lipstick with lip liner

Perfect Pout: Mastering the Art of Lip Liner and Lipstick Duo

When it comes to achieving the perfect pout, using the lip liner and lipstick duo is a game-changer. Lip liner not only helps to define and shape your lips, but it also acts as a barrier to prevent your lipstick from bleeding or feathering and gives you that pouty, plumping lips. For all the girls out there who are still confused about using these 2 amazing makeup items, we are here to help.

Choosing the Right Lip Liner and Lipstick

When it comes to makeup, especially lip products, it’s important to consider your undertone and preference before purchasing them as they’re quite expensive and you do not want to waste your money on items that don’t suit you.

Check your skin tone: How to choose lip liner and lipstick shades won’t be a difficult task anymore if you know what is your undertone. Shades that flatter your skin will enhance your natural beauty and create a more connected look, whereas, colors that don’t match your tone will make your whole look less cohesive.

Match or go well with your lipstick shade: Lip liner should either match your lipstick shade or complement it. If you want a more defined lip shape, choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. If you want to create a gradient effect or add depth to your lips, go for a lip liner that is slightly darker or lighter than your lipstick shade.

Choose the right finish: Lipstick and lip liner come in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and glossy. Consider the occasion and your personal style when selecting a finish. Matte finishes are great for a bold, statement lip, while satin and glossy finishes are perfect for a more natural, subtle look.

For perfect lips makeup, we highly recommend you use the best waterproof lip liner as they can stay still for a long time, even underwater. If you haven’t found any, you should try out the best mac lip liners ever, they come in a variety of colors, as well as a usable, stunning formula. These lip liners can pull off every makeup look you can think of and blend very well with most lipsticks that you can find.

Prepping Your Lips

The preparation for the lips is very underestimated, compared to other skincare steps before putting on makeup. Without proper lips preparation, your lips might end up looking cakey and crusty, and you do not want it to happen. So it’s best for you to spend at least 5 minutes on the lips if you want to get that juicy, perfect makeup.

Exfoliate: Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips. This will help remove any dry or flaky skin, leaving your lips soft and smooth. You can use other chemical exfoliators for a faster result.

Moisturize: Apply a lip balm or a lip conditioner to hydrate your lips. This will help prevent your lips from becoming dry or chapped, which can make your lip liner and lipstick look patchy and uneven. For all broke girls who can’t afford Laneige or something expensive, Vaseline can do the job very well.

Prime: Use a lip primer to create a smooth base for your lip liner and lipstick. This will make your lip products adhere better to your lips and avoid them from feathering or smudging. This step is not as necessary as the previous steps but if you can afford a lip primer, you should get one because it will improve your makeup look a lot.

Blot: Before applying your lip liner and lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess lip balm or primer. This will ensure that your lip products stay in place and last longer.

See, with just a few easy steps, you now can have the most fabulous, stunning lips ever. It’s never a waste to invest in you, so don’t hesitate to get some high-quality lip moisturizers and primer for a gorgeous, perfect look.

How to Apply Lip Liner and Lipstick

After properly taking care of your lips, it’s time to do the step that we’re all waiting for, putting on lip liner and lipstick. You might want to slow down at this part because this is the part that you don’t want to mess up the most.

Start at the Cupid’s bow: Begin by drawing a small “X” at the Cupid’s bow on your upper lip. This will help guide you as you outline your lips.

Outline your lips: Using short, light strokes, begin to outline your lips starting at the center of your upper lip and working your way outwards towards the corners of your mouth. Repeat this process on your lower lip.

Connect the corners: Once you’ve outlined your lips, connect the corners of your mouth with a straight line. This will help prevent your lipstick from getting all over your lips.

Fill in your lips: For a longer-lasting lip look, fill in your lips with the lip liner. This will create a base for your lipstick to adhere to. 

Blend: Using a lip brush or your fingertip, blend the lip liner towards the center of your lips. This blending process will give you a seamless transition between the lip liner and your lipstick.

Now that you’ve applied your lip liner, it’s time to apply your lipstick. Follow these steps for a flawless application:

Choose your lipstick: Select the lipstick that matches or complements your lip liner. If your lip liner is too dark, choose a lighter lipstick shade. If your lip liner is too light, choose a darker lipstick shade. Always remember to match your lipstick with the lip liner for a more cohesive makeup look.

Put on the lipstick: Start at the center of your upper lip and apply the lipstick toward the corners of your mouth. Repeat this process on your lower lip.

Blot: Using a tissue, blot your lips to remove any excess lipstick. This will help your lipstick last longer and keep it from not smudging.

Clean up any mistakes: Use a small brush or a cotton swab to clean up any mistakes around the edges of your lips.

If you’re into a more intense, darker lips shade, go for another layer.

Lip Liner and Lipstick Pairing Ideas

Even when you have amazing, skilled makeup techniques, you still need to learn about color matching, especially when it comes to lips. In case you’re still confused about this color thing, we’re here to help.

