Lip liner is one of the simplest ways to make lipstick look neater and last longer. It stops colour from feathering into the fine lines around the mouth and gives your lips a smooth, defined shape.

Choosing a shade

• Match your lipstick for a clean, polished finish.
• Choose a liner close to your natural lip colour if you want one liner that works with many lipsticks.
• Go one shade deeper than your lipstick for a little extra definition.

How to apply lip liner

1. Start with smooth lips. A thin layer of lip balm helps, but blot off any excess so the liner can grip.
2. Outline the centre of your top lip (the cupid’s bow) with small strokes, then line the centre of your bottom lip.
3. Join these points to the corners of your mouth using short, light strokes rather than one long line.
4. Fill in your lips lightly with the liner. This creates a base that helps lipstick last longer and fade more evenly.
5. Apply your lipstick or gloss on top.

Make it last

A waterproof formula, such as the Beauty Glazed Waterproof Lip Liner, holds up well in warm, humid weather. For extra staying power, blot your lipstick with a tissue and apply a second thin layer.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Drawing far outside your natural lip line, which can look obvious in daylight.
• Using a liner that is much darker than your lipstick without blending it.
• Skipping blending: soften the line with a fingertip or lip brush so there is no hard edge.

Explore our lip liners and lipsticks to find your perfect pair.