Before Kylie Jenner came along and helped make overlining and lip contouring popular, lip liner was often thought of as a dated product that was best left in the 90s, along with brown lipstick and overplucked eyebrows. Oh, how things have changed. Though we hope skinny brows never return, lip liner has reclaimed its rightful place in our cosmetic bag.
Thankfully, today’s lip liner looks have come a long way since the 90s. You can apply lip pencil the traditional way by expertly lining the perimeter of the mouth for a flawless pout and to prevent lipstick migration. You can also apply the liner slightly outside the natural lip line to give lips a full, plump look. Liner can even be used to create next-level looks like an ombre lip or a runway-inspired blurred lipstick finish. Of course, those craving the ultimate throwback can use the lip pencil to contrast with their lipstick color.
Ready to rethink lip liner? Grab a lip pencil and scroll through the gallery above to see the many different ways lip liner can be used to elevate a makeup look.
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Images: Imaxtree
How to Experiment with Lip Liners
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Complementary Colors
Ignore the rule that lip liner should always match lipstick exactly. Sometimes a contrast can create a beautiful look, like this red lip liner/orange lipstick combination.
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Blurred Lines
Remember: Lip liner doesn't always need to be razor sharp. Use the pencil to create a lived-in look by coloring the top lip and the perimeter of the bottom. Next, blend the color up on the bottom lip for a pretty faded effect.
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On-Point Ombre
Love red lipstick, but want something extra? Apply a cherry red lipstick as usual. Then define the outer corners with a burgundy lip pencil. Mix the colors for a sultry ombre look.
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90s Redux
Party like it's 1999 by pairing a deep taupe lip liner with a neutral lip color that matches your skin tone. Just remember to soften the edges so it doesn't look too harsh.
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Shine Time
Feeling bold? Pick up a glittery lip liner and outline the perimeter of lips. Leave the center bare or wear a coordinating lipstick for a softer finish.
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Pink Pout
Rather than applying the pencil to the lip edge, apply it to the very center of lips, working the color outward. The result is a flattering blurred finish.
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Easy Ombre
Introducing the cheat ombre lip. Grab a pinky-purple lip pencil to rim lips and color in the top lip. Then add a pink lipstick on the center of the bottom lip. Go back and blend everything together for a laid-back gradient finish.
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Defined Edges
For this look, start with a basic red lip. Then smudge a deep merlot lip pencil on the outer corners of the mouth for a contoured effect.
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Soft Focus
A blurred lip doesn't have to look messy. This has a hazy glow courtesy of the dark lip liner applied to the very center of the mouth and diffused out.
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Double Shot
One of the best things to complement a neon lip is another punchy shade. Just see this two-tone lip for proof. The cool pink contrasts the warm orange. Recreate it with two lip pencils for a very precise finish.
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Light and Dark
We can create numerous looks just by playing around with a classic red lipstick and a darker pencil. Lip contouring fans can take pouts to supersized proportions by rimming their lips with the pencil and adding the lighter color in the very center.
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Upgraded Basics
No-makeup makeup looks are meant to be flattering, but sometimes the lack of strong colors can wash out complexions or mask features. Ensure that neutral lip color has plenty of impact by using a darker lip liner on the outer corners.
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Gorgeous Gradient
Who said that the top and bottom lip have to match? Go dark on top, then gradually get lighter by working a bright pink lip liner in with a purple one.
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Shape of Things
This deep purple lip is all about the shape. Sharpen that pencil and play up the Cupid's bow and corners of the mouth for a crisp finish. Made a mistake? Go over it with concealer. No one will know.
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Easy Hack
Ever bought a lipstick and got home and realized it was a tad dark? Brighten it up with a lighter lip liner. It softens the harshness and creates a multidimensional effect.
