all, skin tones. "While I didn’t want to fall into the hype, this color really is that girl," says Moon. "It’s so perfect for a quick swipe and is surprisingly long lasting (for a night out at least!) which is nice for those events that I don’t want to think about reapplying."
As Charlotte herself would say: It's worth the hype, DARLINGS!
Great glide: Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon
- Tons of coverage
- Pigmented
- Smooth application
- May need frequent sharpening
Colors available: 12 | Formula: Creamy; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting, plumping and hydrating
Since Ilia's liner is described as a lip crayon, deals editor Rebecca Brown loves applying it all over her pout, too, for tons of coverage. "This truly feels like I’m lining my lips with a soft crayon," she says. "It glides every single time — gone are the days of a liner digging or catching my skin."
Most long-lasting: Refy Lip Sculpt Lip Liner and Setter
- Comes with a setter
- Has a twist-up cap
- Stays in place
- Setter can pile if not dried
Colors available: 7 | Formula: Creamy; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting, water-resistant, smoothing and hydrating
Ditch the setting powder — this lip liner doesn't require anything else to stay put. A favorite of San Miguel, Refy's Lip Sculpt includes its creamy, twist-up lip liner, and on the opposite end, its setter. Once you apply your liner, place the setter on top and allow it to dry for a few seconds. And voilà! Your liner is budge-proof.
For the beginner: Nudestix Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil
- Multi-use
- Great for beginners
- Non-drying
- Small packaging
Colors available: 13 | Formula: Creamy; matte | Benefits: Long-lasting, non-flaking and multi-use
"This is the product that got me comfortable with using lip liners to begin with," suggests associate editor Kamari Stewart. "I like that the tip is a chunky because it’s more forgiving when you’re a beginner learning the ropes and figuring out what works. Plus, it’s a multi-use stick!" Although Stewart has yet to use it on the cheeks, reviews say it is equally pigmented for blush, too.
How we chose the best lip liners and pencils
Shop TODAY editors and writers interviewed professional makeup artists and used our own personal experiences with lip liners and pencils. Along with expert favorites, we included our go-to beauty products to make your shopping experience a breeze.
Meet the experts
- Natalie Dresher is a makeup artist based in Miami, Florida.
- Azra Red is a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert based in New York City.
- Christin Cook Zito is a celebrity hair and makeup artist.
