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Our favorite lipsticks and high-shine glosses wear well on their own, but the best lip liners are the real MVPs, providing the strong base that not only makes lips appear fuller through overlining, but helps following products, be it lipstick or lip oil, stay put for longer. They're perfect as a matte base or for a pop of contrast (cue the ’90s brown liner with light lipstick combo). Basically, liners are the Swiss army knife of lip products, and Robin Black, the LA-based makeup artist behind Beauty is Boring, agrees. "[Lip liner] is one of the unsung heroes of the beauty world,” she says. "Whether I want to fill in and completely change a lip shape or add a bit of color for a subtle look, I reach for lip liner." Below, you'll find our editors' must-have lip pencils and indispensable classics that belong in just about every lip wardrobe.
Our Top Lip Liners
- Best Overall: MAC Lip Pencil, $25
- Best Crayon: Nars PowerMatte High Intensity Lip Pencil, $30
- Best Stain: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner, $23
- Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Pencil Crayon, $6
- Best Waterproof: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Extreme Waterproof Lip Liner, $27
- Best Blurring: Refy Blur Liner, $24
- Best Matte: Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil, $26
- Best for Mature Skin: Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer, $32
- Best Multitasking: Tower 28 Beauty OneLiner Lip Liner + Eyeliner + Cheek Pencil, $15
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How do you choose the right lip liner shade?
- How do you apply lip liner?
- Meet the expert
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: MAC Lip Pencil
MAC
Lip Pencil
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the MAC Lip Liner in Cork
Bianca Richards
Why it's worth it: MAC's Lip Pencil has seen it all, including those '90s makeup trends that have come and gone—and come again. This classic pencil's creamy, ultra-pigmented formula has withstood the test of time and remains a favorite of many Allure editors and makeup artists, like Joseph Carrillo. "[This formula] is long-wearing and is easy to blend out," Carrillo says. That makes it versatile enough to use for any look, whether you want a blurred finish or a defined line. And with 29 shades to choose from, you can go from the perfect neutral to a bold, show-stopping pop. For that true '90s-inspired look, Carrillo recommends swiping on Spice, a brownish-pink shade that happens to be an Allure Best of Beauty Award Hall of Famer.
Richards before applying the MAC Lip Liner
Bianca Richards
Richards after applying the MAC Lip Liner in Cork
Bianca Richards
Tester feedback from Allure social media manager Bianca Richards
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“Growing up, the MAC wood pencil lip liner was a staple in my mom's makeup stash, so it makes sense why it's become my holy grail liner. Not only is this a tried-and-true liner for its color payoff and formulation, but Cork complements my lips so well. It's so hard to find that perfect shade of brown that is versatile in a way where I can apply one coat for a simple/minimal contrast, or add more product for more definition without appearing too stark.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
More to know
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- Shades: 29
- Finish: satin
Best Crayon: Nars PowerMatte High Intensity Lip Pencil
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil in Born to Be Wild
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: An evolution of the brand's iconic Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, the Best of Beauty Award-winning Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil offers a cream-to-matte formula with bold, long-lasting color that stays put for up to 12 hours. Unlike a pointy liner, this chubby stick fills the lips in seconds, but is still precise enough to use as a definer—which is why it’s the do-it-all lippie we keep in our purse at all times. Naturally, the brand that gave us the iconic "Orgasm" blush delivers equally unforgettable names for their lip pencils. Standouts like "Dragon Girl," "American Woman," and "Born to Be Wild" are just a few favorites—the latter spotted here on Allure contributing commerce editor, Deanna Pai.
Pai before applying the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil in Born to Be Wild
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Okay, okay, this is technically a lip crayon—but I use it to both line and fill my lips. It has just as much staying power as my more traditional lip liners, but feels more moisturizing. Plus, I can apply it in a matter of seconds, which is a big plus.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: 13
- Finish: matte
Best Stain: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner
Tarte
Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner
Amazon
Sephora
Allure director of video content Natalie Campbell applying the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner
Natalie Campbell
Why it’s worth it: Once you experience the long-lasting powers of Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner firsthand, you’ll understand why it snagged a 2025 Best of Beauty Award. Think of it as a felt-tip pen for your lips: It glides on like a liquid lipstick, but without the requisite smudging or feathering. And once it sets, it doesn’t budge—no matter how much you sip, snack, or chat—until you reach for a cleansing balm. Our Best of Beauty testers loved how easy it was to define the lips without adding any thick texture, so you can layer lipstick, gloss, or balm over it without things feeling heavy. It also comes in a range of skin-like colors, spanning from a deep brown to a rosy beige, making it easy as ever to find a your-lips-but-better match.
