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Lip liners often lay forgotten in the deepest crevices of your vanity, but have you ever wondered why? If you have dismissed this nifty, lil’ pencil on account of its rudimentary utility, we are here to bust this misconception. Contrary to popular opinion, a lip liner, once used correctly, can help enhance your pucker! All you need is a nimble hand movement to trace the outline of your lips in varying capacities (more discussed later), and you’re good to go. In the article, we focus on the multiple uses of a lip liner, followed by a list of the top six best-selling lip liners on Nykaa. Neat, right? Make sure to keep scrolling through!
What Are The Different Uses Of A Lip Liner?
For those of us who believe a serious glow doesn’t have to equal heavy contour, or that a red lip can live next to your flat-footed Mumbai commute, this launch feels like it was made for us.As touched upon briefly in the introduction, a lip liner has multiple uses, all depending on its make and the intent with which you are summoning the wand.
1. Soft And Subtle Definition
Tracing the outline of your pout with a lip liner guarantees it immense depth and definition. Just use a light hand and begin at the cupid’s bow, slowly outlining your lips till the outer corners of your mouth. Avoid harsh lines to ensure that your pucker looks natural and pronounced.
2. Fuller, Voluminous Lips
Want to create an illusion of pillowy lips without the aid of a plumper? Go the natural route by summoning a shade of lip liner closest to your lip colouring. Keep a steady hand, and gently overline the perimeter of your pout several times. This manoeuvre helps mimic naturally fuller lips.
Pro-tip: go for a matte effect lip pencil, as opposed to the shimmery variety. This will help uphold the mirage, as light won't bounce off the mattifying layout.
3. Create An Ombre
We have seen the likes of A-listers Kylie Jenner And Alexa Demie flaunt the ombre lip on many occasions. To craft the ombre lip look, pick a lip liner several shades darker than your colouring. Once you have created a contour, take a lighter lipstick of your choice and start filling in on the lips. Once your lipstick is on and even, you can apply a fresh coat of gloss on top!
4. No Smudging, No Feathering
As we all know that cream formula and gloss tend to feather from the side of the lips. To prevent this mishap, we recommend going in for a liner which helps hold the lipstick in place. Just contour along the shape of your pout and double down on your lippy’s staying power.
5. Works As A Base For Your Lipstick
To cite a borrowed analogy, a lip liner assumes the role of a base for your lipstick, similar to what a primer does for a foundation! Shading your lips with a liner ensures the longevity of the colour without any fear of bleeding. On days you fancy just a hint of hue, apply some liner, bang in the centre and smudge it out with the help of your finger. For a naturally-flushed colouring!
Now that we are well-versed with the different uses of a lip liner, let's explore the top six offerings available on Nykaa!
Top 6 Lip Liners Available On Nykaa
1. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat
The iconic Lip Cheat in the shade Pillow Talk has long been a favourite among Hollywood stars such as Salma Hayek, Amal Clooney, and Emma Roberts, and for good reason. This magical lip liner can effortlessly transform the shape of your lips, gliding on smoothly to contour and create the illusion of fuller, more defined volume. Its feather-light formula is waterproof, vegan, and non-drying, ensuring both comfort and longevity. Available in 15 unique shades, this richly pigmented, transfer-proof pencil delivers colour that won’t budge, making it a must-have for any makeup lover.
2. Nykaa Lips Don't Lie! Waterproof Line & Fill Lip Liner
Featuring 15 unique, universally flattering shades that span a spectrum of colour families from nude neutrals and pretty pinks to risqué reds and playful plums, this lip pencil is as versatile as it is beautiful. The wood-clenched, eco-friendly design makes it both sustainable and practical, while its multifaceted nature allows you to use it for outlining or filling in your lips. The matte finish formulation ensures a soft, smooth application that’s perfect for creating the illusion of fuller lips. With just a touch of precision, darkening the cupid’s bow and blending toward the crease, you can achieve a sculpted, defined pout. Long-lasting and great value for money, this pencil is an essential addition to any makeup routine.
