The 11 Best Lip Liners for Fuller Lips of 2025
Lip liners are the unsung heroes of any makeup routine. They define, shape, and enhance your lips, preventing your lipstick from feathering or bleeding. Whether you’re aiming for a bold, dramatic look or a subtle, natural finish, a good lip liner is essential. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
After consulting with makeup artists, dermatologists, and beauty experts, and spending countless hours testing products, we’ve narrowed down the 11 best lip liners of 2025. These liners stand out for their precision, longevity, and skin-friendly formulas.
Why Lip Liners Are a Must-Have
Precision and Definition: Lip liners help you achieve clean, sharp lines, making your lips look fuller and more symmetrical.
Longevity: They act as a base for your lipstick, helping it stay in place for hours.
Prevent Feathering: If you’ve ever struggled with lipstick bleeding into fine lines around your mouth, a lip liner can save the day.
Versatility: Lip liners can be used to fill in your entire lip for a matte look or to subtly enhance your natural lip shape.
Now, let’s explore the best lip liners of 2025 that cater to every need, from budget-friendly options to luxury picks.
Best Overall Lip Liner
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat has been a cult favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why. This lip liner is renowned for its creamy texture, which glides on effortlessly without tugging at your lips. It’s highly pigmented, so you get rich, vibrant color in a single swipe.
Key Features:
Wide range of shades to match any lipstick.
Long-lasting formula that doesn’t smudge or fade.
Enriched with vitamin E to keep lips hydrated.
Why We Love It:
Whether you’re going for a natural nude or a bold red, this liner delivers flawless results every time. It’s also beginner-friendly, thanks to its easy application.
Best Matte
Fenty Beauty Trace'd Out Pencil Lip Liner
Fenty Beauty is known for its commitment to diversity and high-performance products, and the Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner is no exception. This liner is designed to deliver sharp, clean lines while offering a comfortable, long-wearing formula.
Key Features:
The fine, retractable tip allows for effortless application, making it easy to outline and define your lips with absolute control.
The velvety matte formula glides on smoothly and doesn’t dry out your lips, ensuring a comfortable wear throughout the day.
With a wide variety of shades, from neutral nudes to bold reds and plums, there’s a color for every skin tone and occasion.
This liner is smudge-proof and fade-resistant, so your lip look stays intact for hours.
Why We Love It:
The Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner is perfect for anyone who values precision and versatility. Whether you’re going for a natural, everyday look or a bold, dramatic lip, this liner has you covered.
Best for Bold Colors
MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil
MAC’s Lip Pencil is a classic for a reason. Known for its precision and vibrant color payoff, this liner is a go-to for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
Key Features:
Highly pigmented formula for intense color.
Sharp, long-lasting tip for precise application.
Wide shade range, including bold and unconventional colors.
Why We Love It:
If you’re a fan of bold lip colors like deep plum or electric pink, this liner is a must-have. It’s also incredibly versatile, working well with both matte and glossy finishes.
Best Budget-Friendly Option
NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil
You don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality lip liner. NYX’s Slim Lip Pencil offers exceptional performance at an affordable price.
Key Features:
Creamy, long-wearing formula.
Slim design for precise application.
Available in a wide range of shades.
Why We Love It:
This liner is perfect for beginners or anyone on a budget. It’s easy to use, highly pigmented, and stays put for hours.
Best Luxury Lip Liner
Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil
For those who want to indulge in a touch of luxury, Pat McGrath Labs’ PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil is worth every penny. This liner combines high-performance formulas with a sleek, elegant design.
Key Features:
Gel-like texture for smooth, effortless application.
Intense color payoff with a matte finish.
Infused with nourishing ingredients to keep lips soft.
Why We Love It:
This lip liner feels luxurious on the lips and delivers professional-level results. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
Best for a Natural Look
Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty has taken the makeup world by storm, and their Kind Words Matte Lip Liner is no exception. Designed to be soft, blendable, and long-lasting, this liner is perfect for achieving a natural, everyday look.
Key Features:
Velvety matte finish that doesn’t dry out lips.
