The 5 Best Lip Liners for Longer Lasting Lipstick
Isobel is a skincare obsessed Piscean hailing from Byron Bay. She studied law and journalism in Brisbane before moving to Sydney where she’s now living by the beach in Bondi. She’s worked as a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, a Digital Content Editor for Marie Claire and InStyle, and her words have appeared in Vogue, Gritty Pretty, ELLE, Women’s Health - and of course here - at Adore Beauty.
One makeup item often overlooked in favour of more exciting products (shout-out to limited-edition eyeshadow palettes!) is lip liner.
Yet its miraculous ability to ensure our lip looks last makes lip liner the unsung hero of the beauty world.
Firstly, What Is Lip Liner For?
Usually made with long-wearing waxes, lip liners are applied to the outer edges of the lips to secure the staying power of your other lip products.
Liners can also be used to create heaps of other beauty looks.
If you’re after a more exaggerated pout (à la Kylie Jenner), lip liner can be used to ‘overline’ the lips, giving the mouth a larger look.
For those who love a ‘90s beauty moment, liner can create that dramatic two-tone vibe, where the edges of your lips are a few shades darker than your lipstick.
And if you’re wondering whether you can use lip liner as lipstick, the answer is yes. That’s why liners are excellent multitaskers to keep on hand.
Simply line and fill your lips with your lip pencil or crayon. Then add a little clear gloss or balm on top for hydration.
Here Are the Best Long Lasting Lip Liners
A Waterproof Lip Liner That Even Lasts Through Swimming
Created for the Parisian Aquatic Ballet, this long-lasting lip liner was designed to withstand hours of swimming. It’s completely waterproof, non-transferable, and smudgeproof. Plus, it contains Jojoba Wax to hydrate and protect the lips. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Waterproof Lip Liner is available in a range of shades from classic nudes to louder statement hues.
A Silky Lip Liner That Doubles as a Matte Lipstick
For those hectic days when you need a quick, all-in-one lip look, count on Napoleon Perdis Lip Liner Pencil to go the distance. This Australian-made lip pencil is brilliant for use either as a liner or all over for a matte lip look. Need some shade recommendations? For the pale pink lip liner of your dreams, check out Pink Slip. For a deep, moody blush, try Pinot Noir.
An All-Natural Liner Made Without Toxic Chemicals
Throughout the day, you end up practically eating anything that’s applied to your lips. That’s why it’s important to know that the lip products you’re using are free from harmful ingredients. Nude by Nature Defining Lip Pencil is made with natural ingredients including Jojoba, Mango Seed, and Macadamia Seed Oils. This long-lasting lip liner is also cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and contains no sulphates or artificial fragrances.
A Clear Liner To Go With All Your Lip Products
If you’ve been worrying about how to match lip liner and lipstick, this clever clear lip liner removes all the guesswork. The invisible formula is made with Rose Wax and Shea Butter to nourish the lips. It’s cruelty-free and has been dermatologically tested for use on sensitive skin.
An Affordable Liner That Stays All Day
Currently priced at $9.99, this cruelty-free, vegan lip liner is a total steal. But don’t let its wallet-friendly price make you think it’s not high-quality! This bargain buy is one of the best lip liners we’ve tried. A built-in sharpener ensures you’re never stuck with a blunt product. No doubt this long-lasting lip liner makes a valuable addition to your beauty bag. Pigment Pout contains hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Q10 to care for your lips, plus Vitamins A and E to protect against environmental elements.
Do You Need Lip Liner for Lipstick?
Not strictly, no. But if you’re trying to achieve a long-wearing lip look, then you’ll definitely want to line.
Lip liner is also fundamental to creating the overlined lip and the ‘90s contrast look we’ve just discussed.
How To Match Lip Liner and Lipstick
To find your perfect pairing, first search for a lip liner in the same colour family as the lipstick you’re using.
- Then, select a lip liner shade that’s one to two shades *darker* than this one for a more natural, dimensional look.
- If you’re after that ‘90s kinda mood we’ve been chatting about, you can go for even more contrast.
How To Apply Lip Liner
- Lip liner goes on clean, dry lips before lipstick. This approach will help your colour stay put.
- To apply, grab your lip liner and trace the edges of your lips.
- On the top lip, start at the centre of your Cupid’s bow before working outwards.
- Then, line your bottom lip by again starting in the middle and moving outwards.
- To soften any hard, noticeable edges, blend your lip liner in towards the centre of your mouth with a fine brush.
We hope you’re now feeling way savvier about why you’d use lip liner, how to apply lip liner, and all the greatest long-lasting lip liners to try.
If you’re keen to check out more of the best lip liners, we have plenty more available in our lip liner section.
Or, if you want to discover more of our favourite lip products, have a look through the guides below...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
