Makeup is highly personal. Case in point: I want barely-there coverage from my foundation, while others desire something akin to spackle. You'll find many blush devotees siding staunchly with Team Cream or Team Powder. But the best lip liner? It's a more straightforward discourse. The consensus is that it needs to apply smoothly, deliver pigment, and last all day.
Once those boxes have been checked, it's time to start reading between the lines (pun intended). A few lip pencils are designed with a fine tip suited to sculpt a sharp cupid's bow. Many brands focus on longevity or packing in the pigment. These nuances can make picking the best lip liner a trial-and-error-filled experience. That's why I've done the swatching for you.
I tested some of the buzziest lip liners on the market to discover the ones worth adding to your collection. I overlined and contoured my vermillion lines into submission; I buffed, smudged, and tweaked to create flawless bases for lipstick and gloss. I even consulted three acclaimed makeup artists for their advice on how to choose the perfect liner and learn what lip products they keep stashed in their kit at all times.
Ultimately, I narrowed down the hundreds of lip liners to the top 12 products. Shop my picks, ahead.
The Best Lip Liners
- Best Lip Liner Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer
- Best Longwear Lip Liner: MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner Pencil
- Best Lip Liner for Overlining: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
- Best Lip Liner for Bold Looks: Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil
- Best Lip Liner for Multitasking: Manasi 7 Lip and Eye Definer
Victoria Beckham's namesake beauty line is a favorite at MC, and the brand's lip liners are no exception. NYC-based makeup artist Vincent Oquendo also recommends the creamy, waterproof formula, especially for creating nude looks. These pencils are long-lasting and ideal for both subtle contouring and detailing or achieving full-coverage color.
Number of Shades: 7
What We Love: Editor-approved; buildable, pro-approved, weightless
What We Don’t: Small shade range
Review for MC: "No matter what kind of look I'm going for, I usually reach for VBB's perfect liner. It's lightweight enough to add a hint of definition to my lip lines under a bouncy gloss, yet still buildable enough to create a smooth canvas for lipstick of all finishes. It's also so comfortable that I often forget I'm wearing it. No notes; I'll take every shade." — Taylore Glynn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Taylore wearing Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer in 02.
It's a classic for a reason. MAC's staple liner is creamy and comfortable, and the formula plays well with glosses, lipsticks, and even other pencils. It's also one of the longest-wearing liners I've ever used. It gives me plenty of time to play with it, but once it's set, it's set for the night.
Number of Shades: 27
What We Love: Long-lasting; editor-approved; expansive shade range
What We Don’t: Wood can get pointy if pencil isn't sharpened frequently
Review for MC: "Whirl has been a go-to shade for me for years, and testing for this story reminded me why its formula is so special. I'll often rock it under matte lipsticks, but this time, I filled in my entire lip with it as a base for a berry-hued gloss. And even after the gloss wore off, the liner remained." — Taylore Glynn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Taylore wearing MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner Pencil in Whirl.
Overliners, listen up: this gel formula is exactly what you're looking for. It's extra creamy, transfer-proof, and promises six hours of wear—all solid assets when adding a little extra volume to your pout. It's also super hydrating, so you won't be reaching for your go-to balm 25 times a day. This liner is also a go-to for NYC-based makeup artist and brow expert Maribeth Madron.
Number of Shades: 19
What We Love: Great for sculpting; editor-approved; extra creamy
What We Don’t: Pigment smeared on pencil slightly during application
Review for MC: "Sometimes, I just want my lips to look as pillowy as possible. When that feeling strikes, this is the pencil I'm reaching for from now on. It glides on without skipping or tugging, and it's got more of a satiny finish compared to the other liners I tested. I layered the iconic Pillow Talk shade underneath the brand's cushiony gloss, though it would likely look equally flawless under any lipstick." — Taylore Glynn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Taylore Glynn wearing Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk.
This chic pencil offers more than just a pretty wash of color. Jojoba oil gives the semi-matte formula a hydrating kick, promises eight hours of wear, and is duel-ended so you can blend and buff on the go. Its impressive shade range also includes a clear option, perfect for layering under any lipstick in your makeup case.
Number of Shades: 20
What We Love: Editor-approved; built-in brush, long-lasting
What We Don’t: Could feel its weight ever so slightly
Review for MC: "Built-in brushes can be too stiff to spread out the product properly, but thankfully, the one on Chanel's pencil avoids that pitfall. After sketching this gorgeous burgundy along my vermillion lines, I used the brush to buff the color inward. The formula provides a smooth base for a ruddy brown lipstick, and the whole look lasted through errands, a coffee run, and a night's worth of hanging at home." — Taylore Glynn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Taylore wears Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil in Rouge Intense.
It's morning. I overslept. I have time to throw one product into my bag and roll out the door. When that scene is my reality, it will always be this handy lip-and-eye pencil from Swedish minimalist brand Manasi 7 to the rescue. It's comfy, creamy, and ideal for adding definition to double lip lines.
