The 16 Best Lip Liners of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE
Our top pick is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner
Our top pick is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner People / Paige VandeWiele:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/peo-lip-liners-test-urban-decay-247-glide-waterproof-paige-vandewiele-7_crop-1-25f0bfdc28cc42edb4e9414106b56978.jpeg "Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner box and product on a white surface")
Lining the lips is about so much more than adding a pop of color to the pout. Lip liners can help elevate your lip look, whether you’re going for a natural finish or a bold hue. They can help prevent your favorite long-lasting lipsticks from bleeding or creasing in the edges of your mouth or for self-expression to create a fun and personalized look.
Experts Say
“Lip liners and lip pencils are tools used to add color, enhance, correct imperfections, and define with the sole purpose of perfectly framing the lips." — Yetty Bames, makeup artist, eyebrow expert, and hair stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger salon
With so many different lip liners to choose from, our PEOPLE Tested team researched to find the formulas that are truly worth it. We considered 29 top formulas and spent over 460 hours testing them in the real world — and in the lab — to find the best lip liners.
Here are the best lip liners PEOPLE Tested.
Best Overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner
Urban Decay
Star Qualities
Application is a breeze
Easy to remove
Never bled or feathered
Comes in over 20 colors
Red Flags
Not the most budget-friendly option
We can confidently say that Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner is one of the best lip liners we’ve ever tried. This formula is infused with skin-nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil to provide a smooth and easy-to-apply consistency that glides onto the pout and never dries out. It’s a waterproof formula with impressive staying power yet it’s still super easy to wipe away at the end of the day without rubbing or tugging the skin.
This lip liner is also smudge-proof. When testing it, we used it to fill in our entire mouth and never experienced any product bleeding or feathering, even after hours of wear. It’s also easy to get a more precise outline, which is half the battle when using lip liner. While the formula isn’t the cheapest on our list, we feel the product boasts enough value to make the price fair. You certainly get what you pay for with this liner — and a little more.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 21 | Waterproof: Yes
Best Overall, Less Expensive: Tower 28 OneLiner Lip Liner
Credo Beauty
Star Qualities
Smooth consistency and creamy texture
Provides even coverage
Excellent for beginners
Red Flags
Only available in three colors
If you want something that is less expensive, we are also obsessed with Tower28 OneLiner Lip Liner, which costs just $15. This lip liner performed exceptionally well both in the lab and at home, and our testers raved about the seamless application, creamy texture, and smooth consistency.
The consistency makes this formula an excellent beginner-friendly lip liner, too, as some of our team concluded that its creamy nature makes it possible to get an even and precise application with very little effort. This was true while tracing the lip line in long and short strokes alike. While the formula isn’t waterproof, it still provides excellent staying power that doesn’t bleed or smudge throughout the day — even with just a lip gloss on top.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No
Best Budget: Milani Color Statement Lip Liner
Milani
Star Qualities
Easy to keep the pencil tip pointed
Rich, full-bodied pigment
Impressive staying power for non-waterproof formula
Red Flags
We wish the pencil was a little bit longer
If you want something even more budget-friendly, the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner is our top pick. This under-$6 drugstore lip liner features a classic lip pencil design and comes in eight different shades — including several bolder options — that are easy to match with popular lipstick colors. While it’s not a waterproof formula, it is designed for long wear, and we were highly impressed by its staying power.
We loved the pencil tip and how easy it is to keep a pointed end for precise application. With just a few cranks in the sharpener, we were able to achieve a precise outline every single time. The formula also features a rich, full-body pigment that is buildable enough to customize your coverage. If we were to change anything, we wish the pencil were longer. We still think it’s a fair amount of product for the budget-friendly cost.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 8 | Waterproof: No
Best Luxury: Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer
Victoria Beckham
Star Qualities
Enriched with peptides to help decrease appearance of fine lines
Versatile shades for a variety of lipstick colors
Stayed on all day without budging
Red Flags
We wish it came with a sharpener
Victoria Beckham is no stranger to lip liner, and it’s clear that she knew what she was doing when formulating the Lip Definer. If you’re into luxury makeup and want a lip liner worth investing in, this one is absolutely it. The formula is enriched with peptides, which can help decrease the look of fine lines over time, making this a nice touch of skincare and makeup all wrapped up into one classic lip pencil.