Tester feedback from Allure director of video content Natalie Campbell
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“This lip liner really does last! I’m partial to low-maintenance lip products, and this liner wears and blends so nicely without causing harsh lines. The felt tip makes it easy to trace over your natural lip line, and the range ensures there’s a color that matches any type of look." —Natalie Campbell, director of video content
More to know
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- Shades: 12
- Finish: stain
Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Pencil Crayon
NYX Cosmetics
Lip Pencil Crayon
Ulta Beauty
Target
Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Pencil Crayon in Cocoa
Melanie Curry
Why it’s worth it: A full lip doesn’t have to break the bank. Nyx Professional Makeup’s Lip Pencil Crayon delivers rich color payoff in one creamy swipe. While it applies smoothly, the slim, transfer-proof pencil sets down to a matte look with impressive staying power, especially when worn sans gloss. The tip can be sharpened, too, which means you can keep it ultra-precise—perfect for defining a cupid’s bow or faking a little extra fullness with subtle overlining.
Curry before applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Pencil Crayon in Cocoa
Melanie Curry
Curry after applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Pencil Crayon in Cocoa
Melanie Curry
Tester feedback from Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
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“If you need a budget-friendly liner that works just as well as your beloved high-end options, this crayon is for you. I've tried dozens of wallet-friendly and higher-end liners, and I always find myself returning back to this one. Why? Its smooth formula and color payout give my lips a plump touch. It’s good for only costing less than $5!”—Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
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- Shades: 31
- Finish: matte
Best Waterproof: Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil Extreme Waterproof Lip Liner
Makeup Forever
Waterproof Liner
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil Extreme Waterproof Lip Liner in Wherever Walnut
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: Once Makeup Forever’s Extreme Waterproof Lip Liner locks in place, it'll withstand every drink, meal, and smooch throughout the day. It acts as a gripping base for your subsequent lip products, helping them stay in place without feathering or settling into fine lines. The sturdy tip lets you draw crisp, precise lines, but a quick blur with your finger or brush gives soft, natural fullness—just work fast, as it dries in seconds.
Felbin before applying the Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil Extreme Waterproof Lip Liner
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil Extreme Waterproof Lip Liner in Wherever Walnut
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“Once I gave into the TikTok hype and tried this liner, I never looked back. This pencil is super easy to apply, looks great underneath almost every lipstick and gloss I own, and never feathers, smudges, or bleeds. And if you're new to lip liners, don't worry—it blends out seamlessly, so you're never left with a line that's too dark or harsh. Wherever Walnut is by far my favorite shade—it's the perfect neutral pink that doesn't pull too orange on me.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: 10
- Finish: matte
Best Blurring: Refy Blur Liner
Refy
Blur Liner
Sephora
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Refy Blur Liner in Mauve
Lily Wohlner
Why it’s worth it: A sharp pencil is great for those crisp, super-precise lines, but sometimes you want something softer, fuller, and a little more natural. That’s where Refy’s viral Blur Liner comes in. With its chubbier, dome-shaped tip, the formula instantly gives lips a blurred, airbrushed finish that somehow never looks overdone. It’s creamy and blendable, yet precise enough to define without any extra buffing (trust us, it’s basically impossible to go heavy-handed here).
Bonus: The coconut-derived oils keep the formula smooth, so there’s zero tugging or dry patches in sight. And for such a balmy-feeling formula, it really holds its own for hours—and is practically foolproof to reapply on the go (if you even need to). While we wish the shade range were bigger, the existing lineup is impressively versatile across many skin tones.
Wohlner before applying the Refy Blur Liner
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after applying the Refy Blur Liner in Mauve
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I know every editor says this, but I test hundreds of lip products—and this is one I actually repurchase with my own money. It lives in my bag because I can swipe it on without a mirror, and the blurred finish always looks good (no jagged pencil lines here). Most days I wear it alone for that naturally plumped-up look, but when I layer it with a clear gloss, I’ve had friends ask if I got filler—which, as a thin-lipped girl, is the ultimate compliment.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Shades: 7
- Finish: satin
Best Matte: Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
Makeup by Mario
Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
Sephora
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in Travis
Jailynn Taylor
Why it's worth it: Makeup By Mario’s dual-ended lip liner comes with a built-in brush to blend and blur the long-lasting pigment. Speaking of pigment, the Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil’s lightweight formula is available in over 20 red, berry, brown, and nude lip liner shades to mix and match with your favorite lipsticks and glosses. Since this matte-finish lip pencil locks in place for full-day wear, you can apply it as a wear-enhancing base for your lipstick or sport it all by itself.
Taylor before applying Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in Travis
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“I share Trakoshis' fondness for the lip liner, but in shade Travis, because it's the perfect medium-brown hue for my two-toned lips. It’s not too overpowering, and when paired with my favorite gloss, it really pops.”—Jailynn Taylor, contributor
Tester feedback from Allure former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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"Leave it to Mario Dedivanovic to create the perfect lip liner. I love this dual-ended lip liner that comes with a built-in brush to blend and blur all harsh lines. Most days, I'll just line my lips, blend it out, and leave the house—no lipstick needed."—Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Shades: 21
- Finish: matte
Best for Mature Skin: Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Lip Definer
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Allure shoppping director Shanna Shipin applying the Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer in a combination of No. 02 and No. 05
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: You know a product is good when it's in a makeup artist's professional kit and their personal makeup bag, as is the case for Black and the Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer. "The smooth, intensely pigmented formula of this liner is ideal for creating precise lip looks and can be used under lipstick or alone," she says. In addition to the variety of nude shades—like No. 5, the gorgeous toffee brown one seen above—Black says the Red is also brilliant: "It's bright, but with a neutral undertone that works under many different shades of red lipstick," she explains. Bonus: Since it's formulated with plumping peptides and moisturizing emollient vitamin E, Victoria Beckham Beauty's lip liner is a must for mature skin.