Number of Shades: 7
What We Love: Multi-use, extra comfortable, editor-approved
What We Don’t: Didn't last as long as other pencils
Review for MC: "This mauve-y pencil has become one of my go-tos for everyday wear. It's blendable enough to buff out on my lips with my finger, and I've used it for some cute, rosy color on my upper and lower lash lines. On my most recent test, it did wear off as the day wore on, but I didn't mind touching this one up." — Taylore Glynn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Taylore Glynn wearing Manasi 7 Lip and Eye Definer in Yokan.
Other Lip Liners I Love
This duel-ended pencil from Makeup By Mario has rave reviews at retailers everywhere, and I can see why. It was specifically formulated for extended wear and expert contouring, helping me shape my lips to look plumper or more defined. It's pigmented, precise, and, in my opinion, one of the best liners on the market.
Number of Shades: 20
What We Love: Great for sculpting, built-in brush, hydrating
What We Don’t: Dulls quickly
Customer Review: "I love this lip liner! Hands down one of the best. It’s long-lasting and doesn’t crease. It gives you that plump look without feeling too overwhelming. It's so easy to apply, plus the brush is a genius touch. It's pigmented and well-textured, and I love the fact that is scent-free." —Sephora
This formula is simple, and sometimes, simple is exactly what I need. Soshe's pencil glides along the lip lines without skipping or dragging. The range's rich brown shade can also be used as an eyeliner, making for an easy monochromatic look. "Trying a cool brown tone for shading is a fun way to enhance the shape of your lips," says bicoastal makeup artist Tobi Henney.
Number of Shades: 5
What We Love: Hydrating; fragrance-free
What We Don’t: Small shade range
Customer Review: "Soft Glide has become my favorite lip liner! It's so smooth and soft, and it doesn't feel rough like so many lip liners I have tried. I love that it's easily blendable and layers so nicely. Gorgeous color options as well." —Credo
Oquendo loves this affordable liner mainly because its twist-up tube makes it easy for on-the-go application. Bonus: the range's super-rich hues stay put solo or under gloss and lipstick.
Number of Shades: 19
What We Love: Long-lasting, very pigmented, affordable
What We Don’t: Some users say tip breaks easily
Customer Review: "What really stands out is how long-lasting it is. It stays put for hours without smudging or fading, even after eating and drinking. The pigmentation is excellent, and it gives my lips a defined look without feeling uncomfortable." —Amazon
There's a strong chance you've seen this silver bullet all over TikTok. Lip stains are having a moment. (Billie Eilish recently showed off the product as part of her pre-show glam routine.) But Sacheu's best-selling product is gaining traction in the offline world, too, thanks to its tattoo-like staying power and universally flattering tints. Paint on a deeper shade just beyond the lip lines under gloss for a fuller look, or just apply it to the entire lip.
Number of Shades: 7
What We Love: Long-lasting, seamless finish
What We Don’t: Can take practice to nail application
Customer Review: "This lip liner stain is amazing. It stays on for hours and looks so good. Make sure you have time to wait (about 10 minutes or so) before peeling it off. When I'm in a hurry, I will use a regular lip liner, but otherwise, this is now my go-to lip liner." —Ulta
This brand is a favorite among pro makeup artists and amateurs alike; its lip liners are easy to use no matter your skill level. Though I wish the shade range was larger, the neutrals in the line are perfect for contouring the lips. Hailey Bieber is a big fan, too, sharing on multiple occasions that shade Caffeine is her favorite. The formula is comfortable and it lasts for hours, which are two must-haves in my book.
Number of Shades: 7
What We Love: Pigmented, non-drying, long-lasting
What We Don’t: Smaller shade range
Customer Review: "I didn’t expect to love this as much as I do. A really subtle product that's perfect for 'no makeup-makeup' and it's really simple and creamy to apply." —Sephora
NARS' chubby Powermatte pencils are among its most recognizable products, but don't sleep on the brand's slimmer, more subtle Precision liners. They're pigmented and buildable, which makes them a strong solo act or supporting role under a gloss. They also provide you with enough play time to perfect your look before they dry down.
Number of Shades: 8
What We Love: Buildable, pigmented, blends easily
What We Don’t: Not super hydrating
Customer Review : "My go-to lip liner. I have one close to my natural lip color that I use with just about every lipstick I use. Great consistency, easy to apply, and easy to fix if you mess up!" —Sephora
If you have thinner lips, a slim-tipped pencil can offer the extra precision you might want. Maybelline's twist-up option is easy on the wallet and lasts all day and night once it's laid down. These pencils are also pigment-packed, so you'll get full-coverage color with every swipe.
Number of Shades: 12
What We Love: Affordable, long-lasting
What We Don’t: Some users say pencil breaks easily
Customer Review: "This is sooo good. Beautiful colors, has staying power, and glides like a dream. I love this; it's better than a lot of expensive products out there." —Ulta
What to Look For in the Best Lip Liner
Everyone has their own preference regarding what makes a lip liner worth the purchase. Usually, it comes down to the same top factors: longevity, color payoff, and ease of application. "A truly great lip liner should go on smooth, be long-wearing, and not break easily when sharpened," says Madron.
