Lip liner is officially back. But this isn't the dry, chalky pencil you remember from the #90s (though we're forever grateful to that era for over-lined lips and butterfly clips). No, 2025's lip liner renaissance is all about #modern formulations, natural tones, and versatility.
For a while it seemed that lip pencils might be consigned to the dustbin of makeup history… until social media came along. Now #lipliner clocks in at 3.4 billion views on TikTok. After years of plumping our pouts with filler, our infatuation with full kissers remains—but now the OG pencil is back to do the trick.
As a rule, your lip liner should be a close colour match to your lipstick to help them mesh seamlessly on the lips.
If you're someone looking for a more defined, cleaned-up look, lip liner is a must. It's basically essential for a polished lip look and helps truly define the edges of your lips in a way a bigger bullet can't, creating a sharp, clean outline that can really elevate your overall look.
Nude lip liner is a makeup staple for a reason—it's incredibly versatile and can effortlessly complement a wide range of lipstick colours.
Applying a darker shade of lip liner like our Le Lip Liner in the shade 283 Amandelle (or try a dark shade of eyeshadow with a small brush) just below the center of your bottom lip helps give more dimension and creates the illusion of plump lips.
Typically, you'll want to use a lip liner a shade darker than your lipstick—the slight contrast will help create definition. If you prefer a more dramatic look, you can opt for a slightly darker lip liner and use it to contour your lips for a subtle gradient effect.
This comes in handy when outlining the edges of your lips, especially when overlining them, so you can get the contouring just right. Lip pencils can be used both to define and shape, and also as an allover base before adding lipstick.
Hack #3: Concealer
We tested it out ourselves, and the result was ah-mazing! Apply a richer shade of concealer like 'Hazelnut' on the lip line, then follow this up with a lighter shade on the center of your lips.
Primarily, Lip Liner is there to create a sharp crisp edge to your lipstick due to the liner being a pencil with a fine tip. So by applying your lipstick first and then using the tip of the lip liner to slowly edge out the lip shape you can create a fuller balanced lip with a sharp edge with ease.
The Golden Rule: Match or go slightly darker than your lipstick shade. When you want a seamless and polished pout, go for your exact shade or go slightly darker than your lipstick shade.
You can take a richer shade of concealer and carefully line your lips. Then, apply a lighter shade in the center and blend it by rubbing your lips together. Now top it off with your lipstick. The concealers will not only line your lips but also make the lipstick smudge proof and long lasting….
Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year. Water-based foundation typically is good for a year, while oil-based foundation is good for about 18 months. Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year.
“I've been using the same lip liner, [Estée Lauder Automatic Lip Pencil Duo in Fig], for almost 15 years. You can mix anything with it.”
Lip liner is back, baby, and it's the easiest way to elevate your makeup game in 2025. It's affordable, long-lasting, and versatile enough to handle whatever your day (or night) throws at you.
Discover the perfect dream lip combo with Kim Kardashian's SKKN lip liner and lipstick set. Get the iconic matte formula that is creamy, pigmented, and lightweight on the lips. Try the nude 6 lip liner with nude 1 lipstick for a beautiful cool tone beige look.
A nude lip liner that matches your natural lip color or is slightly darker is the most versatile option and can work with a wide range of lipstick shades.
A: When first selecting a lip liner, it's typically best to opt for a shade that is either the same color or slightly darker than your lipstick.
Always line your lips by starting at the top center and going out to the edges. Then, start at the bottom center and connect the lines at the outer corners. After creating the shape, buff or blend the liner to create a more natural contour.
You can wear lip liner alone. Fill in your lips with a long lasting lip liner for a look that can take you through the day. You can also cover your lips in liner and apply a lipstick shade over it for an extra boost of color.
Bold oranges, brick reds, and terracotta browns can also be especially flattering. If you're going for a nude shade, a good rule of thumb is to correspond your skin tone with the lipstick shade. For instance, if your skin is light, go for a paler nude, while if your skin is deeper, go for a richer nude.
Match with lip liner
As a rule, I like to pair lip liners and lipsticks that are in the same colour family, and I choose a lip liner that is a fraction darker than my lipstick to give the lips a contour effect.
Basic structure of the mouth
The mouth is not flat, but protrudes slightly from the face. There are some natural shadows that will occur with the contours and shapes that make up the lips. The upper lip will generally be darker than the lower lip because it angles slightly inward (see illustration below).