Although the lip liner only comes in seven shades, they’re all versatile enough to match with a variety of lipstick colors. We love that they have rich yet buildable pigment that allows you to achieve a more natural look or something a little more eye-catching (like the lined-lip look of the '90s). And, since it’s a waterproof formula, it can last all day long without feathering, bleeding, or smudging.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 7 | Waterproof: Yes
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner
Ulta
Star Qualities
Doesn't require a lot of pressure to apply
Easy to remove
Exceptional at coloring in the lips
Red Flags
Tip loses its pointy silhouette easily
For a top drugstore option, consider the Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner. This formula has a lightweight matte finish that glides across the lips with ease. We love it because you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to get a highly pigmented application, and it works exceptionally well at filling in the lips.
This Maybelline lip liner also has a creamy consistency that fills in the crevices and helps enhance the look of lips without a super harsh line. In addition to its application, the lip liner is also super easy to remove and only requires a couple of swipes of a makeup remover wipe.
Size: 0.01 oz. | Shades: 20 | Waterproof: No
The Viral Lip Liner: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
Sephora
Star Qualities
Buildable for a customized look
Provides an even outline without drying
22 shades for easy color-matching
Red Flags
We honestly wouldn’t change anything
We aren’t surprised that the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner has gained viral popularity on social media. This waterproof liner is infused with jojoba oil, providing the lips with some skincare benefits while also adding rich pigment to the pout. It has a smooth and soft texture that helps achieve an even outline and mattifying finish without drying the lips.
The liner comes in a classic pencil format that allows you to sharpen it to maintain a pointed tip for better accuracy. Better yet, the tip keeps its shape over many uses, so you don’t actually have to sharpen it that often (meaning, the pencil lasts a long time). When testing this formula, we tried the Iconic Nude shade and were impressed by its rich pigmentation that still appears more natural-looking on the lips.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 22 | Waterproof: Yes
Related: The 16 Best Lip Oils of 2024, Tested by Real People
Best Shade Range: MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil
MAC
Star Qualities
Tons of nude colors
Easy to maintain a pointed tip
Rich and lustrous pigment
Red Flags
Formula is a little dry at first
The Mac Lip Pencil is our top pick for shade range because it offers 28 different hues, including an impressive line-up of nudes. In addition to its colors, this lip liner features a classic pencil design, so you can easily sharpen it between uses to maintain a pointed tip for better precision. It also has a rich and lustrous pigmentation that provides the pout with a good foundation for lipstick application.
With that said, it’s worth mentioning that this is a classic formula, and therefore tends to feel a little dry at first. This can make the application process a little challenging, especially if you’re new to lining your lips. If you have some experience and are looking for the best nude lip liner, the Mac Lip Pencil is absolutely it. If you want something a bit more beginner-friendly, consider the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner instead.
Size: 0.05 oz. | Shades: 28 | Waterproof: No
What is the Difference Between a Lip Pencil and Lip Liner?
Lip pencils and lip liners are used interchangeably when referring to makeup formulas that can be used to outline the lips. However, there is technically a difference between the two. Bames says that lip pencils come in pencil form and require a sharpener. “Lip pencils are firm, pointed, and deeply pigmented — this allows the lip pencil to create sharper and more defined edges around the lips,” she explains.
Lip liners don’t usually require the use of a sharpener and instead come in a retractable form that you twist up or down to reveal more product or to store it. According to Bames, they’re usually smoother in texture and can actually be used to cover the entire lip.
Best Shade Range, Less Expensive: Colourpop Long-Lasting Lippie Pencil
Colourpop
Star Qualities
Crayon-like consistency is easy to apply
Precise application
Versatile pencil
Red Flags
There's not much we didn't love about this lip liner
If you're shopping for value, we also recommend going with the Colourpop Lippie Pencil, which comes in an impressive range of 42 different shades. The crayon-like consistency makes the application process super easy and gives the liner a little more versatility compared to traditional pencils.