Oquendo has similar preferences, emphasizing glide, stay, and color match as his criteria. "Often times I look to check at least two of those boxes, which is why I have a larger array of lip liners in my kit," he says.
Do I Need Lip Liner?
Lip liner isn't a total necessity when you're polishing your morning glam. That said, a quick touch-up with a pencil can be crucial if you need your makeup to last for hours. "I will often choose a long-wearing formula for a red carpet or if I know that my clients have a very long night ahead," says Oquendo. "I will also tend to choose a long-wearing formula if I’m going to layer a lip oil on top or a lip gloss."
Liner can also help you contour your lips if you're trying to make them appear more voluminous or defined. "I like to use a brown-toned lip liner first to create some shading," says Henney. "I will apply this first and overline where needed and blend. This will give the illusion of a bigger lip shape."
How to Apply Lip Liner
There are many ways to apply lip liner, depending on what kind of look you have in mind. But here's a basic outline on how to apply line liner.
Prep the Lips
If there's one step that makeup artists can agree on, it's getting the lips to a healthy, hydrated place before you wield your pencil. "To prep lips for liner, I apply a thick layer of balm like Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and let it penetrate for a few minutes," explains Madron. "Afterwards, take a soft toothbrush and gently buff away dead skin. Reapply a tiny bit of balm before your liner."
Prep the Skin Around the Lips
According to Henney, you can also prep the skin around the lips to prevent the impending pigment bleeding: "I always use a beauty blender to bounce around a base product and powder so the area is not too creamy before applying the lip liner," she says. The powder will prevent it from bleeding and give you a stronger color payoff immediately.
Layer Lip Liner
You can absolutely use one lip liner and call it a day. But layering is the celebrity makeup artist-approved trick for creating dimension. "I might use a mid-tone lip liner and softly diffuse it on the lip line, slightly inside of the pout, and right above the lip line," says Oquendo. "Then, I would take a neutral or cool liner shade and line the outer rim of the lip line very softly and thinly. so it doesn’t look overdrawn."
Apply Lipstick or Gloss
If you're layering lipstick over your liner, you can use a deeper shade of liner around the lip line and blend inwards, or just line the lips with one solid shade to create a smooth canvas. This technique is especially useful when the look has to last.
Make It Last
"Apply translucent powder to the lip color on a wedge sponge, then reapply [the same] lip color," says Henney. This insider trick will make your lip look last for the entire day—and night.
How We Tested
To create this list, we scoured the internet to find the top rated lip liners in existence. Then, I personally tested five-star products from across the internet. I evaluated each product on application, pigment, staying power, and its ability to play well with other lip products.
Why Trust Us
Marie Claire is an expert in lip products, having covered topics ranging from the best matte lipsticks, the best lip balms, and the best lipsticks for deep skin tones.
Taylore Glynn, specifically, is a beauty freelancer and former Marie Claire editor with nearly a decade of experience in the space. She often has chapped lips, which means she pays extra attention when testing lip liners and their formulas. We also spoke with three professional makeup artists on how to apply lip liner and the best ones in their kit for this particular story.
Meet the Experts
Maribeth Madron is an NYC-based makeup artist and brow specialist with over 30 years of training and professional experience, including 10 years as a Global Makeup Artist and Educator for Laura Mercier and four years as Maybelline New York's Global Brow Expert. Her work has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Late Show with David Letterman, The View, Access Hollywood, the Grammys, and the Tonys. It can also be seen in the pages of Vanity Fair, Vogue, Allure, Marie Claire UK, Harper′s Bazaar HK, and Ladies′ Home Journal.
Vincent Oquendo is a globally recognized makeup artist, known for his bold aesthetic and creative vision. A “make-up maestro,” according to ELLE, Vincent’s red carpet clients include Lily Collins, Janelle Monae, Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Hailey Bieber, Diane Kruger, and Jessica Biel. Vincent emulates Old-Hollywood glamour with a dash of modern flare. In addition to the red carpet, Vincent works with photographers such as Alexei Hay, Zoey Grossman, Miguel Reveriego, and Ben Watts, and his work has been featured in Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, W, and more. Vincent is the Brand Ambassador for LUMIFY Eye Drops.
Tobi Henney is a bicoastal makeup artist who originally hails from Sydney, where she was previously the L'Oréal Paris Makeup Director for Australia. She is known for flawless, glowing skin and signature red carpet looks created for clients such as Megan Fox, Ashley Graham, Charlotte Lawrence, Poppy Delevingne, Ellie Golding, Sara Bareilles, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Barbara Palvin, Georgia Fowler, and Shanina Shaik. Henney’s worked with major brands including Diane Von Furstenberg, Victoria's Secret, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, L'Oréal Paris, Clinique, Maybelline, Nike, Anthropology, and Coach.
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