We Spent 460 Hours Testing 29 Lip Liners — These 16 Formulas Came Out on Top

We can confidently say that Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Liner is one of the best lip liners we’ve ever tried. This formula is infused with skin-nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cottonseed oil to provide a smooth and easy-to-apply consistency that glides onto the pout and never dries out. It’s a waterproof formula with impressive staying power yet it’s still super easy to wipe away at the end of the day without rubbing or tugging the skin. 

This lip liner is also smudge-proof. When testing it, we used it to fill in our entire mouth and never experienced any product bleeding or feathering, even after hours of wear. It’s also easy to get a more precise outline, which is half the battle when using lip liner. While the formula isn’t the cheapest on our list, we feel the product boasts enough value to make the price fair. You certainly get what you pay for with this liner — and a little more. 

Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 21 | Waterproof: Yes

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.9/5

• Wear

  4.8/5

• Texture

  4.9/5

• Pigment

  4.9/5

If you want something that is less expensive, we are also obsessed with Tower28 OneLiner Lip Liner, which costs just $15. This lip liner performed exceptionally well both in the lab and at home, and our testers raved about the seamless application, creamy texture, and smooth consistency. 

The consistency makes this formula an excellent beginner-friendly lip liner, too, as some of our team concluded that its creamy nature makes it possible to get an even and precise application with very little effort. This was true while tracing the lip line in long and short strokes alike. While the formula isn’t waterproof, it still provides excellent staying power that doesn’t bleed or smudge throughout the day — even with just a lip gloss on top. 

Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.9/5

• Wear

  4.8/5

• Texture

  4.8/5

• Pigment

  4.8/5

If you want something even more budget-friendly, the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner is our top pick. This under-$6 drugstore lip liner features a classic lip pencil design and comes in eight different shades — including several bolder options — that are easy to match with popular lipstick colors. While it’s not a waterproof formula, it is designed for long wear, and we were highly impressed by its staying power. 

We loved the pencil tip and how easy it is to keep a pointed end for precise application. With just a few cranks in the sharpener, we were able to achieve a precise outline every single time. The formula also features a rich, full-body pigment that is buildable enough to customize your coverage. If we were to change anything, we wish the pencil were longer. We still think it’s a fair amount of product for the budget-friendly cost. 

Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 8 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.8/5

• Wear

  5/5

• Texture

  4.9/5

• Pigment

  4.9/5

Victoria Beckham is no stranger to lip liner, and it’s clear that she knew what she was doing when formulating the Lip Definer. If you’re into luxury makeup and want a lip liner worth investing in, this one is absolutely it. The formula is enriched with peptides, which can help decrease the look of fine lines over time, making this a nice touch of skincare and makeup all wrapped up into one classic lip pencil.  

Although the lip liner only comes in seven shades, they’re all versatile enough to match with a variety of lipstick colors. We love that they have rich yet buildable pigment that allows you to achieve a more natural look or something a little more eye-catching (like the lined-lip look of the ’90s). And, since it’s a waterproof formula, it can last all day long without feathering, bleeding, or smudging. 

Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 7 | Waterproof: Yes

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.9/5

• Wear

  4.5/5

• Texture

  4.5/5

• Pigment

  4.8/5

For a top drugstore option, consider the Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner. This formula has a lightweight matte finish that glides across the lips with ease. We love it because you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to get a highly pigmented application, and it works exceptionally well at filling in the lips.

This Maybelline lip liner also has a creamy consistency that fills in the crevices and helps enhance the look of lips without a super harsh line. In addition to its application, the lip liner is also super easy to remove and only requires a couple of swipes of a makeup remover wipe. 

Size: 0.01 oz. | Shades: 20 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Wear

  5/5

• Texture

  4.9/5

• Pigment

  4.9/5

We aren’t surprised that the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner has gained viral popularity on social media. This waterproof liner is infused with jojoba oil, providing the lips with some skincare benefits while also adding rich pigment to the pout. It has a smooth and soft texture that helps achieve an even outline and mattifying finish without drying the lips. 

