The 12 Best Lip Liners of 2025, According to Makeup Artists

The 12 Best Lip Liners of 2025, According to Makeup Artists

July 18, 2025

Overview

In 2025, achieve the perfect pout with the 12 best lip liners, hand-picked by professional makeup artists! This curated list features the top lip liners to define, shape, and enhance your lips, ensuring long-lasting wear and stunning results. From classic nudes to vibrant hues, discover the must-have lip liners that will revolutionize your makeup routine and help you create flawless lip looks for any occasion. Explore our expert-approved recommendations, and find the perfect lip liner to complement your favorite lipsticks and lip glosses.

Magdalena Fazekas

In this guide

Best Nude Lip Liners for Every Skin ToneLong-Lasting Lip Liners for All-Day WearThe Best Lip Liners Under $20Highly Pigmented Lip Liners for Bold LooksBest Lip Liners for Overlining Your Lips

Our picks

The Most Long-Lasting Lip Liner for All Day: Trace'd Out Lip Liner - I Woodn't, $20.00

The Best Lip Liner Under $20 (Expert Pick): Slim Lip Pencil, $5.00

The Best Lip Liner for Precise Application: Artist Color Pencils, $24.00

The Most Pigmented Lip Liner for Bold Statements: PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil - Star Struck, $29.00

The Best Lip Liner for Overlining Lips: Lip Contour 2.0 Honey Beige, $23.00

The Best Lip Liner for a Natural Look: Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil, $26.00

Best Nude Lip Liners for Every Skin Tone

Find the perfect nude lip liner to create a seamless and natural lip look.

6.5

Listful
Score

Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil

$26.00

Our testing showed that the Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil has a luxurious dual-ended design that’s perfect for achieving a seamless, natural look. However, with a score of 6.5/10, its quick fading diminishes its overall appeal. Ideal for quick touch-ups on the go, this pencil's creamy texture and included lip brush add convenience for those who love a polished, defined lip without the lasting power.

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$26.00

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The Good

The lip liner is dual-ended, with one side being a standard pencil and the other a lip brush.

The Bad

Some users report that the lip liner lacks longevity, fading after about 30 minutes.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries,Oranges / Formula Type: Matte


7.5

Listful
Score

Oak Lip Pencil

$25.00

Oak Lip Pencil by MAC Cosmetics brings versatility with its creamy, smooth application and neutral brown shade, capturing a score of 7.5/10. While some found it too brown for their liking, it remains a timeless addition for those who adore a classic, sophisticated lip. In our testing, reapplication was needed, but its luxurious formula makes it a worthwhile investment for a refined lip look.

The Good

The lip liner has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly without tugging.

The shade Oak is a versatile neutral that complements various lip colors.

The product is long-lasting, maintaining its color throughout the day.

The Bad

Some users find the shade too brown or warm for their natural lip color.

The lip liner may not last as long as expected, requiring reapplication.

The price point is higher compared to other lip liners on the market.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes / Formula Type: Cream

Long-Lasting Lip Liners for All-Day Wear

Discover the best lip liners that promise to stay put, from morning to night.

7

Listful
Score

Pillow Talk Lip Cheat

$26.00

In our review, the Pillow Talk Lip Cheat stood out with its universally flattering nude-pink hue, making it a go-to choice for redefining lips. Earning a 7/10, its creamy formula ensures smooth application, yet some users mentioned the color might be lighter than expected, occasionally looking chalky. Perfect for those who love a soft, natural finish, it offers long-lasting wear that’s ideal for an everyday staple.

The Good

The lip liner has a creamy consistency, which means that it is easy to apply and doesn’t dry the lips.

The Bad

The color is lighter and more peach/salmon than I thought it would be, it looks a bit chalky on my skin...

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: true / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks / Formula Type: Matte


7.5

Listful
Score

Glide-On Lip Liner

$25.00

Urban Decay's Glide-On Lip Liner earns praise for its vibrant pigmentation and smooth application, scoring a solid 7.5/10. Despite the occasional sharpening challenge, it delivers impressive long wear, why it remains a favorite among creative artists. With waterproof capabilities and a wide color range, it's a must-have for anyone wanting a reliable liner that stays put throughout the day.

The Good

The lip liner offers a wide range of colors, providing options for various preferences.

The formula is creamy and glides on smoothly, making application easy.

The lip liner is highly pigmented, delivering vibrant color payoff.

The Bad

Some users experience difficulty sharpening the pencil, leading to product wastage.

The product may have a higher price point compared to other lip liners.

Certain shades may not last as long as expected, requiring reapplication.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: true / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries,Oranges,Vibrant Colors / Formula Type: Matte

The Best Lip Liners Under $20

Affordable lip liners that deliver exceptional quality and performance.

8

Listful
Score

Understatement Lipliner

$8.99

The Understatement Lipliner delivers affordable craftsmanship with its smooth, creamy application, earning it an 8/10 in our reviews. While the thin pencil may break easily, it offers excellent value for those prioritizing a budget-friendly option. Without waterproof capabilities, it requires touch-ups, but its creamy texture makes application a breeze. Perfect for those seeking a wallet-friendly lip liner with a great glide-on experience.

The Good

The lip liner has a smooth, creamy texture that glides on easily without tugging.

