The 11 Best Lip Liners, According To Beauty Experts

What’s notable: The creamy texture feels super smooth while lining lips, yet the formula is firm enough to add precision and definition. 

What could be better: This product is so creamy and blends well with other lip products but some say the pencil can wear down rather quickly.

This formula from Pat McGrath Labs is everything you’d want in a lip pencil. “It delivers a silky, feather-resistant finish that doesn’t fade or bleed,” says Guerra, who emphasizes how long it lasts. The creamy texture prevents skipping or dragging when you apply it, yet it’s still firm enough to be very precise. Once applied, this formula won’t budge; it’s transfer-resistant and waterproof. Use it to contour and define your pout or as a base shade under your lipstick to add structure.

What’s notable: This allows you to easily get the “your lips but better” look thanks to its precision.

What could be better: If the pencil were a traditional thickness (rather than on the slimmer side), it could be more versatile for filling in as well as outlining.

This slim yet mighty lip liner by NYX is one of my favorites. Since the texture is so buttery soft, it feels incredibly comfortable and blends easily with other lip products. The formula also includes nourishing jojoba oil, shea butter and coconut oil. And with a wide selection of shades, there’s no shortage of options whether for everyday wear or fancy occasions. Create the look of plumper lips by lining your top and bottom lip, blending the corners and applying a complementary shade of lipstick or lip gloss on top. 

What’s notable: This luxurious lip liner has the added benefit of nourishing skincare ingredients. 

What could be better: While many are fans of the satiny, radiant finish of this lip pencil, some may prefer a more matte formula.

Made with ingredients including kokum butter, phytosqualane, aloe vera extract and jojoba oil, this lip liner gives lips an added dose of hydration and nourishment. The firm yet gentle tip provides precise lining, and blending is easy thanks to the built-in brush on the other end of the pencil. After applying this product, my lips felt more moisturized right away—this is helpful because I find that chapped lips are more noticeable when wearing lip color.

What’s notable: This long-lasting lip liner by ColourPop has more than 30 shades (when shopping directly on the brand’s site), from neutral to bold.

What could be better: Although this product feels creamy and allows for a tug-free application, it could use more hydrating ingredients to nourish lips.

With more than 30 shades spanning from neutral to bold, there’s a color option for every makeup mood. ColourPop products have never failed me, and their lip pencil is a must-have in my cosmetics case: The long-lasting formula prevents feathering and is super pigmented. I often use the mauve pink Shot Clock shade, which works well for any occasion. Makeup artist Brielle Pollara also recommends this product and notes how the formula glides on effortlessly.

What’s notable: This lip liner doubles as lipstick and stays on for up to 12 hours, reducing the need to touch it up throughout the day.

What could be better: This product can double as a lipstick, but it’s not as precise as a classic lip liner since the bullet is thicker.

With this Nars pick, it’s highly unlikely you’ll need to touch up throughout the day since the rich formula lasts up to 12 hours—even through most meals—unless you intentionally wipe it off. Most of the 13 shades are bold variations of pinks, reds and browns that create the illusion of fuller lips. This cream-to-matte formula applies smoothly, and once it dries becomes pretty transfer-proof. Also worth noting: You can use it as a lipstick and quickly fill in your entire pout with just one product. 

What’s notable: This formula is smudge-proof and creates precise lines. It also includes a brush topped with a clear cap to distinguish each side easily.

What could be better: A variety of shades are available, but it could use some more deeper color options.

Both Guerra and Pollara are fans of this smudge-proof Dior pick. “It’s a luxurious, long-lasting formula, great for creating precise, defined lips that last all day,” says Guerra. Its creamy texture ensures smooth application, while the variety of shades (in satin, velvet and matte finishes) pair well with almost any lipstick color. It feels comfortable on lips through the day since it’s infused with nourishing ingredients, including red peony extract, pomegranate flower extract and shea butter. “The shade 300 Nude Style is perfect for anyone who doesn’t like the look of lip liner but wants to keep their lipstick in place,” says Pollara.

What’s notable: This product has exceptional lasting power; it’s waterproof, transfer-proof and offers intense color payoff.

What could be better: Since the texture is ultra creamy, it isn’t as precise as the brand’s original Artist Color Color Pencil.

If you lead an active lifestyle or simply want to avoid reapplying your lip liner after being around water, this pencil from Make Up For Ever is an ideal pick. It’s waterproof, transfer-proof, feather-proof and stays on for a long time without fading. I’ve worn it during dinner, while sipping drinks and even in the shower, and it didn’t budge. You can expect a velvet matte finish that easily blends with other lip products, and you only need one swipe on the edges of your lips for an intense color payoff.

What’s notable: This pick provides long-lasting color and contains nourishing skincare ingredients.

What could be better: It would be helpful if the brand’s Lip Sketch Large Sharpener (which is needed for it to create precise lines) was included with the lip liner. 

Known for makeup infused with skincare, Ilia’s Lip Sketch pencil defines, plumps and hydrates lips. Made with ingredients like sea succulent, hyaluronic acid, seaweed extract and rosehip oil, it boosts your lips’ moisture while nourishing and softening them. The medium tip, which isn’t too thin or thick, allows it to also be used for filling in color for a cohesive makeup look.

What’s notable: You’ll immediately feel the nourishing effects when applying this lip liner since its made with hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-softening beeswax and moisturizing jojoba seed oil.

What could be better: This pencil runs out quicker than expected and requires frequent sharpening to get precise lines.

For subtle definition and more natural-looking finish, this favorite from Charlotte Tillbury is a top pick of both Guerra and Pollara. “This liner is incredibly smooth and has a rich pigment,” says Guerra, “It’s great for overlining without looking obvious and blends seamlessly with natural-looking lipstick shades.” Pollara notes the universal shade Iconic Nude is her go-to for clients regardless of their skin tone. What’s more, many with sensitive skin can still use this pick since it’s made with lip-nourishing ingredients like  hyaluronic acid, beeswax and jojoba seed oil.

What’s notable: This lip liner features a unique slanted tip that twists up and doesn’t require sharpening, and it also has a brush on the other end for easy blending.

What could be better: It would be easier to use if the brush side had a clear cap to quickly distinguish it from the pencil end.

Ever since I got this feather- and bleed-resistant lip liner from Buxom, I’ve been using it on repeat. What makes this lip liner stand out is how easy it is to apply, thanks to the twist-up, slanted tip that doesn’t require sharpening; I can toss it in my purse without carrying a separate sharpener. Additionally, the lip plumping formula contains vitamin E to soften lips, sunflower seed oil to combat dryness and avocado oil to hydrate the skin.

What’s notable: You can adjust the sharpness of this pencil’s tip based on how you sharpen it, allowing for an ultra-precise application.

What could be better: Some reviewers on Sephora’s website note that the brush cap on this lip pencil can become loos