The liner comes in a classic pencil format that allows you to sharpen it to maintain a pointed tip for better accuracy. Better yet, the tip keeps its shape over many uses, so you don’t actually have to sharpen it that often (meaning, the pencil lasts a long time). When testing this formula, we tried the Iconic Nude shade and were impressed by its rich pigmentation that still appears more natural-looking on the lips. 

Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 22 | Waterproof: Yes

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.8/5

• Wear

  4.5/5

• Texture

  4.5/5

• Pigment

  5/5

The Mac Lip Pencil is our top pick for shade range because it offers 28 different hues, including an impressive line-up of nudes. In addition to its colors, this lip liner features a classic pencil design, so you can easily sharpen it between uses to maintain a pointed tip for better precision. It also has a rich and lustrous pigmentation that provides the pout with a good foundation for lipstick application. 

With that said, it’s worth mentioning that this is a classic formula, and therefore tends to feel a little dry at first. This can make the application process a little challenging, especially if you’re new to lining your lips. If you have some experience and are looking for the best nude lip liner, the Mac Lip Pencil is absolutely it. If you want something a bit more beginner-friendly, consider the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner instead. 

Size: 0.05 oz. | Shades: 28 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.9/5

• Wear

  4.4/5

• Texture

  4.9/5

• Pigment

  4.8/5

If you’re shopping for value, we also recommend going with the Colourpop Lippie Pencil, which comes in an impressive range of 42 different shades. The crayon-like consistency makes the application process super easy and gives the liner a little more versatility compared to traditional pencils. 

Texture-wise, these lip liners have a creamy and waxy formula that allows them to glide on evenly without a ton of practice. In addition to the super easy application process, they also provide a nice layer that actually fills in some of the crevices on the lips and creates a more uniform look.

Size: 0.04 oz. | Shades: 32 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.9/5

• Wear

  4.9/5

• Texture

  4.6/5

• Pigment

  5/5

Texture can play a significant role in overall ease of use — and we were so impressed by the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner consistency. This formula is available in 22 shades with a smooth, waxy texture that glides on effortlessly, allowing for a precise, defined outline.

In addition to its texture, we were impressed by its mattifying finish. Thanks to its waxy texture, this lip pencil helps reduce the look of shine without drying the lips or looking flaky. It also provides a more uniform-looking finish that doesn’t feather or bleed. This liner does have a deeper, more intense pigment.

While we loved this feature, it’s worth noting that it’s hard to achieve a more natural-looking result. For something a little more buildable, consider the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner. 

Size: 0.053 oz. | Shades: 22 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.8/5

• Wear

  5/5

• Texture

  4.8/5

• Pigment

  4.9/5

The Juvia’s Place Luxe Lip Liner is our top pick for the best twistable lip liner, as its packaging makes it super easy to use without the fuss of pencil shavings. We also love its excellent depth and how it provides the pout with a rich and deep pop of color. You also don’t need a ton of formula to get a desired look — just one pass is enough for good coverage. 

This lip liner is one of the creamiest formulas we’ve ever tried, and we love how easy and beginner-friendly the application process is. It also never bleeds or feathers around the edges of the lips and fills the crevices well to create a nice foundation. While we love this formula, we wish it came with a built-in sharpener to help maintain the pointed integrity of the tip. The twist-up design makes it easy to reveal the product, but over time, the tip can flatten out, making application a little tricky for beginners. 

Size: 0.32 oz. | Shades: 9 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.9/5

• Wear

  4.8/5

• Texture

  5/5

• Pigment

  5/5

The Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil is another formula we’re impressed by, and we particularly love it for its waxy matte finish. This lip liner glides across the lips easily — there is a slight pull, but nothing too concerning — and fills in crevices for a more uniform application. It feels firm on the mouth and stays in place without bleeding, feathering, or making the lips feel too dry. 

We also love that this lip liner comes with a brush tip that you can use to switch up your lip liner style and blur or blend as needed. On top of that, the liner also features a sharpener to help keep the tip pointy for a more precise application. 

Size: 0.049 oz. | Shades: 23 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.9/5

• Wear

  4.8/5

• Texture

  4.9/5

• Pigment

  4.9/5

After testing several formulas — including lots of waterproof options — we are blown away by the staying power of the Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil. This lightweight lip liner features a creamy gel consistency that blends well and makes it easy to get a precise application.

