For the perfect lip look, you need to find the best lip liner on the market—that’s easier said than done. Finding one that matches your natural lip tone or even your favorite lipstick can be just as difficult as finding makeup that matches or finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white film. Luckily for you, I’ve tested all of the products above, and of course lip liners, so you know you can trust me. I’ve bookmarked every lip liner and lip gloss combo I see on TikTok and worn them while eating, wearing masks, and playing everyday pranks.
These are the ones that are easy to apply, rarely need reapplying, and almost never need sharpening.
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Photo: Chinea Rodriguez
Type: pencil | Colors: 6 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Aside from the fun light blue packaging, this is a very good liner and probably one of my favorites. The shade Riche is the perfect nude and has a smooth, matte but not flat finish. The brand takes the guesswork out of pairing liner and lipstick. I recommend treating yourself to the lip compact, which includes a hydrating primer and a pigmented lip color that matches the liner colors perfectly.
Photo: Chinea Rodriguez
Type: pencil | Colors: 5 | Not tested on animals: Yes
This sculpting liner is by far my favorite range of pink and brown nude shades and is perfect for shaping the lips or applying color all over. It comes with a smudger on one end but I find it easier to blend it with my fingers or by simply rubbing my lips. I have at least one of these liners in my bag.
Photo: Chinea Rodriguez
Type: Turn up | Colors: 3 | Not tested on animals: Yes
When it comes to lip liners, makeup artists have a real talent and this one from Isamaya Ffrench’s line is no exception. The liner has a super thin tip that makes it easy to line the lips precisely and apply the formula without smudging. I find this one works best for a more dramatic lip line, but there are more subtle shades available if you prefer a different look.
Type: pencil | Colors: 6 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Because it’s an all-purpose product, the formula is smooth, creamy, and very blendable. The color range is small, but full of shades you’ll love applying to other parts of your face, including pink-nude, taupe, and chocolate brown.
Type: colored pencil | Colors: 17 | Not tested on animals: Yes
While this thick liner pairs well with Haus Labs Lip Glaze, it also works really well on its own. It’s on the thicker side and has a precise pointed tip that allows you to shape and fill in your lips. The formula is lightweight and semi-matte without looking or feeling too dry.
Type: pencil | Colors: 5 | Not tested on animals: Unclear
This is the best option for “your lips, but better.” There are five nude shades that flatter every skin tone and make it easy to contour (or over-draw!) your lips. A brush on one end helps you blend the liner for the most natural look possible.
Type: pencil | Colors: 24 | Not tested on animals: Yes
NYX’s budget pencils are just as good as MAC’s, and the brand might even have a copy of your favorite shade. As the name suggests, this one is long-lasting and easy to blend, and NYX probably has one of the best color ranges on the market, with nearly 30 to choose from.
Type: pencil | Colors: 19 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Ask anyone what lip liner they like and they’ll probably pull out a slightly used MAC in Cork. Cork is a muted brown that suits most skin tones and the formula is easy to blend and lasts all day. MAC offers a range of liner colors from very muted browns to bright, pigmented pinks and reds.
Type: pencil | Colors: 19 | Not tested on animals: Yes
This velvety liner is another fan favorite. Pillow Talk is the viral pink-nude shade that suits most skin tones, but there are a handful of other shades to shop, from rich brown to berry pink. You’ll likely find a nude shade that suits your lips even better, and if so, this is probably one of the best to swipe on top and apply all over.
Type: pencil | Colors: 8 | Not tested on animals: Yes
If you don’t want to spend a lot, you don’t have to. For just under $10, this is a good, easy-to-use classic eyeliner. It comes in several long-lasting shades, including one that reviewers say is very close to Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk.
Type: gel | Colors: 5 | Not tested on animals: Yes
I would argue that Wet n Wild is one of the most underrated drugstore brands; the discontinued Mega Last Lip Color was one of the best lipsticks I’ve ever tried. This liner is pretty good too. If you’re tired of liner pencils (and need to find a sharpener), this is a great option.
Type: pencil | Colors: 47 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Long before ColourPop hit stores, I was compiling lists of its massive collection of viral liners and lip colors that you can buy online. Like NYX, the brand offers a solid range of shades to choose from on its website, and even more lipsticks and glosses to match. Retailers like Ulta have a good selection of nude shades. For just under $7, it has an easy-to-blend, creamy formula, and if you’re willing to spend a little more, you can buy each shade for just under $100. The only caveat is that I find it difficult to sharpen.
Type: Pencil | Colors: 5 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Anyone who has used Ami Cole’s cult lip care oils has wondered – well, begging — The brand introduced lip liners to match its glossy lip formulas, and now they’re here. Available in five shades, the pigmented, precise and waterproof pencils are perfect for creating sharp lines and blending just as easily.
Type: Pencil | Colors: 8 | Not tested on animals: Yes
A favorite of our fashion journalist Asia Milia Ware, back due to popular demand, these easy-to-use lip liners have been reformulated to be super creamy and hydrating. They also come with a smudger and sharpener for precise application.
Type: Pencil | Colors: 12 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Ilia’s latest launch is likely to become another cult product. This thick colored pencil is hydrating, pigmented, and long-lasting. I almost got through a work lunch with it without having to reapply or smudge it everywhere. The only problem you’ll probably have is that you’ll have to buy a new, larger pencil sharpener to keep it in shape.
Type: Pencil | Colors: 22 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Most of the liners listed here are long-lasting, but this one really has staying power. In 22 pigmented shades, it goes on smooth and stays put for literally hours. This liner has survived dinners, drinks, and the summer heat, and on most days it even lasts longer than my lip oil.
Type: Turn up | Colors: 9 | Not tested on animals: Yes
One of Cut contributor Morgan Evans’ new favorites, this liner from Tarte contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help smooth and plump lips. If you want a “your lips, only better” look, it also comes in a beautiful palette of pinks, peaches, and browns.
Type: Pencil | Colors: 8 | Not tested on animals: Yes
Here’s a look at senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves’ favorite lip enhancer: Glossier’s newest nude shades. The perfect addition to your routine, this pencil from the brand known for its barely-there, radiant makeup offers nude shades for all skin tones. The waterproof and smudge-proof liner is perfect for going just outside the lines for a fuller look.
- Chinaa Rodriguez, shopping writer at The Cut
