Discover how the humble lip liner has evolved from a vintage beauty staple to a modern must-have, with expert tips to help you find your perfect shade.
Lip Liner’s Triumphant Comeback
Lip liners are enjoying a monumental resurgence—#lipliner currently pulls in over 3.4 billion views on TikTok and has reclaimed top spots in beauty conversations. Far from gimmicks, today’s liners are formulated to define, shape, and even replenish lips with hydrating formulas that stay put.
Why Shade Matching Matters More Than Ever
Using a shade close to your natural lips not only prevents that dated “outlined” look but also creates a fuller, more dimensional pout. Artists like Kate Lee of Chanel note that liners are now doubling as full-lip colour enhancers.
How to Pick Lip Liners According to Your Skin Tone and Undertone
Fair skin tones (cool or neutral undertones):
Try universally flattering pinky-nudes like MAC “Whirl” or Charlotte Tilbury “Pillow Talk” for a soft, natural look.
Medium skin tones (warm or olive undertones):
Opt for richer rosewood or mauve tones like Jones Road “Rosewood” or Dior Rouge Contour liners.
Tan to deep skin tones (cool or neutral undertones):
Look for bold brown or berry shades like Morphe “Honeymoon” or Marcelle’s Brown Nude—designed to complement melanin-rich complexions.
Pro tip: Swatch lip liner on your jawline—if it disappears into your skin, it’s a natural match.
GRAZIA’s Favourite Lip Liners Right Now
- Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres – A smooth, long-wear luxury liner in timeless neutrals.
- Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat “Mark of a Kiss” – A new take on the cult classic with a creamy matte finish.
- Dior Rouge Contour – A go-to for depth and dimension, with a wide range of contouring hues.
- Morphe “Makeup Talk” Lip Liner – Viral TikTok hits, in bold pigment-rich shades like “Honeymoon.”
- Marcelle 2‑in‑1 Retractable Plumping Lip Liner – A precise, hydrating formula with a built-in lip plumper.
Next-Gen Innovation Meets Sustainability
Beauty brands are leaning into sustainability with refillable and clean formulations. Notably, Schwan Cosmetics introduced a refillable mechanical lip liner, “Power Up Your Pout,” enriched with peptides, earning a Cosmopack Asia Award nomination in the Sustainable Development category. It’s a sign of what’s to come in future-forward beauty.
Pro Tips for Application
- Define & Shape – Trace your natural lip border, then blend inward for a soft, diffused effect.
- Add Dimension – Use a slightly lighter liner in the centre of the lips to mimic light reflection.
- Gloss It Up – Finish with a clear balm or high-shine gloss to enhance volume and longevity.
Inclusivity Is Non-Negotiable
While not all brands have gotten it right, leaders like Jones Road, Fenty Beauty, Dior, and Bobbi Brown continue to prioritise deeper tones. Fenty Beauty’s “Trace’d Out” lip liner collection features 15 nude-hued liners designed to match a wider range of skin tones, making inclusivity more accessible than ever before.
Final Take
The modern lip liner is your secret weapon—not just for defining your pout, but for expressing your personal style. From clean formulations to diverse shade ranges, there’s never been a better time to invest in the perfect lip liner for your skin tone!
This story first appeared on GRAZIA USA.
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