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.

15 BEST DRUGSTORE LIP LINERS

Dreaming of perfectly defined lips without breaking the bank? Look no further than the world of drugstore lip liners! These makeup marvels offer incredible quality and performance at a fraction of the price of high-end brands. Whether you’re aiming for fuller lips, long-lasting wear, or a crisp outline for your favorite lipstick, there’s a drugstore lip liner out there waiting to be your new makeup bestie. Get ready to pout with confidence – here’s our curated list of the top 15 drugstore lip liners to take your lip game to the next level!

OUR TOP PICKS

L’OREAL PARIS MATTE LIP LINER

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner is a fantastic option for those seeking a precise and long-lasting lip definition.  This drugstore favorite comes in a wide range of shades, from classic nudes to bold reds, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match for your favorite lipstick or lip color. The creamy matte formula glides on comfortably, sharpening to a fine point for detailed lining.  Known for its smudge-resistant properties, L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner helps prevent lipstick from feathering and bleeding throughout the day, keeping your pout looking polished for hours.

HUDA BEAUTY LIP CONTOUR

Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 Automatic Matte Lip Pencil isn’t exactly a drugstore brand, but it’s worth mentioning as a high-end alternative if you’re willing to splurge. This cult-favorite lip liner boasts a velvety matte finish that’s both transfer-proof and waterproof. It delivers intense pigmentation in a range of shades, from natural beiges to vibrant pinks, allowing you to create a variety of lip looks. The automatic pencil design ensures convenient application and eliminates the need for sharpening.  While it falls outside the drugstore price range, Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 is lauded for its comfortable, long-wearing formula and versatility, making it a popular choice for those seeking a premium lip liner experience.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP SLIM LIP LINER PENCIL

NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Liner Pencil is a drugstore hero for a reason. This ultra-popular lip liner combines affordability with impressive performance. The slim design allows for precise application, making it perfect for shaping your lips or creating a crisp lip line.  The creamy formula applies smoothly and blends easily, ensuring a comfortable wear.  NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Liner Pencil boasts a long-lasting formula that resists feathering and bleeding, keeping your lips looking defined for hours on end. The best part? This lip liner comes in a vast array of shades, from neutral browns and pinks to bold reds and plums, offering endless possibilities to complement any lipstick or lip look you desire.

ESSENCE SOFT CONTOURING LIP LINER

Essence’s lip liner range provides a versatile selection for achieving beautifully defined lips. While there isn’t a specific product named “Essence Soft Contouring Lip Liner,” the brand offers the Soft & Precise Lip Pencil, renowned for its highly-pigmented formula that glides on smoothly. This pencil ensures precise application and long-lasting wear, making it a staple for lip definition. Additionally, Essence’s overall lip liner collection caters to various preferences, featuring creamy textures for effortless blending and matte finishes for extended wear. With Essence, you can effortlessly create both defined lines and subtle contours, enhancing your lip look with ease.

CODE8 LIP SURREALIST LIP LINER

This classic pencil-style lip liner offers a firmer texture compared to other alternatives, resulting in precise, sharp lines when kept well-sharpened. Its extended tip also allows for quick and easy application across the entire lip area when applied on its side. The pigment is exemplary, requiring just a single layer to deliver a vibrant burst of color. Enriched with avocado oil and hyaluronic acid, this liner boasts a non-drying formula with a silky finish that our tester adored. It effectively smooths out fine lip lines, creating the illusion of a fuller pout. While its longevity may not match some other options, our tester experienced a solid four hours of vibrant color before needing to reapply.

REFY LIP SCULPT

REFY Lip Sculpt presents an enticing option for those seeking a long-lasting nude lip liner. Its dual-ended design offers both a creamy, blendable liner and a unique setting formula for extended wear. The liner applies smoothly, filling in fine lines for a flawless base, while the lightweight setter promises up to 10 hours of wear. This innovative product ensures hydrating wear, unlike some drying alternatives. With six nude shades available, featuring both brown and pink undertones, there’s ample choice to match various skin tones. However, it’s worth noting from user reviews that mastering the setter application may require some practice to achieve the full 10-hour wear, and while the liner is comfortable, it may not be as creamy as some other drugstore options.

