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Remember when lip liners were relegated to the back of your drawer, only pulled out for special occasions? Well, those days are over. Their comeback era is finally here and this time they’re claiming their rightful spot as makeup bag essentials.
Thanks to social media beauty trends and a resurgence of ’90s-inspired looks, lip liners have transformed from simple defining tools to versatile multitaskers that shape, plump and sometimes even serve as long-lasting lipstick alternatives. Today’s lip liner is softer, more natural, modern, creamy and sophisticated enough to actually hydrate while they define.
The new approach focuses on matching or slightly enhancing your natural lip colour for a fuller, balanced look that feels effortlessly chic rather than obviously cliché. Even better, today’s formulas are pulling double duty. They’re compact enough to fit into your smallest evening bag, long-lasting enough to survive coffee and catch-ups and versatile enough to work as both liner and full lip colour.
From cult favourites to hidden gems, we’ve rounded up nine lip liners that deliver serious bang for your buck.
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There’s a reason this liner shows up in almost every beauty creator’s routine. Huda Beauty’s Lip Contour glides on effortlessly with rich pigment that doesn’t tug or skip. The texture strikes a great balance between creamy and slightly waxy, which means it defines cleanly without feathering or bleeding. Add in the precision tip and you’ve got a liner that makes shaping your lips feel intuitive rather than intimidating and stays put from day to night.
Rihanna really understood the assignment with this one. The Trace’d Out Lip Liner Pencil delivers intense colour in a single swipe with a smooth creamy finish that feels luxe on the lips. What really makes it stand out is how long it lasts. Once it sets, it barely budges which makes it ideal for long days when reapplying just isn’t happening. It’s reliable, bold and does exactly what you want a liner to do.
This is the lip liner that refuses to be dethroned and for good reason. A backstage and vanity staple for decades, the M.A.C Lip Pencil offers a smooth velvety application with buildable coverage that never feels dry. The formula is firm enough for precise lining but still blends easily if you want to shade or fill in the lips. It’s one of those rare products that works just as well for beginners as it does for seasoned pros.
If you love the idea of a blurred filtered lip without actually using a filter, this one delivers. The IRL Filter Finish Lip Liner has a soft matte formula that smooths and defines in a very flattering way. It blends easily, layers well and works beautifully for gradient lips or even worn alone as a full lip colour. Effortless and modern, it’s perfect for that polished but not overdone look.
Sheglam continues to impress with formulas that feel far more premium than their price tag suggests. The So Lippy Lip Liner glides on smoothly with strong pigment and just enough waxiness to keep it from feathering. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day and versatile enough to be worn crisp and defined or softly smudged for a more lived-in lip. An easy win for everyday wear.
FAE Beauty brings a clean beauty approach without compromising on performance. The Re Define Lip Liner has a creamy, nourishing formula enriched with vitamin E, almond oil and natural waxes that keep lips feeling comfortable. It applies smoothly, builds beautifully and wears well without drying out the lips. Whether you prefer a subtle outline or a fully defined lip, this one adapts to your mood.
True to its name, this liner is all about comfort. KIKO Milano’s Creamy Color Comfort Lip Liner feels almost balmy as it goes on but still offers impressive staying power. It wears well from desk to drinks and never leaves lips feeling dry or tight. If you have sensitive or dry lips and still want definition, this is a great option to keep in your rotation.
This liner sits right at the intersection of makeup and skincare. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it defines the lips while keeping them hydrated and subtly plumped. The texture is silky and lightweight, gliding on effortlessly for a polished but natural finish. It feels luxurious, wears comfortably and makes lips look smooth and healthy all day.
A dependable classic that always delivers, Colorbar’s Definer Lip Liner balances creaminess with control. It applies smoothly, holds its shape and stays put without smudging or bleeding. The precision tip makes lining easy while the formula’s staying power keeps everything in place. It’s a no-fuss staple that earns its spot in your makeup bag.
