The Art of Lip Liner—and the Best Ones Worth Adding to Your Makeup Kit

In the late 1920s, the film industry underwent a revolutionary change. Silent films started transitioning into talkies, and while it was certainly a big step forward for the arts, it also posed new challenges, specifically for the beauty industry. Flaws in lipstick application became more evident, especially under harsh lighting, and actresses needed sharper mouth contouring.

Regular lipstick, eyebrow pencils, and even grease paint were utilized by performers to try to address the issue until the beauty industry evolved and introduced lip liners. Since then, it has become a Hollywood staple. It’s behind the distinct cupid’s bow of the first it girl, Clara Bow, and it’s the reason why Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot’s pouts have become part of their individual signature looks.

Lip liners made their way from the kits of professional makeup artists and into the hands of the common beauty lover. It became widely available for mass consumption, especially in the 1960s. It was no longer restricted as an aspirational product; rather, it became an essential.

Although it had gained traction in those decades, it reached peak popularity in the ‘80s to the ‘90s. By this time, further innovations have been made, such as retractable pencils that eliminate the extra step of sharpening. MAC Cosmetics essentially pushed lip liners into an era-defining trend, introducing an array of colors and textures.

Undeniably, creations from the lip liner’s decade of origin were centered on people with light complexions, and with a wider shade range—from taupes that emphasize shadows to deep browns that beautifully outline the lips—it became an inch closer to inclusivity.

Rather than telling you that you should definitely add a lip liner to your kit (if you haven’t already), we’re better off presenting the reasons why beauty enthusiasts have been loving it for one century and counting.

Designed to shape, enhance, and define the lips, lip liner is a cosmetic tool that provides a precise boundary. Its formula also provides a stable base for lipstick, preventing it from bleeding or feathering. Most, if not all, lip liners can lengthen a lipstick’s wear time, too! With this said, applying lip liner all over your lips has also become a common option.

Lip volume and symmetry are also enhanced because of its ability to create clean and crisp lines, elevating overall aesthetics. Given that it establishes a clear perimeter for lipstick, it also instantly ensures a more polished or professional appearance.

Today, lip liners are available in various colors, hues, and undertones. This can allow—and encourage—beauty lovers to practice more creativity, and to experiment with bolder looks. Endless color combinations can be made, and different formulas of lip products can be layered on top of one another, with every change transforming your makeup look in an instant.

The Lip Pencil by Mac Cosmetics has been shaping, lining, and filling in the lips for many decades now. They’re loved for their smooth and creamy texture that glides without tugging. The wide selection of colors are certainly worth exploring—it’s one of the factors that thrust them into the spotlight after all.

Notice how Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil doesn’t have the word “lip” in its name? That’s because it was formulated to work well no matter where you apply it—whether that’s on your brows, your eyes, or even your cheeks (a hack for faux freckles!). Its precise tip allows you to draw your visions to life, from thin lines to graphic looks.

The Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil feels just like velvet. It gives the lips a sculpted yet natural-looking definition. It also layers well with other lip products, while remaining both soft and comfortable throughout the day.

Dual-ended lip liners make blending easier, and the Sunnies Face Lip Tracer is proof. The pencil itself contours and outlines your pout, while the built-in brush effortlessly blends and blurs it for a more seamless appearance. The cream pencil offers a long-lasting full coverage. Fun fact: it was used by Anthea Bueno on Georgina Wilson for Preview’s January 2026 cover!

One of the first big launches that we’ve seen from homegrown beauty brands this year is the Lip Bait by Issy. Apart from a retractable pencil with a built-in brush, its innovation can be found in its shade range, which includes one clear pencil for priming and plumping, 10 for lining and shading, two for contouring and defining, and two for lifting and highlighting.