Nude lip: Pair a nude lip liner with nude lipsticks for a natural, subtle look. This is perfect for a daytime look or a casual occasion and goes well with every eyeshadow and blush you can think of.

Red lip: If you don’t know which is the lip liner for red lipstick, all you have to do is pick the liner that has a slightly darker shade than the lipstick. This is perfect for a night out or a special occasion as red is a very standing-out and sexy shade which kinda looks too much for a casual event.

Pink lip: For a fun, flirty and feminine look, a pink lipstick and liner combo is all you need. To those who are planning on a night out with the girls, consider pink as your next makeup look if you’re going for a youthful, cute vibe.

Ombre lip: Create an ombre lip by pairing a darker lip liner with a lighter lipstick shade. Apply the lip liner to the outer corners of your lips and blend to the center. Then, apply the lighter lipstick shade to the center of your lips and blend towards the lip liner. This Ombre lips look will definitely give your lips a plumper illusion as well as add some boldness to your overall look.

Lip liner and gloss combo: This lip combo is perfect for a natural, understated look that still has a touch of glam. It’s also a great option for those who want to add shine to their lips without the heaviness of traditional lipsticks. 

Makeup is all about creativity so don’t be afraid to show people your interest and personality through your makeup, especially the lips as you can wear them in any color, shade or style you want. As long as you like them, they are all gonna look perfect on you.

2024 WINTER MAKEUP TRENDS: FROM FROSTY EYES TO BLURRED LIPS

Now that the holiday festivities have faded, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. But don’t let the cold weather dampen your spirits (or your makeup game)! Winter is the perfect time to unleash your inner artist and experiment with bold, beautiful looks.

As J. Brandon Correa, national makeup artist for YSL Beauté, puts it, “Winter beauty is all about playing with textures and making a statement.” So, let’s dive into the hottest winter makeup trends and discover how to create stunning looks that will brighten even the darkest days.

BOLD LIPS

If your winter wardrobe leans heavily on black and gray (guilty as charged), elevate your look with a pop of color on your lips. “A bold lip is a fantastic way to stand out during the winter, when fashion and weather often feel more subdued,” says Lobell. “Bright lips are perfect for the season, as they create a striking contrast against the pale or dull skin tones many experience in colder months. This contrast can enhance the complexion and bring a fresh, lively energy to your appearance.” Think crimson, deep berry, or vibrant Barbie fuchsia, paired with subtle, minimal makeup. “It’s a bold yet refined look, perfect for making a strong style statement during winter.”

SNOWLIT SHINE

Minimal makeup doesn’t have to be dull; it can dazzle just as much as a full face of blush, contour, and liner. “This trend allows your skin to ‘rest’ from heavy makeup routines,” says Correa. “It’s perfect for this season because it combines a snowy, luminous vibe with a radiant glow.” Inspired by the way sunlight reflects off snow, Correa brings that same shimmering brightness to the face. “Think clean, minimalist skin, translucent sparkles on the eyes, full lashes, and glowing lips.”

Since this look emphasizes glowing skin, Correa suggests using the YSL Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen to conceal and brighten. Skip the contour and bronzer, focusing instead on your eyes by adding a shimmery topper to the center of the lids. “You can either do a light eye contour or let the shimmer stand on its own,” he says. Complete the look with mascara and a sheer, plumping lip balm like Candy Glaze.

STATEMENT EYELINER

Jillian Dempsey, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jillian Dempsey, was recently inspired by the UK’s colder weather and bold color palettes. One standout trend she noticed was statement eyeliner. “Eyes are big this winter. Expect eyeliners to make a major statement,” she shares. “The power of this look comes from lining both the upper and lower lids and creating a shape that suits your eyes.” Dempsey favors shades like blackberry, muted black, and deep mahogany for a fresh twist on classic browns and blacks. Think thick wings, waterlining, and exaggerated cat eyes—anything goes. “My Flyk Trick Mascara doubles as a 2-in-1 mascara and liquid liner, perfect for crafting your bold, personalized eyeliner look to match your winter plans,” says Dempsey.

JEWEL TONED EYES

If frosty finishes aren’t your style, opt for rich, vibrant jewel tones instead. Shades like sapphire, emerald, and ruby complement the icy whites and grays of your winter wardrobe beautifully. “I’m seeing a lot of brands pairing their burgundy collections with emerald and midnight blue mascaras and eyeliners,” says Spickard. “It’s a fun and easy way to add some variety to your makeup during these dark, cold months.” He recommends Lancôme’s colored mascaras, especially the emerald green Noir Malachite, for a subtle pop of unexpected color. For the lids, try the Pat McGrath Dark Star Eye Duo, which Spickard describes as “an opulent blue sapphire shimmer.” Add a gloss topper over the shadow to really enhance the sparkle and make the look shine.

DEWY GOLD

Feeling the winter chill? Warm up your look with glowing shades of gold. “Gold tones bring much-needed warmth to the skin, which can often appear dull in winter due to the lack of sunlight,” says Lobell. “The dewy finish of this trend helps counter the dryness that comes with cold weather, giving your skin a hydrated, healthy glow.” Even if you’re not escaping to a tropical paradise, your makeup can make you feel like you are.