Texture-wise, these lip liners have a creamy and waxy formula that allows them to glide on evenly without a ton of practice. In addition to the super easy application process, they also provide a nice layer that actually fills in some of the crevices on the lips and creates a more uniform look.
Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 32 | Waterproof: No
Best for Precise Application: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Star Qualities
Easy to achieve a uniform-looking finish
Matte look but doesn’t make lips feel dry or flaky
Smooth and waxy texture
Red Flags
Intense pigment may not be ideal if you're looking for something more natural-looking
Texture can play a significant role in overall ease of use — and we were so impressed by the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner consistency. This formula is available in 22 shades with a smooth, waxy texture that glides on effortlessly, allowing for a precise, defined outline.
In addition to its texture, we were impressed by its mattifying finish. Thanks to its waxy texture, this lip pencil helps reduce the look of shine without drying the lips or looking flaky. It also provides a more uniform-looking finish that doesn’t feather or bleed. This liner does have a deeper, more intense pigment.
While we loved this feature, it’s worth noting that it’s hard to achieve a more natural-looking result. For something a little more buildable, consider the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner.
Size: 0.053 oz. | Shades: 22 | Waterproof: No
Best Twistable: Juvia’s Place Luxe Lip Liner
Juvia’s Place
Star Qualities
Provides a rich and deep pop of color
Only need one pass to achieve desired look
One of the creamiest liners we've ever tried
Red Flags
We wish it could be sharpened
The Juvia’s Place Luxe Lip Liner is our top pick for the best twistable lip liner, as its packaging makes it super easy to use without the fuss of pencil shavings. We also love its excellent depth and how it provides the pout with a rich and deep pop of color. You also don’t need a ton of formula to get a desired look — just one pass is enough for good coverage.
This lip liner is one of the creamiest formulas we’ve ever tried, and we love how easy and beginner-friendly the application process is. It also never bleeds or feathers around the edges of the lips and fills the crevices well to create a nice foundation. While we love this formula, we wish it came with a built-in sharpener to help maintain the pointed integrity of the tip. The twist-up design makes it easy to reveal the product, but over time, the tip can flatten out, making application a little tricky for beginners.
Size: 0.32 oz. | Shades: 9 | Waterproof: No
Best Matte: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
Sephora
Star Qualities
Glides on easily and fills in crevices
Includes a brush tip to blur and blend lines
Comes with a sharpener
Red Flags
Pulls at the lips a bit during application
The Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil is another formula we’re impressed by, and we particularly love it for its waxy matte finish. This lip liner glides across the lips easily — there is a slight pull, but nothing too concerning — and fills in crevices for a more uniform application. It feels firm on the mouth and stays in place without bleeding, feathering, or making the lips feel too dry.
We also love that this lip liner comes with a brush tip that you can use to switch up your lip liner style and blur or blend as needed. On top of that, the liner also features a sharpener to help keep the tip pointy for a more precise application.
Size: 0.049 oz. | Shades: 23 | Waterproof: No
Best Long-Lasting: Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil
Sephora
Star Qualities
Soft, buttery texture
Options to complement your lipstick and/or natural lips
Blends well
Red Flags
No option to opt out of the sharpener when buying multiple colors
After testing several formulas — including lots of waterproof options — we are blown away by the staying power of the Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil. This lightweight lip liner features a creamy gel consistency that blends well and makes it easy to get a precise application.
Despite not technically being waterproof, it's long-lasting and doesn’t smear, smudge, bleed, or transfer. While it does have a matte finish, the lip liner provides lips with some comfortable hydration, too, so you don’t experience that semi-uncomfortable, tight, dry feeling that some matte formulas have.
This is ultra-particular, but if we could change one thing, we’d make the included sharpener an optional add on. The lip liner comes with a sharpener, which is awesome and so helpful, but if you buy more than one shade, you end up with just as many sharpeners, which feels excessive and wasteful.
