What is Lip Liner?

Lip liner is a cosmetic product used to outline and define the lips. Available from dozens of brands and in a rainbow of colors, lip liner can be applied to create subtle enhancement or make a bold statement. Makeup experts are split on the proper use of lip liner; like many cosmetic products, its popularity waxes and wanes in accordance with current fashions.

Most lip liners resemble a pen or pencil in design. Pencil lip liners typically need periodic sharpening to retain correct shape and enable easy applications. Liquid or pen-like liners sometimes include a mechanism to push more liner up through the applicator as needed. It is also possible to have permanent lip liner through the use of tattoos and permanent makeup application.

Lip liner is often used in conjunction with lipstick or lip gloss, to create a fuller, more filled-in appearance. Because the skin texture around the edge of the mouth can be somewhat uneven, lipstick can sometimes be difficult to apply evenly. Some people may also use liner out of a desire to create more definition around the edge of the mouth, or even to create an altered lip shape.

According to some makeup experts, lip liner should be matched with lipstick and should not be more than one shade darker or lighter. Typically, the product is used before applying lipstick or gloss, to give a defined outline for these secondary products. To make lips appear larger, color can be drawn on just outside of the natural line of the mouth. A smaller mouth can be achieved by drawing lip liner just inside the natural edge of lips. Lipstick is then applied inside the defined area for a completed look.

Some people choose to use the product to create a bold statement, and may use dark or unusual colors to draw attention to the mouth. Although typically found in shades of red, pink, brown, and orange, some lip liners used for special looks are available in other colors, including white and black. Using unusual colors or wearing contrasting liner is far from a subtle statement, and is certain to gain some attention.

Since colors often look different on the packaging as opposed to when applied, it is important to engage in trial-and-error to find the best shades. Some companies offer coordinating sets of liner, lipstick and gloss to ensure that shades match to create a subtle or bold look. When trying to match products from different brands, try to find a beauty supplier that has samples available or will allow the return of beauty products that have been opened.