“Think warm, golden hues that create a radiant, sun-kissed glow,” Lobell explains. “This look focuses on dewy skin, using gold-toned highlighters and eyeshadows to enhance your natural luminosity. Be the glowing goddess you’re meant to be.” Her recommendations include Neen’s Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter in Metta for the cheekbones, and Pretty Shady Pressed Pigments in Flash, Fade, and Faint—gold and rose gold shades that shimmer beautifully on the eyes. Complete the look with a brown or nude lip for a perfect finish.

SOFT OMBRÉ LIPS

The ombré lip look has been making waves on TikTok this season, and Carolina Gonzalez, celebrity makeup artist and Armani Beauty Collective member, is a fan of a soft, diffused version that’s easy to achieve with a bit of practice. “Start with the deepest color in the inner part of the lip, then blend it out toward the edges,” she explains. “I love this look because it’s dreamy and gives the lips a full appearance.”

Gonzalez suggests beginning with Armani Beauty’s Lip Power Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick in shade 407. “Pucker your lips and apply the lipstick generously to the center of both the top and bottom lips using the bullet-tip. Then, use a small brush to blend the outer edges slightly beyond the lip line.” For extra drama, add Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Glow Blush in shade 61—a raspberry pink—to the outer lips up to the lip line with a full crease brush. “Avoid touching the inner part where the color is dense,” Gonzalez advises. “This silk powder blush adds a velvet-like finish and makes the lips appear fuller and fluffier.”

PINK FROST

If you embraced the TikTok “I’m cold” blush trend last year, you’ll love this 2024 update. “This trend takes the ‘cold girl’ look to the next level by adding black to define shape and structure,” explains Correa. Start by prepping your skin with foundation, concealer, and contour. Next, apply YSL’s Nu Lip and Cheek Balmy Tint in NuChills to your cheeks for a translucent, balmy finish. Dab any leftover product on the tip of your nose for that frostbitten “just came in from the cold” effect.

For your eyes, Correa suggests using YSL’s Couture Mini Clutch palette in Babylone Roses. “Blend the midtone shade to contour your eye shape, apply the midtone shimmer on the lid, and add depth with the deepest shade along the upper and lower lash lines,” he advises. “Finish with a touch of the topper shade from the top left in the inner corners for an icy pop.” Complete the look with mascara and liner, and finish with a combination of the Balmy Tint and Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick in Sweet Pink.

MOOD MAKEUP

Donni Davy, co-founder of Half Magic and head makeup artist for Euphoria, uses makeup to create her own winter mood despite living in California’s year-round sun. “A dark lip instantly transforms me into a sort of witchier version of myself, and adding sparkle to my eyes brings a joyful balance to the look,” she says. “It’s fun to embrace a darker, more introspective vibe during the winter.”

Her “joyfully moody” look features dewy skin, glittery eyes with plenty of mascara, and a vampy dark lip. To achieve this, Davy recommends using Half-Magic’s Glitterpill Eye Paint + Liner in Holy Goldie or Microcosm for the “perfect winter sparkles.” Apply these on bare lids for a snowy effect, then layer on the Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara to highlight the sparkle. For the lips, Davy favors the Mouth Cloud Soft Matte Lip Cream in Edward’s Fantasy, enhancing the shade with Sculptitude 2-in-1 Longwear Lip Liner in Sugar Plum B*itch.

LADY IN RED

Whether it’s in your wardrobe, accessories, or makeup bag, red remains the top accent color for 2024, especially leading up to Valentine’s Day. Swap out your usual lip gloss for a bold, vibrant red lipstick. “Now is the perfect time to opt for a kissable red,” says celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard. He highlights Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl in Red Hot as a standout choice, known for its high shine and warm tone. “It has a vibrant hue and stays put once it dries, giving you long-lasting shine,” he explains. Another favorite of Spickard’s is the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Chili Pepper, a matte red-orange that provides all-day wear.

FROSTY FACE

For makeup inspiration this season, look outside your window and get creative with textures and colors reminiscent of frosty winter mornings. “It’s cold and frosty outside, so embracing themes like snow, ice, and sparkles is perfect,” says Jeanine Lobell, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Neen. “This trend is all about capturing the cool, crisp tones of winter, with icy colors like silvers, pale blues, and frosty pinks.”

The Frosty Face look centers around highlighter, with Lobell recommending her Neen Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter in the aptly named Frosty shade. For cheeks, aim for a “post-blizzard glow” reminiscent of the TikTok “I’m cold” trend—Lobell favors her Get it All Done Cream Cheek & Lip for this effect. “A vibrant pink will give you that ‘caught in a storm’ look,” she says. Add a frosty touch to your eyes with the Side Eye Liner in Minty and finish with Neen’s Glisten Up Lip Gloss in Bye, a shimmering pink, for a perfect winter finish.