Size: Not listed | Shades: 23 | Waterproof: No
Best Everyday: Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
Sephora
Star Qualities
Convenient twist-up design
Balm-like consistency
Doesn't smudge, smear, or bleed
Red Flags
We wish the pencil was sharpenable
The best lip liner for everyday wear is the Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner. This formula comes conveniently packaged in a twist-up tube design that makes application easy enough for everyday use. It also has a balm-like consistency that glides evenly across the lips and a rich pigment that lasts all day long without smudging, smearing, or bleeding.
While testing this formula, we also liked that the shades have more of a natural feel, so you can use them to enhance the pout even while wearing your favorite lip gloss. The creamy consistency also makes it easy to customize your coverage, depending on how much of a stark line you wish to create.
Since it has a twist-up design, the tip doesn’t stay pointy after a few uses. This isn’t a deal-breaker for us, but we do wish there were a way to sharpen it between uses to make it easier to get more definition in our lines.
Size: 0.014 | Shades: 10 | Waterproof: Yes
Related: The 20 Best Lip Balms of 2024 for Nourished and Hydrated Lips
Best for Dry Lips: Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip Liner
Tarte
Star Qualities
Tip remained pointy after two weeks of regular use
Velvet matte finish kept lips comfortable
Rich pigment
Red Flags
We wouldn’t change a thing!
If you have dry lips, we recommend trying the Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip Liner, which is infused with marajuca and hyaluronic acid to provide a burst of nourishment. In addition to its hydrating formula, this lip liner features a convenient twist-up design with a tip that stayed pointy even after two weeks of regular use (plus, it comes with a built-in sharpener, so you never have to worry about it getting too dull).
The lip liner is matte, but it has more of a velvet finish, which helps the lips remain comfortable and hydrated without a tightening sensation. It also has rich and buildable pigment that stays well without bleeding, feathering, or transferring.
Size: 0.07 | Shades: 11 | Waterproof: No
Best Waterproof: Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner
Too Faced
Star Qualities
Velvety smooth formula
Stayed on even after eating and drinking
Rich pigment is buildable
Red Flags
Flat tip took some getting used to
When you need a waterproof lip liner that doesn’t budge, consider trying the Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner. This lip liner features a long-lasting formula that doesn’t bleed, smudge, or transfer. We tested it while eating and drinking and found that, while our lipstick rubbed off and needed a reapplication, our lip liner stayed put.
The formula has a velvety smooth texture that glides onto the lips and feels comfortable enough for all-day wear. Plus, it’s enriched with jojoba wax and shea butter for added hydration. It also has rich pigmentation that you can easily build for more custom coverage, too.
Since the tip is flat, it takes a little bit of getting used to, especially if you’re new to lip liners. Nonetheless, it was still a relatively easy formula to apply, and the staying power makes it a great choice for those who want something they won’t need to touch up throughout the day.
Size: 0.008 oz. | Shades: 5 | Waterproof: Yes
Best Plumping Effect: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper Plumping Liner
Ulta
Star Qualities
Smooth consistency glides on with ease
Long-lasting, waterproof formula
Red Flags
We would prefer a pointed tip vs. a flat one
The Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper Plumping Liner is our top pick for those who want to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips. This Too Faced lip liner is formulated with the brand’s Lip Injection Volumizing Technology to create a plumping effect, and it definitely works. While testing this formula, we were impressed by how some plumping effects remained even after removing the liner from our lips.
In addition to its plumping benefits, this lip liner features a long-lasting, waterproof formula and has a smooth consistency that glides onto the lips with ease. It also has a rich pigmentation that allows for impressive coverage that is buildable enough to create a custom look.
This formula also features a flat tip that takes a little bit of getting used to. While we wish that the tip were pointed, we still think the formula is worth the extra effort, especially considering the benefits.
Size: 0.01 oz. | Shades: 6 | Waterproof: Yes
Related: The 8 Best Lip Plumpers of 2024, Tested by Real People
Did You Know?
