Beauty - to us - is about being comfortable in our own skin. But to enhance the features we love the most, we keep a lip liner to hand. When it comes to achieving the perfect pout, lip liners and pencils are a must-have in every makeup lover's collection. These beauty tools not only help shape and define the lips but also boost the longevity of your lipstick.
Acting as a protective barrier, lip liner prevents lipstick from bleeding or feathering outside the lip line, allowing for better lipstick application. For those of us hoping to conceal discolouration or give yours the ultimate symmetry? You can with a little lip liner. By creating a smooth outline and enhancing your natural lip contour, lip liners give the illusion of fuller-looking lips.
Whether you prefer a bold, defined look or a subtle enhancement, finding the right lip liner is easy at Sephora. We have a host of versatile options to suit every skin tone, budget, and taste. From red to nude or brown lip liners, check out our handpicked selection that we know is worth adding to your beauty toolkit.
How to apply lip liner
Knowing how to use lip liner plays a crucial role in makeup application. To apply, start at the centre of your upper lip or your cupid’s bow and line the outer edges of your lips, moving towards the corners of your mouth. Repeat this step on your lower lip. For those of you with thinner lips, you can slightly overdraw the lip line to create the appearance of a fuller, plumper outline. And if you have full lips already, you can use a lip liner to define and shape! Once lips are lined, they’re ready to be filled; just apply your lipstick, and voilà - you’re good to go.
LIP SCULPT
Best for: Smudge-proof, lasting wear
If you're looking for the perfect neutral lip with brown or pink undertones, look no further than REFY Lip Sculpt. Jess Hunt burst onto the scene with a world-first – a dual ended Lip Liner and Setter in one. Creamy and blendable, the long-lasting lip liner applies smoothly to the lips with a lightweight feel, followed by the unique setter formula that sets your lip liner in place for up to 10 hours. Don’t worry about having to reapply – Lip Sculpt is smudge-proof and maintains your lip colour with a matte finish, all while keeping lips hydrated. For a high-shine finish, complete the look with REFY Lip Gloss.
In your words: “This lip liner doesn’t budge a bit! I’m an all-day lip wearer and constantly have to reapply because I forget I have a lip on, and this has been a great game-changer. The colours are gorgeous, and the silicone applicator works well with other lip products, too, once it’s dried. I also love a lip liner that doesn’t require sharpening!” – Elly, Customer Review
Lip Contour
Best for: Pigmented precision
Achieve perfectly defined lip looks with Huda Beauty Lip Contour. Available in 12 universal shades, Huda’s lip pencil glides on like butter thanks to its velvety matte formula. Soybean and Liquorice naturally plump your pout with an enriching, nourishing complex. Highly pigmented and transfer-proof, your lips will stand the test of time – even in water. The result? Full lips that feel comfortable for up to nine hours. You can even find a mini sharpener at its base to always keep your liner on point. Wear on its own or with a pop of Huda’s Power Bullet Matte Lipstick for ultimate colour payoff.
In your words: “My daughter and I both love this lip pencil. Such a great colour for both our different skin tones, and even her friends have tried it on, and it really looks great on everyone. Nice texture and lasts quite well. Love it.” – Linda, Customer Review
Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
Best for: Staying put all day
Nothing you wear is more beautiful than your smile, and that’s why we love Selena Gomez for bringing Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner into our world. Super creamy and waterproof, this glides onto lips like a balm and lines with one-swipe colour in the same 10 made-to-match shades as Kind Words Matte Lipstick. Define and shape lips with a soft matte, smudge-free finish. Not forgetting the built-in sharpener that will keep your lip liner’s retractable tip sharp all day long.
In your words: “I wore this one today for the first time for eight hours to a football game in 95 degrees. I ate twice and drank multiple things. This liner stayed on my lips THE ENTIRE TIME. Didn’t bleed, didn’t move an inch. It faded a little, but that’s all. I’m truly astounded. I tested it against a more expensive, higher end brand and it surpassed it by leaps and bounds. I will proceed to buy every colour! Selena is not playing around.” – Customer Review
Lip Liner to Go
Best for: On-the-go lip contouring
The wait is finally over – our very own Sephora Collection Lip Liner is here. Perfect for lip contouring at any time, this mini lip liner is designed to be matched with the shades of our Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stains. Dare to be bold with our Classic Red lip liner or opt for our range of nude lip liners for every day. For a fuller coverage look, the high pigment formula can also be worn over the entire lip for a semi-matte finish. Small enough to go everywhere with you, and cute enough to be worn for any occasion. We’re obsessed.
In your words: “I have been using this and testing it for a while, I love it! I have the shade light brown and it is perfect for my lips, but better shade so is perfect for slightly overlining but still looking natural and seamless. The colour is gorgeous, and I always feel great when wearing it!” – Lydia, Customer Review
Le Monster Lip Crayon Vegan Lipstick and Lip Liner
Best for: Wrapping lips in moisture
Live and breathe your lip liner with HAUS LABS by Lady Gaga. Experience the ultimate pigment and precision in one slim lip crayon. Containing nourishing Mango Seed Oil, Ceramides and lip-boosting Peptides, Le Monster delivers comfortable conditioning and smooth application. Line, define, and fill with lightweight, high-impact colour that lasts for up to 12 hours. What do we love the most? It’s vegan so you can pout with pride.
In your words: “I looove this lip crayon and wear it almost every day! I use it as a lip liner or a base colour. It lasts a long time and isn’t tacky or dry like most matte lipsticks, 10/10 recommend the shade Rose for summer!” – Customer Review
Intense Matte Lip and Cheek Pencil
Best for: Multitasking
Lip liner makes everything better, but a lip and cheek pencil never fails. This longwearing pencil is a lipstick, lip liner, and cheek blush all in one. Created without parabens, sulphates, and phthalates, its non-drying, non-feathering formula gives a soft, matte finish that lasts for up to six hours. The best part? A light swipe of colour provides intense pigment. Smooth over lips and blend on the apples of your cheeks for a harmonised blush.
In your words: “Obsessed with this pencil! I LOVE how easy and versatile these pencils are. I used Sweet Cheeks to line my upper lid (yes, I know it says for lips/cheeks but the best thing about Nudestix is that the clean ingredients make the products universal). I also lined my under-lash line in Sunkissed Nude and got so many compliments on the combo. I love how these pencils are creamy for your lips and don't leave them looking dry, but rather hydrated. Super blendable for the cheeks as well!” – Customer Review
Lip Pencil
Best for: Natural definition
If there’s one lip liner we can’t leave the house without, it’s this Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil. Our go-to for natural and well-defined lips, the velvety formula ensures comfort for all-day duration. Plus, the pencil comes with a sharpener to ensure your lips stay in line. Our top tip for the most natural look? Choose a shade that’s similar to your natural lip colour or to the shade of lipstick or lip gloss you’ll be using. Make sure the tip of the pencil is softly rounded and keep your strokes soft with no sharp edges. Thank us later.
In your words: “I have a number of these lip pencils. I'm a true convert! I tend to use them with the tin lip balm and then fill the lip with the pencil colour. I get a beautiful, full lip colour but not quite as strong as a lipstick formula. I also use them with the crystal lip gloss over the top to give a hint of colour and an ultra-glossy finish! The ultimate multi-tasking pencils!” – Amy, Customer Review