3. Kay Beauty Matte Action Lip Liner
Founded by Bollywood’s IT girl Katrina Kaif, the Kay Beauty Matte Action Liner is a perfect blend of efficacy, affordability, and excellence. Its highly pigmented shades deliver an intense colour payoff, whether you’re adding a subtle touch of colour or expertly contouring your lips. The ultra-rich matte formula enhances the longevity of your lip crayon, ensuring a flawless finish that lasts all day. Infused with chamomile and marula oil, this liner keeps your lips soft and hydrated while being kiss-proof and sweat-proof. With vegan and cruelty-free credentials, a focus on lip care, and a long-lasting stay, this pencil is a must-have for achieving effortless precision and comfort.
4. Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0
Beauty influencer-turned-MUA Huda Kattan made waves in 2016 with the launch of her eponymous brand’s Huda Beauty Lip Contour Kit, a true breakthrough moment for the entrepreneur. The beloved buttery contour glides effortlessly over the lips, delivering a snatched, sculpted look with minimal effort. Its highly pigmented, waterproof, and transfer-proof formula ensures all-day wear without smudging or fading. Unlike traditional pencils, Huda’s iconic Lip Contour comes in a retractable, twist-up format, eliminating the hassle of sharpening, though it thoughtfully includes a mini sharpener at the base, just in case. Enriched with soybean and liquorice extracts, the liner prioritises lip comfort while offering a faux-filler effect that enhances natural volume and definition.
5. SUGAR Lipping On The Edge Lip Liner
This Sugar Cosmetics lip liner, boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating, is expertly designed to smooth out creases and enhance the longevity of your lipstick. Available in five versatile shades, this gel-like formula glides effortlessly across the lips, creating the perfect base before you layer on your favourite lipstick or gloss. Its unique texture helps lock in colour, preventing any unwanted smearing or feathering for a flawless finish. With just a single stroke, you can achieve well-defined, even lips in seconds. Priced at INR 525, this multi-use pencil also comes with a sharpener included, making it both practical and budget-friendly.
6. e.l.f Cosmetics Love Triangle Lip Filler Liner
The unique triangular tip of this liner makes it a standout 2-in-1 product, perfect for both contouring and filling in your lips. Its innovative design allows you to draw thin, precise lines for a natural, sculpted look, while a single swipe delivers intense, long-lasting colour. The ergonomically tested wand fits comfortably in your hand, ensuring effortless control and precision during application. Complete with a lip filler brush featuring tapered bristles, this vegan and cruelty-free liner is available in seven gorgeous hues, making it an essential tool for achieving perfectly defined lips every time.
What Are Some Tips And Tricks To Use A Lip Liner
- Exfoliate Your Lips: Start with a gentle exfoliator to eliminate any dried-out, dead cells on your lips. This will ensure a smooth base to outline your lips in a precise manner.
- Use A Hydrating Lip Balm: If your lips are prone to getting chapped or flaky, we suggest adding a coat of lip balm. This move will ascertain a supple and healthy base that doesn’t dry on prolonged lipstick wear.
- Sharpen The Pencil Tip: If you are using a pencil format, make sure to sharpen the tip of the lip liner before you start contouring. This will equip you with the deftness to crack a one-stroke, natural-looking application.
- Start Contouring: Discern the area where you want to add volume or create symmetry. If you are new to this, start by drawing a little ‘x’ to enhance your cupid’s bow. Further, with a gentle hand, extend this tracing to meet the natural outline of your lips.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re after a subtle enhancement or a bold, statement-making pout, the right lip liner can completely transform your look. These six tried-and-tested favourites deliver on precision, longevity, and comfort, helping you create lips that look effortlessly fuller and flawlessly defined.
FAQs
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What Does A Lip Liner Do?
A lip liner is used to grant depth, definition and dimension to your pout. If you overline your pucker with a light hand, several times over, it creates the illusion of fuller lips. Furthermore, lip liners also work as a primer, ensuring the longevity of your lip colour.
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Should Your Lip Liner Be Darker Or Lighter Than Your Colouring?
Opt for a lip liner that is a shade or two darker than your colouring. This helps you unlock a natural yet powerful contoured look.
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How To Use A Lip Liner?
Pick the right shade and start tracing the perimeter of your lips, right from the cupid’s bow to where your mouth curls up. If you want to create the illusion of fuller lips, draw over (repeatedly) this outline with soft lines.
