Is it OK to use lip liner as eye liner?

Author: Prof. Destany Christiansen  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Is It Safe to Use Lipliner on Your Eyes? Lipliners are not ophthalmologist-tested, which means they may contain ingredients or pigments unsuitable for the eye area. Some lipliners may irritate the eyes or cause redness, itchiness, or infections.

Can you use lip liner as an eyeliner?

Turns out you should never, ever use a lip liner as an eyeliner. Here's why: Even though the ingredients for pencil eyeliners and lip liners are almost identical, where they differ is in the pigments and color additives used for each (and those aren't always clearly identifiable on the ingredient list).

Is it safe to use lipstick as eyeliner?

Using red lipstick as eyeliner is generally not recommended for several reasons: Formulation Differences: Lipsticks are formulated for the lips, which have different needs than the delicate skin around the eyes. They may contain ingredients that can irritate the eyes or cause allergic reactions.

What can I use instead of an eyeliner pencil?

Additionally, using silver eyeshadow as eyeliner is a great option, (especially if you want more pop) so try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Aluminum Foil. Use a liner brush and spray the tip with setting spray before dipping into the eyeshadow.

Can I use elf lip liner as eyeliner?

They even caution against using a lip liner, or any makeup product not intended to be near your eyeball, in that general vicinity (you can read their eye-cosmetics safety guidelines here). That means no lipstick, blush, lip liner, or general color product should ever go near your eyes.

Gloss & Lip Liner Application

Can you just wear lip liner?

A: Yes! If you're looking for a more everyday lip look,, you can wear a liner alone. Easily create a more defined shape for your lips with a more neutral color to create a natural and matte look. Simply add a clear balm over the lips for a polished finish.

What can I wear instead of eyeliner?

Eyeshadow as Eyeliner: You can also use eyeshadow as a liner by applying it with a damp angled brush. This can create a softer and more diffused line compared to traditional eyeliner.

How to make homemade eye liner?

Directions: Over low heat, melt the beeswax, then add the coconut wax and shea butter until melted. Next add the jojoba oil, kaolin clay and almond oil. Lastly, stir in the black oxide until thoroughly mixed. You will have a thin black liquid that you can pour into pots or a mold, and let cool until it solidifies.

Is it OK to use Sharpie as eyeliner?

“Permanent marker is a no-no for the eyes. Not only are the chemicals dangerous near the eyes (alcohol is a main ingredient), but the pigment is very hard to remove without increasing your chances of damaging the eyelids and eyes permanently. The lids can become red, swollen, and stained with dye.

Is it safe to put lipstick on eyelids?

Don't use any cosmetics near your eyes unless they are intended specifically for that use For example, don't use lipstick as eyeshadow. You will spread bacteria and cause eye infections.

Is it OK to use mascara as eyeliner?

In an absolute emergency, you can use liquid mascara as eyeliner, provided you have a thin, precision-style brush, but make sure you aren't using a waterproof mascara formula that can contain irritating ingredients that could harm your delicate lids.

Is it good or bad to wear eyeliner?

Eyeliner does not damage your eyes, but applying it too close to the eye could lead to harm. Particles of eyeliner could get into the eyes and also cause problems if you have sensitive or dry eyes. It is even more affecting for those who wear contact lenses, especially when eyeliner is put on the inner lid margin.

What else can you use lip liner for?

Here's the best-kept secret of professional makeup artists: in addition to using a lip liner to even out your lip colour, you can use it as a base to maximize your lipstick's hold. The liner's powdery texture holds the pigments and stops the lipstick from bleeding into the fine lines and corners of your mouth.

How do you use lipstick as eyeliner?

Use an eyeliner brush and bury it into the lipstick so that you make a little divot in the bullet. Line your top lid, staying close to the lash line, and extend up and outward to your brow. Connect the outer corner and drag in the color across your lower lash line as well.

What is the best drugstore eyeliner?

The Best Drugstore Eyeliners
  • Best Overall Drugstore Eyeliner: Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil.
  • Best Pencil Drugstore Eyeliner: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner.
  • Best Budget Drugstore Eyeliner: Wet n Wild On Edge Longwearing Eye Pencil.
  • Best Liquid Drugstore Eyeliner Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner.

Can I use lip liner as eye liner?

While it's possible to use lip liner as eyeliner in a pinch, it is generally not advisable for regular use due to potential safety concerns. Lip liners are formulated for the skin on the lips, which differs from the more delicate skin around the eyes.

What can I use as eyeliner?

We recommend using an eyeshadow with a creamy or gel consistency, but really, any shadow will do — cream shadows will just be extra easy to blend and smudge. Simply dip your angled brush into your shadow color of choice and smudge it across your upper lid and underneath your lower lash line.

Does eyeliner go above or below eyelashes?

Our top tip to stop just before you get to the inner corner of your eye for a more natural look. For full drama, apply eyeliner to both the upper and lower lash lines – it'll really make them pop. Or you can get creative and apply a coloured liner on the bottom.

Where not to put eyeliner?

What Should You Not Do With Eyeliner? DON'T line your whole eye. DON'T tight line your waterline on top and bottom.

Why does lip liner look so good?

They not only help define your lips but they also provide a barrier that helps lipstick stay put and prevents feathering. Not to mention, they come in a variety of shades which makes them the perfect companion for any makeup look!

How to use lip liner for a natural look?

To get a natural-looking finish with lip liner, choose a shade that's a close match for the natural tone of your lips such as a beige-nude, pink or brown. Opting to follow the natural line of your lips instead of overlining them will also create a more natural look.

What is the rule for lip liner?

Some of the best lip liner shades are mild chocolate (browns), dark cherry (pinks), or fiery red (bold shades). The rule is that your chosen lip liner should be slightly darker than your lipstick shade. Other popular shades are peach, coral, and pastel shades.

Previous article
What are the five cleans?
Next article
How long does it take for Botox to wear off around your eyes?