There’s a running joke among my girlfriends that I’m incapable of walking into an Ulta or Sephora without buying a new lip liner. A swift glance inside any of my purses will validate their theory—it only takes about five seconds to spy one nestled in there, just as crucial to my day as my keys or wallet.
Lip liners are one of those IYKYK beauty secrets. I was indifferent towards them for ages, but after getting my makeup done by the insanely talented Shayna Gold a couple of years back, I saw just how transformative the subtle precision of a liner can be, and I quickly became obsessed. Liners add shape and a soft definition to the lips, able to enhance any natural contours and create the perfect pout without the heavy handedness of lipstick. A buttery, biegey-brown lip liner paired with a gloss or high-shine balm is an everyday staple and something that I genuinely feel almost naked leaving the house without.
I’ve tried a million lip liners in my day, and with careful trial and error, I have accumulated a running list of the very best options, from the most worthwhile splurge to an excellent wallet-friendly option.
My liner guidebook
Charlotte Tilbury “Iconic Nude”- $25
I’ve written about how much I love this lip liner before, but it really is the perfect burnt, cool-toned peach that gives the best contour effect. It also blurs really easily (so there’s no harsh lines) and pairs well with just about any lipstick or lip gloss. You can see here in this photo of Lana when she wore it at the Grammys that it gives that soft, shadowy, and pillowy effect to the lips without having to drastically overline.
NYX Lip Liner “Natural” and “Nude Biege”- $5
I originally bought the “Natural” shade because TikTok convinced me it was a solid dupe for Charlotte’s Iconic Nude. But it’s not really a dupe; I’d say it’s a bit warmer-toned than CT’s, but it’s one of my very favorite, creamy, long-lasting drugstore liners. After seeing that Hailey Bieber swears by their “Nude Biege” shade, which is more of a cool-toned caramel, I’ve recently added that to my rotation and also become totally obsessed. These are great liners to try out new shades with because of their excellent formulas that won’t break the bank.
Makeup Forever “Endless Cacao”- $24
This is the quintessential 90’s ultra cool-toned brown for a slightly grungier makeup look. This has a stamp of approval from beauty muses and icons Alexa Demie, Gabbriette Bechtel, and Katie Jane Hughes. While the above lip liners are more daytime-friendly, this is my go-to for nights out when I want a more sultry and siren-y look.
Colourpop Lippie Pencil “BFF 3” - $5
When I want a shade of brown that’s a bit deeper, I love reaching for this lip liner from Colourpop. It’s insanely creamy, buttery, and blends so easily. It looks especially good under a reddish stain or lip gloss for a sort of strawberry chocolate swirl makeup look.
My go-to liner toppers
Dior Lip Glow Oil “Rosewood”, “Mahogany”, “Cherry” - $40
I totally recognize that this price is bordering on absurd, but these glosses are high shine, ultra-hydrating on the lips, and give the best subtle, bitten tint. I can’t really explain what it is, but once you apply these, your lip liner almost comes to life: it melts the harshness of the edges and blurs them perfectly, revealing a gloriously glossy and pillowy lip combination of your dreams.
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment “Salted Caramel”- $16
Say what you want about celebrity beauty brands, I downright adore this product. Their super glossy and genuinely moisturizing (even during the wintertime). They also have tints which are great, but they’re always sold out.