Infused with lotus, gardenia, and white water lily extracts for hydration.
Retractable design for convenience.
Why We Love It:
This liner is ideal for those who prefer a subtle, no-makeup makeup look. It’s easy to apply and feels lightweight on the lips.
Best for Lip Contouring
Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0
Huda Beauty is known for its innovative products, and the Lip Contour 2.0 is a standout. This liner is designed to help you sculpt and define your lips like a pro.
Key Features:
Double-ended design with a liner on one end and a blending brush on the other.
Waterproof, smudge-proof formula.
Wide range of shades to suit all skin tones.
Why We Love It:
The built-in blending brush makes it easy to create a gradient effect, perfect for the popular “lip contouring” trend.
Best for Precision
NARS Precision Lip Liner
If you’re all about clean, sharp lines, the NARS Precision Lip Liner is your new best friend. This liner is designed for those who want absolute control over their application.
Key Features:
Fine, retractable tip for precise application.
Creamy, long-wearing formula.
Available in a variety of shades, from nudes to bold hues.
Why We Love It:
This liner is perfect for creating dramatic looks, like a bold red lip or a sharp ombré effect.
Best Clean Beauty Option
Kosas Big Clean Vegan Lip Pencil
For those who prioritize clean, non-toxic beauty products, Kosas has you covered. The Big Clean Vegan Lip Pencil is made with clean ingredients and delivers impressive results.
Key Features:
Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
Infused with shea butter and castor seed oil for hydration.
Creamy, blendable formula.
Why We Love It:
This liner proves that clean beauty can be just as effective as traditional formulas. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Best for Longevity
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner
Anastasia Beverly Hills is known for its high-quality makeup products, and their lip liners are no exception. These liners are designed to stay put, no matter what.
Key Features:
Highly pigmented, long-wearing formula.
Smooth, creamy texture that doesn’t tug on lips.
Wide range of shades to match any lipstick.
Why We Love It:
This liner is perfect for long events or nights out when you need your makeup to last.
Best Drugstore Option
Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great lip liner. Maybelline’s Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner offers excellent quality at an affordable price.
Key Features:
Creamy, easy-to-apply formula.
Designed to shape and define lips.
Available in a variety of shades.
Why We Love It:
This liner is perfect for everyday wear and works well with both drugstore and high-end lipsticks.
How to Apply Lip Liner Like a Pro
Even the best lip liner won’t work miracles if you don’t know how to use it. Follow these steps for flawless application:
Prep Your Lips: Exfoliate and moisturize your lips to create a smooth canvas.
Outline Your Lips: Start at the cupid’s bow and work your way outward, following your natural lip line.
Fill In: For a matte look, fill in your entire lip with the liner.
Blend: Use a lip brush or your fingertip to blend the edges for a softer finish.
Apply Lipstick: Layer your lipstick over the liner for a polished look.
Final Thoughts
Lip liners are a small but mighty tool in your makeup kit. They can transform your look, enhance your natural beauty, and give you the confidence to rock any lip color. Whether you’re a fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s creamy formulas, Fenty Beauty’s sustainable options, or Maybelline’s budget-friendly picks, there’s a lip liner out there for everyone.
When choosing a lip liner, consider your needs—whether it’s precision, longevity, hydration, or sustainability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and techniques to find what works best for you.
What’s the purpose of a lip liner?
Lip liners define your lips, prevent lipstick from bleeding, and help your lip color last longer. They can also be used to overline lips for a fuller appearance or to create a gradient effect.
How do I choose the right shade?
For a natural look, choose a shade that matches your natural lip color. For bold lipsticks, pick a liner that matches or is slightly darker than your lipstick.
Can I use a lip liner without lipstick?
Absolutely! Lip liners can be used alone to fill in your lips for a matte look. Just blend the edges for a soft finish.
How do I prevent my lip liner from drying out my lips?
Opt for liners infused with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid. Always prep your lips with a moisturizing balm before application.
What’s the best way to apply lip liner?
Start at the cupid’s bow and work outward, following your natural lip line. For a fuller look, slightly overline your lips. Use a lip brush to blend the edges for a softer finish.