
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.
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.
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
Discover More Guides
Topics
Share
More Guides
Latest Articles