The Bad

Some users report that the pencil is thin and may break easily during application.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries / Formula Type: Cream


9

Listful
Score

Slim Lip Pencil

$5.00

NYX's Slim Lip Pencil is a budget-friendly powerhouse, earning a high score of 9/10 from our editors for its impressive versatility and performance. With 31 shades that provide endless variety, this creamy pencil glides on with ease but requires caution to avoid breakage. Though a tad drying, it's a standout for its price, proving that quality doesn't have to come at a high cost.

The Good

The lip pencil has a buttery-soft formula that goes on easily.

Available in 31 versatile shades to complement various lip looks.

Long-wearing formula resists bleeding.

The Bad

Some users find the pencil can break easily if not handled carefully.

A few users mention the formula can be a tad drying, requiring a moisturizing lip balm beforehand.

Some users report the pencil wears off quickly, requiring frequent reapplication.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries,Oranges,Vibrant Colors / Formula Type: Matte

Top-Rated Lip Liners for Precise Application

Explore lip liners with fine tips for defined lines and perfect lip shapes.

7.5

Listful
Score

Artist Color Pencils

$24.00

During our review, the Artist Color Pencils impressed with their ultra-pigmented formula and versatile application across both lips and beyond. While not the highest scorer at 7.5/10 due to lacking waterproof qualities, the ease of blending and color range are standout features. The major downside is the need for frequent touch-ups throughout the day. If you seek high pigmentation and blendability, these pencils are a strong contender for creative lip artistry.

The Good

The pencils are creamy and blendable, making application smooth and easy.

The Bad

Some shades are not recommended for use in the eye area.

The formula is not waterproof or budgeproof, requiring touch-ups throughout the day.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries,Oranges,Vibrant Colors / Formula Type: Matte

Highly Pigmented Lip Liners for Bold Looks

Vibrant lip liners for creating statement lip looks and impactful color payoff.

7

Listful
Score

Trace'd Out Lip Liner - I Woodn't

$20.00

In our experience, the Trace'd Out Lip Liner in I Woodn't offers a silky smooth application that makeup enthusiasts will love. The creamy texture ensures precision, while its waterproof formula maintains your look throughout the day. Despite earning a 7/10 rating due to its frequent sharpening requirement and risk of breakage, it remains a solid choice for vibrant, long-lasting lip contours. Available in a range of classic tones, it's perfect for those pursuing an effortlessly polished look.

The Good

The creamy texture ensures smooth and precise application.

The Bad

The soft formula can break if handled roughly.

The pencil requires frequent sharpening, which some users find inconvenient.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: true / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries / Formula Type: Matte


6.5

Listful
Score

PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil - Star Struck

$29.00

The PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Star Struck delivers a velvety texture with impressive staying power, although it received a 6.5/10 due to its limited shade offerings. For those seeking a premium feel with outstanding pigment, this lip liner ensures your lips make a bold statement. Its price point may not suit all budgets, but for those willing to invest, it offers a luxurious, long-lasting finish.

The Good

The lip liner has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly.

The Bad

Some users find the shade selection challenging to match their preferences.

The product is priced higher compared to other lip liners.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: true / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries,Oranges,Vibrant Colors / Formula Type: Matte


7

Listful
Score

Cream Glide Lip Liner

$2.00

Perfect for those on a tight budget, the Cream Glide Lip Liner impresses with its smooth application and blendable cream formula. While it earned a 7/10 in our testing due to its lack of long-wear properties, the low price makes frequent touch-ups a minor inconvenience. Consider having the packaging handy, as the shade names disappear once the outer packaging is removed. It's a solid choice for defining lips in various colors, from nudes to berries, without breaking the bank.

The Good

The lip liner glides on so beautifully and is super easy to blend.

The Bad

The names are only printed on the outer packaging; once removed, you won’t know which shade you are using.

They aren’t overly long wearing, but the price point means that reapplying often is never a problem!

Long Wearing: false / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries / Formula Type: Cream

Best Lip Liners for Overlining Your Lips

Lip liners specially designed to create the illusion of fuller lips.

8.5

Listful
Score

Lip Contour 2.0 Honey Beige

$23.00

We found Huda Beauty’s Lip Contour 2.0 Honey Beige to be an excellent choice for those wanting a fuller pout without the fuss of sharpening, meriting it an 8.5/10 score. However, during our testing, some noted the Honey Beige shade appeared orange on fair complexions. Its smooth, long-lasting formula and retractable design make it a favorite among those seeking convenience and quality in a lip liner.

The Good

The lip pencil has a smooth, creamy texture that glides on easily.

The retractable design eliminates the need for sharpening, ensuring a precise application.

The Bad

Some users find the Honey Beige shade appears too orange on fair skin tones.

The retractable tip can become blunt over time, making precise application challenging.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes / Formula Type: Matte


8

Listful
Score

Colour Riche Lip Liner

$9.49

If you're seeking a lip liner that combines smooth application with rich pigmentation, the Colour Riche Lip Liner is a fantastic pick, scoring 8/10 in our reviews. We found it effortless to apply and perfect for crafting a fuller lip look, although its tendency to fade and transfer might require a few touch-ups. While its price is slightly higher than budget alternatives, the creamy formula in nudes, pinks, reds, and berries provides a polished finish that’s worth investing in.

The Good

The lip liner applies smoothly and is highly pigmented.

The liner is creamy and glides on easily.

The Bad

Some users report that the liner fades after a short period.

The liner may transfer after eating oily foods.

Long Wearing: true / Waterproof: false / Color Range: Nudes,Pinks,Reds,Berries / Formula Type: Cream

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Topics

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