How to Apply Lip Liner Correctly, According to Pro Makeup Artists

Lip liner, a true beauty hero of the 90s, has made a major comeback in recent years. But before you jump on the bandwagon, it’s worth learning how to apply lip liner correctly. With proper preparation and technique, you can easily create a long-lasting look that will take your lip combo to the next level.

Like any makeup product that requires precision, practice makes perfect with lip liner. Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are plenty of ways to experiment and play. “Think of lip liner as both a template and barrier for your lip color,” says Sara Kuhl, makeup artist and director of product education at SeneGence. Charm. “It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your final look. That extra definition instantly elevates your entire makeup look, giving it that refined, finished touch.”

Below, we asked professional makeup artists to take a complete lip liner crash course, from a simple, step-by-step application guide to how to customize your look.

What are the benefits of wearing lip liner?

Whether you’re looking to draw more attention to your lips or simply perfect your favorite lipstick look, there are many benefits to adding liner to your routine. Even at its most basic level of application, “lip liner defines your shape, helps prevent feathering, and extends wear for long-lasting color,” says Kuhl.

Once you’re comfortable with the product, your liner can act like a makeup magic wand, creating subtle illusions that bring great variety to your lip combinations. “I like using a lip liner because it allows you to be very precise and you can adjust the shape of your lips a little bit making them look fuller and more even,” says Dolce & Gabbana Beauty global makeup expert Jake Warden.

How to apply lip liner, step by step

“Healthy, hydrated lips create a smooth canvas,” says Kuhl. She recommends starting with a lip scrub or conditioning polish to gently remove any dead skin. “Follow with a juicy, antioxidant-rich lip mask or hydrating gloss infused with shea butter to nourish and hydrate, then lightly blot to remove excess moisture before applying your liner.” Warden recommends letting your lip mask sit while you do the rest of your makeup to maximize hydration.

“Start by identifying your natural border and trace it using short, light strokes for accuracy,” advises Kuhl. If you’re new to using lip liner, try to follow the contours of your natural lips exactly. Once you’ve created your initial outline, “use your finger or a small blending brush to gently diffuse the liner. This makes the process very forgiving and should be simple to follow.”

Once you’ve created a subtle outline, you can decide if and where you want to create definition. Depending on your look, you may want to outline certain areas or your full lips for a darker, more contrasting look.

“Once you are comfortable and confident with your true form, you can gradually begin to experience gentle, subtle improvements,” says Kuhl. To start, you can try rounding the center of your lower lip to add volume, or sculpting the cupid’s bow with more liner.

How to choose a lip liner shade

While you’re learning the ropes, Warden says it’s a good idea to choose a shade close to your natural lip color, or a shade or two darker, to make sure it pops. When choosing a shade based on your skin tone, Warden recommends:

• Soft pinks, peaches and nude beige liners for fair skin
• Pink, mauve or caramel shades for medium and olive skin
• Rich brown, plum or dark pink liners for deep skin tones.