Shipin before applying the Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer in a combination of No. 02 and No. 05
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin
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“I'm a difficult customer when it comes to lip liner: I don't have much definition on the outer corners of my bottom lip (they sort of just blend right into my skin), and I also don't usually go for a super-defined lip for everyday. That means I need a pencil that can both define and blur—without drying out my (likely dehydrated) lips! It's a tall order, and one that few pencils can fill, literally, other than the Victoria Beckham Lip Definer. These pencils are so elegant and truly glide across the lips. Because the formula is waterproof, the pigment has staying power, but theres beauty witchcraft going on here because you can blur them out to a nice 'undone' look if you'd like. It doesn't enhance any lip lines or dryness while it's at it, and the shades are stunning! My favorite is the beautiful nude No. 2 for most days, and No. 5 when I want to take things up a notch.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
More to know
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- Shades: 7
- Finish: matte
Best Multitasking: Tower 28 Beauty OneLiner Lip Liner + Eyeliner + Cheek Pencil
Tower 28
OneLiner Lip Liner + Eyeliner + Cheek Pencil
Sephora
Revolve
Credo Beauty
Why it’s worth it: It may look like your standard lip liner, but Tower 28’s OneLiner is actually three products in one: lip liner, eyeliner, and cheek color. It's like a colored pencil, but for your face—so feel free to get creative. The nifty pencil comes in six pink and brown shades that can double as a matte cream blush or even faux freckles for a playful touch. Plus, hydrating ingredients like shea butter and marula oil ensure it glides on smoothly without tugging.
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- Shades: 6
- Finish: matte
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you choose the right lip liner shade?
Finding the right shade of liner depends on your overall lip combo. If you're opting for a classic red lip, New York City-based makeup artist Vincent Oquendo previously told Allure to apply an identical or slightly deeper shade of your lipstick. "For the most precise red lip, work backward," he says. "Apply lipstick, then liner to create the shape."
To create a fuller, more accentuated style, Donni Davy, Euphoria's head makeup artist, previously told Allure to find a shade that's slightly deeper than your natural lip color. "Depending on your complexion, these shades [of brown] might range from a medium pink-peach to mauve-taupe, or espresso-black," she explains.
How do you apply lip liner?
Lip liner is undoubtedly versatile, but there's a fine line (literally) between creating a crisp yet natural-looking result and teetering on obviously overlined. Below, we share a few tips that Davy and Chanel makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown previously shared with Allure:
Use a dull lip liner.
We all love the feel of breaking in a freshly sharpened lip liner but hold off on sharpening if you want a more diffused finish. Both Brown and Davy agree that when it comes to lip pencils, the duller, the better. "I love soft diffusion on the edges of lips," Brown notes. "[A diffused line] helps make lips authentically look fuller."
Ditch your lip balm.
If you usually prep your lips with a balm, try holding off until after you've applied your liner. "For staying power, I like to line on drier lips," Brown says. "If lips are too hydrated or have too much slip to them, it prevents the waxy liner from creating a bond with the lip. It will sort of float on top of the emollient lip balm."
Draw along the perimeter of your lips.
You may feel inclined to try heavily overlining (and if that's your look of choice, you do you!), but Brown recommends following your natural perimeter and drawing ever-so-slightly above your natural line. "On the sides of the lip, top, and bottom, sketch the liner inwards towards the [center] of your lips," Brown shares. This helps to blend the color versus creating a distinct border.
Blend out the color.
If you used a liner that was too sharp or applied too much product, grab a small, angled makeup brush to soften the liner color towards the center of the lips. "I think it looks more artful, glam, and a tiny bit lived in," says Davy. "Your lips will look luscious and full."
You can also follow this step to ensure a smooth base before applying your lip color over top. "When I'm doing a bold lip look, this helps get a [consistent] color across the entire lip," says Brown.
Layer lipstick or gloss on top.
When applying your next product, Brown suggests applying a small amount on the center of the lips and blending outward rather than smearing all over. "This ensures that all the beautiful shadowing I’ve done with the brown lip liner doesn’t soften too much," she says.
For a little extra oomph, "Pop a lighter shade in the center of your lips for a little more dimension," adds Davy.
Meet the expert
- Donni Davy, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and founder of Half Magic Beauty
- Joseph Carrillo, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Robin Black, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and founder of Beauty is Boring
- Rose Siard, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
- Tasha Reiko Brown, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and Chanel Beauty ambassador
- Vincent Oquendo, a New York City-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best lip liners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.