Lip liners might seem like an unnecessary step to your makeup routine—but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. They’re the secret to long-lasting lip color!
Your lip preference doesn’t matter, either—we’d argue you still need a lip liner. Are you a full-coverage lipstick person? Use a lip liner underneath to make your lips look fuller. Are you a lip gloss or a tinted balm and out the door? Layer it on top of a lip liner, so it lasts longer.
No contest, lip liners are the hidden gem of makeup. It’s the IYKYK kind of deal. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to find an excellent one. We’re on the hunt for one with a creamy texture, an interesting variety of shades, a smudge-proof formula, and buildable coverage. And we think we believe our mission was accomplished.
We’ve included everything from affordable drugstore favorites to prestige bestsellers—including celeb-loved picks like a viral peel-off liner and a top-rated one from Kylie Cosmetics.
So, keep scrolling to shop our picks for the best lip liners, according to thousands of reviewers and this beauty shopping writer.
