Lip liner pencils don’t always get enough credit, but they can truly be the cherry on top of the perfect glam, pulling the whole look together. It seems people are finally paying more attention, too, with Spate reporting a five percent spike in interest week over week. We asked some of our favorite makeup artists which lip liner pencils they swear by so you can shop the pro-trusted tools.
Featured Experts
- Judi Gabbay is a professional makeup artist
- Natalie Dresher is a professional makeup artist
- Michael Byron Shepherd is a professional makeup artist
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Makeup artist Judi Gabbay says these lip liners are a constant in her kit. “They sculpt and subtly reshape the lips without dryness or patchiness. The shade range is modern and highly wearable and despite not being a gel formula, the longevity holds throughout the day.” Makeup artist Michael Byron Shepherd agrees, noting the creamy texture helps the formula stand out.
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Makeup artist Natalie Dresher dubs this “the ultimate cool-girl liner,” noting that it’s ideal for contouring the lips. “I love the shade Sizzle, but all the shades in the collection are amazing,” she adds.
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“ONE/SIZE pencils are so amazing. They are wood pencils that sharpen, and the formula is long-wearing,” says Shepherd. “I love pairing the shade Rent Due and a lip balm for that perfect, effortless pout.”
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Dresher loves this creamy lip liner for its ability to overline the lips without looking too obvious. “I get so many compliments when I wear the shade Dusty Rose in particular,” she adds.
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“For the perfect contoured lip, I love my Ortega Beauty liners,” says Shepherd. Created by fellow makeup artist Etienne Ortega, these lip liners make the perfect pro tool.
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While there have been plenty of exciting, innovative lip liner launches in recent years, Gabbay says the classic MAC liners are still among the best on the market. “Shades like Cork, Chestnut, Brick, Root For Me and Stripdown remain go-to staples. They’re buildable, easy to apply and consistently reliable.”
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“I love how sharp these pencils get, and the chic lacquer of the pencil feels very high-end,” says Dresher. She notes the shade Lou Lou “gives her life,” adding that “when paired with a lip balm, it’s my ultimate lazy-girl lip combo!”
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“Rokael Beauty offers a distinctly different formula, one I gravitate toward for personal use,” says Gabbay. “Lightweight yet creamy, it glides across the lips with ease, delivering a smooth, comfortable application.” She notes that her favorite shades include Metamorphosis, Silhouette and Lifted Up.