THE LIP BAR LIP LINER

The Lip Bar Lip Liner offers a versatile solution for defining and enhancing your lip look. Known for its high-quality formulation and range of shades, The Lip Bar Lip Liner allows for precise application, ensuring clean lines and a polished finish. Whether you’re outlining your lips for a bold statement or subtly defining their shape for a natural appearance, this lip liner delivers consistent results. With a smooth and creamy texture, it glides effortlessly onto the lips, providing long-lasting wear without feeling dry or uncomfortable. The Lip Bar’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its diverse shade range, catering to a wide array of skin tones and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic nude or a vibrant pop of color, The Lip Bar Lip Liner offers options to suit every style and occasion.

NARS PRECISION LIP LINER

When you try to make your lips look bigger by drawing outside the natural lines, it can either look really good or really funny. Hopefully, you’ll get the good result! This Mac lip liner can assist with that. It has a very thin tip that can cover your lips perfectly, whether you’re filling in or outlining them. It gives a smooth color that blends well and stands out. The color is really strong, and even though it might rub off a bit, it stays vibrant all day.

MAKE UP FOR EVER ARTIST COLOR PENCIL

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil is like a superhero for your makeup routine because it can do a lot more than just outline your lips. You can use it for your eyebrows, eyes, cheeks, and lips, making your makeup routine much easier. It has a fine tip that lets you apply it carefully to different parts of your face, and it blends really nicely. Plus, it stays on all day without smudging or fading. While it doesn’t have as many colors as some other lip liners, it still has a good selection of nudes, pinks, and browns. Just remember, you’ll need to sharpen it, which can be a bit annoying, but it helps you get a precise application. Even though it’s a bit more expensive than some other options, its ability to do multiple things makes it worth the investment if you like versatile makeup products.

REVLON COLORSTAY LONGWEAR LIP LINER

Revlon’s ColorStay Longwear Lip Liner has earned its place as a favorite among drugstore beauty enthusiasts, and for good reason. Its long-lasting formula ensures that your lip definition stays intact without feathering or bleeding, eliminating the need for frequent touch-ups. Despite its impressive longevity, this lip liner applies smoothly and feels comfortable on the lips throughout the day, without causing dryness or discomfort. With a wide range of shades available, including classic nudes and bold reds, there’s something for every lip look. What’s more, Revlon’s ColorStay Lip Liner is budget-friendly, offering reliable performance at an affordable price point. As an added convenience, it even comes with a built-in sharpener, ensuring precise application every time.

LIP DEFINE PENCIL SOFT LINER

The Lip Define Pencil Soft Liner is a versatile tool designed to enhance the appearance of your lips. With its soft texture, this pencil allows for precise outlining, giving your lips definition and shape. It smoothly glides onto the lips, making application effortless and comfortable. The soft formula helps prevent smudging and feathering, ensuring your lip look stays polished throughout the day. Available in various shades, you can choose the perfect color to complement your lipstick or natural lip tone. Whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or a bold statement, the Lip Define Pencil Soft Liner is a reliable choice for achieving beautifully defined lips.

MAC LIP PENCIL

The MAC Lip Pencil stands as a beloved cult-favorite among nude lip liners for numerous compelling reasons. Renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility, this lip pencil offers precise application and long-lasting wear, making it a staple in many makeup collections. Its creamy texture allows for smooth and effortless application, ensuring clean lines and a polished finish. The extensive shade range caters to a wide spectrum of skin tones, offering options to complement various lipstick shades or to be worn alone for a natural look. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a bold lip statement, the MAC Lip Pencil delivers reliable performance and impeccable results, solidifying its status as the go-to nude lip liner for makeup enthusiasts worldwide.