Despite not technically being waterproof, it’s long-lasting and doesn’t smear, smudge, bleed, or transfer. While it does have a matte finish, the lip liner provides lips with some comfortable hydration, too, so you don’t experience that semi-uncomfortable, tight, dry feeling that some matte formulas have.  

This is ultra-particular, but if we could change one thing, we’d make the included sharpener an optional add on. The lip liner comes with a sharpener, which is awesome and so helpful, but if you buy more than one shade, you end up with just as many sharpeners, which feels excessive and wasteful.

Size: Not listed | Shades: 23 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.7/5

• Wear

  4.8/5

• Texture

  4.8/5

• Pigment

  4.5/5

The best lip liner for everyday wear is the Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner. This formula comes conveniently packaged in a twist-up tube design that makes application easy enough for everyday use. It also has a balm-like consistency that glides evenly across the lips and a rich pigment that lasts all day long without smudging, smearing, or bleeding. 

While testing this formula, we also liked that the shades have more of a natural feel, so you can use them to enhance the pout even while wearing your favorite lip gloss. The creamy consistency also makes it easy to customize your coverage, depending on how much of a stark line you wish to create. 

Since it has a twist-up design, the tip doesn’t stay pointy after a few uses. This isn’t a deal-breaker for us, but we do wish there were a way to sharpen it between uses to make it easier to get more definition in our lines. 

Size: 0.014 | Shades: 10 | Waterproof: Yes

Our Ratings

• Application

  5/5

• Wear

  4.9/5

• Texture

  4.8/5

• Pigment

  4.8/5

If you have dry lips, we recommend trying the Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip Liner, which is infused with marajuca and hyaluronic acid to provide a burst of nourishment. In addition to its hydrating formula, this lip liner features a convenient twist-up design with a tip that stayed pointy even after two weeks of regular use (plus, it comes with a built-in sharpener, so you never have to worry about it getting too dull). 

The lip liner is matte, but it has more of a velvet finish, which helps the lips remain comfortable and hydrated without a tightening sensation. It also has rich and buildable pigment that stays well without bleeding, feathering, or transferring. 

Size: 0.07 | Shades: 11 | Waterproof: No

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.5/5

• Wear

  5/5

• Texture

  4.9/5

• Pigment

  5/5

When you need a waterproof lip liner that doesn’t budge, consider trying the Too Faced Lady Bold Waterproof Longwear Lip Liner. This lip liner features a long-lasting formula that doesn’t bleed, smudge, or transfer. We tested it while eating and drinking and found that, while our lipstick rubbed off and needed a reapplication, our lip liner stayed put. 

The formula has a velvety smooth texture that glides onto the lips and feels comfortable enough for all-day wear. Plus, it’s enriched with jojoba wax and shea butter for added hydration. It also has rich pigmentation that you can easily build for more custom coverage, too. 

Since the tip is flat, it takes a little bit of getting used to, especially if you’re new to lip liners. Nonetheless, it was still a relatively easy formula to apply, and the staying power makes it a great choice for those who want something they won’t need to touch up throughout the day. 

Size: 0.008 oz. | Shades: 5 | Waterproof: Yes

Our Ratings

• Application

  4.6/5

• Wear

  4.8/5

• Texture

  4/5

• Pigment

  4.9/5

The Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper Plumping Liner is our top pick for those who want to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips. This Too Faced lip liner is formulated with the brand’s Lip Injection Volumizing Technology to create a plumping effect, and it definitely works. While testing this formula, we were impressed by how some plumping effects remained even after removing the liner from our lips. 

In addition to its plumping benefits, this lip liner features a long-lasting, waterproof formula and has a smooth consistency that glides onto the lips with ease. It also has a rich pigmentation that allows for impressive coverage that is buildable enough to create a custom look. 

This formula also features a flat tip that takes a little bit of getting used to. While we wish that the tip were pointed, we still think the formula is worth the extra effort, especially considering the benefits. 

Size: 0.01 oz. | Shades: 6 | Waterproof: Yes