11 lip-enhancing liners to breathe new life into your lippy

Promo pics for various lip liners

Credit: Courtesy of brands

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11 lip-enhancing liners to breathe new life into your lippy

By Aidan Milan

1 year ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

2 min read

Whether you want to play around with some 90s glamour looks or are just hoping to give your lipstick the best chance of lasting through the day and night, these handy pencils have you covered. 


Lip liners are staple products in our make-up bags for good reason. Not only can they keep your lip colour in line, but they can also help take your lip shape to the next level.

Bobbi Brown senior pro make-up artist Zara Findlay tells Stylist: “I love that lip liners give your lips the subtle definition to enhance your natural lip shape, and really make your lip colour or gloss pop.

“They can give your unwanted lipsticks and glosses a new pop by changing their tone, and they can stop your lipsticks from feathering, as well as help them stay on for much longer.”

The best way to apply lip liner

“If you want to enhance your lips,” says Findlay, “use a lip liner that is just a touch darker than your lip tone and follow the natural shape of your lips when lining them. I then like to use my fingertip to soften out the edges before I apply my lipstick or gloss. This is going to allow for a very seamless, natural look.

“You can wear a lip liner with any lip product, whether it’s a lipstick, gloss, stain or balm. Your lip liner is just there to enhance the natural shape of your lips.”

Lip liners to shop

bobbi brown chocolate lip liner

Bobbi Brown Velvety Lip Liner

“For a deep skin tone, chocolate is a great colour as a natural lip liner,” says Findlay.

Shop Bobbi Brown Velvety Lip Liner, £27

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ELF lip liner

E.L.F. Cream Glide Lip Liner

This budget-friendly lip liner is highly pigmented for a bold finish.

Shop E.L.F. Cream Glide Lip Liner, £2

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Beauty Pie lip liner

Beauty Pie Wondergel Long Wear Lip Liner

Be bold with this show-stopping shade of red that’s enriched with jojoba oil.

Shop Beauty Pie Wondergel Long Wear Lip Liner, £7.50

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Vieve lip liner

Vieve Modern Lip Definer

This delicate shade, called Stupid Cupid, is perfect for a barely-there look.

Shop Vieve Modern Lip Definer at Cult Beauty, £19

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Charlotte Tilbury lip liner

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat

These lip liners are waterproof and promise six hours of wear at least.

Shop Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat, £21

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Too Faced lip liner

Too Faced Lady Bold Demi-matte Long-wear Lip Liner

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Huda lip liner

Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0

This handy liner comes with a little sharpener you can take on the go.

Shop Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 at Cult Beauty, £19

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MAC lip liner

MAC Lip Pencil

Creamy and smooth, this liner has a strong pigment for serving even stronger looks.

Shop MAC Lip Pencil at LookFantastic, £20

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NYX lip liner

Nyx Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner

This soft lip pencil pairs wonderfully with your favourite matte lipstick. 

Shop Nyx Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner at Cult Beauty, £4

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Max factor lip liner

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipliner

We can never get enough of rich, warm brown lip liners like this one from Max Factor. 

Shop Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipliner at Superdrug, £5.99

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Pat McGrath lip liner

Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil

Dame Pat McGrath is regarded as a living legend for a reason, and her make-up range is the stuff dreams are made of.

Shop Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil at Cult Beauty, £27

BUY NOW

Images: courtesy of brands

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