FLOWER BEAUTY PETAL POUT LIP LINER

The Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Liner stands out as an excellent choice for complementing red lips with its exceptional qualities. Designed to enhance and define the lips, this lip liner offers a smooth and precise application, ensuring clean lines and a flawless finish. Its creamy formula glides effortlessly onto the lips, allowing for easy blending and layering to achieve the perfect red lip look. The richly pigmented shades are specifically curated to pair beautifully with red lipsticks, providing a seamless transition from the lip liner to the lipstick for a cohesive and polished appearance. Additionally, the long-lasting formula helps to prevent feathering and smudging, ensuring that your red lips stay vibrant and defined throughout the day or night. With its affordability and performance, the Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Liner is a top choice for creating stunning red lip looks that make a statement.

IL MAKIAGE MAKE-UP FOR EVER AQUA LIP WATERPROOF LIPLINER PENCIL

The Il Makiage Make-Up For Ever Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil is a standout product known for its exceptional performance and versatility. Specifically designed to provide long-lasting wear and impeccable precision, this lipliner pencil is a go-to choice for those seeking a reliable solution for defining and enhancing their lips. Its waterproof formula ensures that the lip liner stays in place throughout the day, resisting smudging, feathering, and fading even in challenging conditions. The smooth and creamy texture allows for effortless application, enabling precise outlining and filling of the lips with ease. Whether used alone to define the natural lip shape or as a base for lipstick, the Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil delivers a flawless and polished look. With a wide range of shades available to suit various skin tones and lip colors, this lipliner pencil offers versatility and flexibility for creating endless makeup looks. Overall, the Il Makiage Make-Up For Ever Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil is a must-have addition to any makeup collection, providing reliable performance and stunning results.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY LIP CHEAT LIP LINER

The Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner is a beloved favorite among makeup enthusiasts for its exceptional quality and versatility. Renowned for its creamy texture and long-lasting formula, this lip liner effortlessly glides onto the lips, providing precise definition and a flawless base for lipstick application. Designed to mimic the natural lip shade, the Lip Cheat Lip Liner enhances the shape and volume of the lips, creating a fuller and more defined appearance. Available in a range of shades to suit various skin tones and lip colors, this lip liner offers versatility for creating a multitude of makeup looks, from subtle everyday enhancements to bold statement lips. Whether used to reshape the lips, prevent lipstick from feathering, or add depth and dimension to the pout, the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner is a makeup essential for achieving perfectly sculpted lips with staying power.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DRUGSTORE LIP LINER

When searching for the perfect drugstore lip liner, consider these key factors to find the one that best suits your needs:

Formula: Drugstore lip liners come in a variety of textures, each offering distinct advantages:

  • Creamy: These glide on easily, making them ideal for shaping lips and blending for a softer definition.
  • Matte: These offer long-lasting wear and resist smudging, perfect for creating crisp lines and preventing lipstick from bleeding.
  • Gel: These offer a comfortable wear and a slightly glossy finish, adding subtle dimension to your lips.

Color: The ideal shade depends on your goals. Choose a liner that matches your natural lip color for a natural definition. For a bolder look, pick a shade slightly darker than your lips.  If you want to create the illusion of fuller lips, try a liner that’s one shade lighter than your lipstick.

Long-lasting Wear: If you want your lip definition to last throughout the day, prioritize a formula known for smudge-proof and budge-proof wear.

Sharpener: Some lip liners come with built-in sharpeners, ensuring a precise tip for detailed application. This can be a convenient feature, especially for creamy or gel formulas that tend to dull faster.

Budget: Drugstore lip liners are a budget-friendly option compared to high-end brands.  Consider the features most important to you and choose a liner that offers the best combination of quality and affordability.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect drugstore lip liner to achieve your desired lip look!

CONCLUSION

With this comprehensive guide to the top drugstore lip liners, you’re now armed with the knowledge to find your perfect pout partner! Whether you prioritize long-lasting wear, creamy comfort, or a shade to match any lipstick, there’s a drugstore lip liner out there waiting to take your lip game to the next level. So go forth, experiment, and discover the budget-friendly way to achieve beautiful, defined lips that last!