13 best lip liners to add definition to your pout, reviewed
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As a beauty journalist, I know I'm not supposed to “play favourites,” but lip liners are one of the few makeup products that I can't go a day without using. Neither can Jess Hunt, founder of REFY Beauty, whose first ever lip liner was Whirl by MAC Cosmetics, an extremely popular shade that's also been approved by Kylie Jenner herself. A lip liner can make her “instantly feel really pulled together and ready to go”, she told GLAMOUR.
The best lip liners are versatile, too. I'm well aware that – courtesy of Kylie Jenner – lip pencils have become practically synonymous with a precise and over-lined pout. And while there's nothing wrong with rocking that look, trust me when I tell you that there are plenty of other ways to wear lip liner everyday.
Today's formulas are creamy enough to smudge out for that natural, blurred-out look that rivals the “French girl” aesthetic. Some of the more innovative lip pencils – like the recently-launched REFY Blur Liner – feature a rounded shape that's especially made for subtle lip sculpting. Otherwise, some lip liners come in form of crayons for an “all over” pigmented finish – ideal for the days when you're rushing out the door.
And as far as lip combos go, lip liners offer no shortage of options. The traditional way is to match your lip liner to your lip gloss or lipstick, but who's to say you can't go for something bolder? Makeup is all about having fun and experimenting, after all. Consider using a darker brown pencil to outline your lips, and adding a lighter shade of lipstick in the middle, for a classic 90s get-up. For a festive look, you can create an ombre effect with a red lipstick and a darker lip liner, sealing everything together with a high-shine gloss. “It definitely makes the lips appear fuller and gives a natural finish,” Jess shared.
To help you figure out which one – out of the hundreds – lip liners out there is right for you, we've put together an edit of the best formulas out there, tried and tested by the GLAMOUR team. We've reviewed the most viral shades and variations of lip pencils, be it a celeb-adored option, a premium buy or an affordable pick. Here's everything you need to know.
Best lip liners at a glance, tried & tested:
- Best overall: MAC Lip Pencil
- Best long-lasting: Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
- Best for a blurred look: REFY Blur Liner
- Best nude lip liner: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat
Scroll to view our edit of the best lip liners, approved by editors…
Best lip liner overall: MAC Lip Pencil
Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Why we love it: An easy-to-use ultra-smooth lip liner that's a classic among makeup artists thanks to its soft and creamy texture that glides over your skin. Available in a wide variety of shades for any occasion – from muted nudes to eye-catching pinks and bold reds – this long-lasting lip pencil is also pigmented enough to wear either on its own or paired with your go-to lipstick.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Whirl, Chestnut, Ruby Woo.
Best long-lasting: Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: If there's anyone that we can count on for all things makeup, it's Mario Dedivanovic – AKA one of the most reputable celebrity makeup artists in the biz. And coming directly from his own brand Makeup By Mario, it's hardly a surprise this lip liner ended up in this edit. Available in 23 shades in total, the Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil is one of the most long-lasting options we've tried, offering a pigmented finish and a creamy formula that glides on like butter.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Almond, Burnt Sienna, Travis.
Best nude lip liner: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat
Tester: Rosie Lai, GLAMOUR's Acting Fashion Editor.
Why we love it: At this point, the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat falls under the must-have lip pencil category. Thanks to its long-lasting and transfer-resistant formula, it's ideal for adding a seamless stroke of colour without having to worry about its staying power. We found that the shade range is versatile enough to offer a perfect nude lip for every skin tone, whether you're after a brown-ish shade or a mauve-y nude.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Iconic Nude, Pillow Talk Intense, Pillow Talk Original.
Best for a blurred look: REFY Blur Liner
Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Why we love it: Having just launched earlier this year, the REFY Blur Liner has already managed to win over the GLAMOUR beauty team. Thanks to its unique domed shape, this lip liner delivers a natural blurred finish that's perfect for an everyday look. Available in 6 wearable shades, this lip pencil also offers lasting and comfortable wear despite the matte finish. A must.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Opal, Mauve, Umber.
Best creamy lip liner: Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Pencil
Tester: Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: After a water-resistant and transfer-proof lip liner with a creamy formula? Say no more. The Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Pencil delivers exactly that. Offering a range of flattering shades, this unique formula also comes enriched with jojoba oil, which ensures comfortable wear and creamy application.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Nip, Buff, Grip.
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Best luxury lip liner: Hermès Trait d'Hermès Lip Pencil
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: One of the more premium iterations in this round-up, the Hermes Lip Pencil impressed our beauty team so much that it made it into the GLAMOUR Curated 5 People Test, and with good reason. Available in a variety of shades, this lip liner offers creamy yet precise application and pigment that lasts for hours on end. Worth every penny.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Rouge H, Beige Tan, Rose Tomette.
Why we love it: Formulated by renowned celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, this lip liner offers a luxurious feel, lasting pigment and creamy application – all the while feeling nourishing on the lips thanks to a host of moisturising ingredients. It's easily blendable too, meaning you can easy achieve a smudged out look within seconds. One of our favourite formulas to date.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: 2N, 3W, 1N.
Why we love it: Looking for a versatile lip pencil that comes highly recommended from Hailey Bieber herself? We've got just the thing. This lip pencil from Make Up For Ever delilvers a rich, matte finish and can be worn individually or layered together with a lipstick and a gloss for your most complimented lip combo yet.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Anywhere Caffeine, Wherever Walnut and Endless Cacao.
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Why we love it: Looking for a smooth-gliding lip liner with a creamy consistency and a precise tip? Say less. The Kylie Cosmetics Precision Pout Lip Liner shapes and defines with ease, thanks to its velvety formula and lasting pigment that's sure to complement any lip combo.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Cappuccino, Smitten, Cinnamon.
Why we love it: As far as lip pencils go, there aren't many brands that can nail the formula just as much as Victoria Beckham Beauty. Offering lasting longevity and waterproof wear, this premium lip pencil delivers a blurred look that also minimises the appearance of fine lines. Easily one of the best luxury formulas out there.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: 02, 04, 06.
Why we love it: Dior's lip liner pencil comes with a transfer-proof and long-lasting formula that's infused with several lip care ingredients such as shea butter to ensure comfortable wear. It offers multiple hours of comfortable wear while also limiting feathering and preventing it from settling into your lip lines.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: 400 Nude Line, 999, 329 Nude Blush.
Why we love it: One of the best affordable lip liners on the market, this NYX lip liner is unmatched when it comes down to pigment and creamy application. Available in a range of different shades, it glides on smoothly, providing the perfect base for your favourite lip combo. It dries down matte but if you're into a glossy look you can always layer it up with a high-shine lip oil or a lip gloss for that “glass-like” finish.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Cannes, Cold Brew, Soft-spoken.
Why we love it: Looking for a lip liner with a velvety matte texture that applies effortlessly like butter? Huda Beauty's Lip Contour 2.0 comes in 12 inclusive shades, all of which are long-lasting and don't budge or smudge. This product also comes with a built-in sharpener as well as a twist-up bullet that makes application sooo easy.
GLAMOUR-approved shades: Pinky Brown, Rich Brown, Warm Brown.
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How we tested the best lip liners:
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has trialled hundreds of lip liners – from the OG formulas coming from the likes of MAC to celeb-approved iterations from Makeup Forever and newer releases such as the Glossier lip liners. When testing each lip liner formula, we make sure to assess it based on pigment, longevity and value for money. We also pay attention to whether the formula feels drying on the lips or if the pencil glides on seamlessly. Find out more about how we test.
