STYLE

We get it: No one wants one more step in their super rushed get ready routine. But liner helps you “define and perfect the shape of the lips, even making them appear fuller if you want them to,” says makeup artist Lauren Martinez. “And it helps your color last longer.” That’s a win-win-win in our book.

1. Pick a pencil

Just like any type of beauty product these days, there are tons to choose from. But most lip liners perform pretty similarly—whether you go with a pencil, twist-up or even stain version. Martinez’s pick? Pencil. “It’s the easiest to apply, most forgiving and, if you get one that sharpens (vs. a twist-up), you always have a precise tip,” she advises.

2. Cue color

Refy lip blur ($24)

So. Many. Shades. How do you choose? Easy. “Match your liner to your natural lip color,” says Martinez. “Having one that works with your skin tone is key. A great nude pairs with pinks, glossy reds and any neutral color.”

3. Meet your match

To pick the perfect nude, Martinez suggests following these guidelines...

“If you have fair skin, look for a subtle rose tone that blends well with your natural lip color.” She loves Daniel from Makeup By Mario ($24, sephora.com).

Girls with richer skin tones (like medium or olive skin) “should seek something with a subtle cool or purple undertone.” Pick up Nyx Suede Matte Lip Liner in Whipped Caviar ($5, nyxcosmetics.com).

And if you have darker skin? A mid- to deep-tone true brown like MAC Chestnut ($25, ulta.com) “will give you lots of versatility and pair well with any lip color.”

If all else fails? Check out Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner ($25, sephora.com). “It’s a universal nude that looks good on literally everyone. And it comes in four different intensities to flatter fair to deep skin tones,” says Martinez.

4. Stay in formation

Looking to keep your lipstick on lock (aka prevent smudging, feathering or fading) without the added definition? Go for a clear lip liner, which creates a barrier to keep your color in place, offers makeup artist Katie Mellinger. (We like Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner, $9, amazon.com.)

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner ($7)

5. Ready, set, draw

First things first: Make sure that your pencil is super sharp so you can create the cleanest, symmetrical lines. Then, start from the outer corners and work your way in.

“For the top lip, start at the outer corner, then draw up to the Cupid’s bow,” says Martinez. Repeat on the other side to connect the lines, and follow the same direction on the bottom lip, starting on the outer corner to the center on each side.

Want to add some fullness? Create a natural look by drawing a bit above your Cupid’s bow and below the lowest part of your bottom lip—instead of overlining the entire lip, says Mellinger.

Finish off the look by “lightly smudging the inside of the line with a soft brush to blend the liner with whatever lipstick or gloss you use,” suggests Mellinger. Pout perfected.

Post your makeup looks and tag us @girlslifemag on insta for a chance to be featured!

More on everything makeup!
💄The ultimate guide to clean girl makeup
💄The beginner's guide to lipstick
💄Fighting windy weather dryness? These lippies will save your day

Top image: @teresaglina
Slider image: @rhode

by Lisa Desantis | 3/26/2025