Some people use lip liner to overline their lips, which can create the illusion of a fuller pout without the use of injectables or implants. This can be achieved by adding lip liner to the outside edge of your cupid’s bow and tracing the natural lips with lip liner before finishing off the look with a swipe of lipstick.
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While you're picking your next favorite lip liner, consider these other PEOPLE-Tested beauty products. Our editors and independent testers meticulously test each product to ensure we're only recommending the best.
Others Lip Liners We Tried
- Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner: This lip liner is infused with skin-nourishing ingredients and has a rich, highly pigmented consistency that makes it easy to achieve the desired look and precise line. This lip liner is technically supposed to be a plumping formula (hence the name), but we didn’t notice a difference in our lips after using it. Nonetheless, if you want something with rich pigment and nourishing ingredients that's easy to use, this one is still worth a try.
- Natasha Denona I Need A Rouge Lip Crayon: This is another excellent high-end option. The lip-lining formula is enriched with silky ester oils that help you achieve a matte look without feeling drying. The pointed tip makes it easy to get a precise application without sharpening. This option is best for someone who prefers a lip-stain, as we found that the pigments were so strong that they left a tinge of color after removing.
People / Joy Kim
What to Know About Lip Liners
Skin Tone and Undertones
When shopping for lip liners, Bames says it’s important to keep your skin tone and undertones in mind to select the best shade for your complexion (similar to lipstick). “It’s best to select a color that’s one to three shades darker than your lips while pairing it with a lipstick, lip gloss, or lip stain that is one to two shades lighter than the lip liner,” she explains. “This combination makes the lips appear softly contoured while well-defined.”
Symmetry
There is a bit of a learning curve with lip liners and pencils, so it’s worth watching a few tutorials and getting some practice in, too. “It’s important to take the time to line your lips as symmetrically as possible, especially if you have uneven lips, to create the appearance of evenness,” says Bames. With this in mind, go slow and use a lighted mirror, preferably one with magnification, to see the area. If you go for a pencil that requires sharpening, ensure you have that on hand.
Formula
Lip liners come in a variety of different formulas, including some that are more hydrating as well as some waterproof options. Before shopping for lip liners, consider the type of formula you might need and look for those key features in the product descriptions. People / Joy Kim
Behind the Scenes
To find the best lip liners, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of formulas before selecting 29 products for lab and real-world testing. Over a two-week period, the team spent eight hours testing in the lab and 464 hours testing at home and in the real world, carefully considering each formula — especially the application process, wear, texture, and pigment.
- Application: Our team thoroughly examined the application process. In the lab, they made notes on how each formula was applied to the lips, whether or not they were sharp enough to get an accurate application, and the removal process. While testing at home and in the real world, they considered the applicator and made note of overall ease of use.
- Wear: During this portion of the test, we noted how long the formulas lasted on the lips, whether or not they bled or settled into any crevices, and how well they worked to define the pout. We also made note of the removal process.
- Texture: While testing, we paid close attention to the texture of each lip liner and considered which options were easy to apply based on their consistency. We also made note of any instances where lip liners tugged or pulled the skin while applying and also considered how well they sharpened (when applicable).
- Pigment: We also considered the pigment quality and made note of the formulas that were rich, full-bodied, and translucent, observing their general buildability and considering which formulas helped us achieve our desired look.
At the end of the two weeks, our team carefully considered each experience to narrow down our top selections. As a result, these formulas earned the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval. People / Joy Kim
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best lip liners, Jessie thoroughly reviewed each PEOPLE Tested member’s experience to get an idea of the formulas’ application, quality, pigment, and wear. She also considered which products have additional perks like more hydrating ingredients and waterproof formulas.
From there, Jessie connected with makeup artist Yetty Bames to learn more about what to look for in top formulas and answer some of our most pressing questions about the benefits of lining the lips, and the difference between lip pencil and lip liner. After thoroughly vetting the PEOPLE Tested team’s experiences and considering Bames’ insight, Jessie curated this list of the best lip liners.
Our Expert Panel
Yetty Bames is a makeup artist, eyebrow expert, and hair stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger salon.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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