Lip Liner

Lip liner really is makeup artists’ not-so-secret weapon to achieve full, defined lips, but even for experienced beauty users it can be a challenge to perfect. If you’ve been avoiding lip liner because it seems too tricky to get right, keep reading. With a few tips, you’ll find applying lip liner is not as hard as it seems and lip definition is easily within your reach.

What To Do Before Applying Lip Liner

Before applying lip liner, here are a couple of things to note. First, make sure that your lip liner matches your lipstick shade or try a clear lip liner so you don’t get that scary over-lined look. Second, lip liner should be applied before lipstick to prevent feathering, especially if you’re using a darker lip colour prone to bleeding. And finally, always prep your lips beforehand with balm so they’re hydrated from the start and blot off excess product for a smooth lip canvas.

How To Apply Lip Liner

Now you’re ready to line like a pro. Here are the ground rules for mastering lip liner technique and colouring within the lines. With lips parted slightly, start at your Cupid’s bow, the center dip on your top lip, and draw first to one corner than the other with the tip of your lip pencil or crayon pointing up and pushing gently into the lip. Using short and light strokes, hug the natural contour of your lip (edging outside of your natural lip line risks overdrawn lips). Repeat on the bottom and connect the dots to create a fluid line. If you find that your pencil is tugging and skipping as you draw, try sharpening the tip and warming it between your fingers to soften. Once you have your line in place, use a lip brush to fill in with colour and blend to a seamless finish for a lip look that’s full, defined, and there to stay from day-to-night.

Benefits of Lip Liner

And why not learn now? When done correctly, lip liner can help your lipstick last longer, prevent colour from feathering or bleeding, and enhance or hide features. And it’s not just for red-lipstick lovers, either. Even if you don’t wear lipstick, lip liner can help boost your natural look. Instead of picking a shade to match your lipstick, choose an invisible lip liner or nude hue that’s a close match to your natural lip colour and lightly trace the natural lip line to subtly define the shape. Then, buff the edges into the center of the lip with a brush and layer with gloss.

With a little bit of practice and the right lip crayon or pencil, anyone can learn how to use lip liner. The key to mastering the technique is really to remember that a soft touch is enough—don’t press too hard or draw a hard line, you’ll be well on your way to gorgeous, long-lasting lips. To get started, shop online at Sephora and find your best lip liner match.