How to Apply Lip Liner (Even If You’re a Beginner)

How to Apply Lip Liner (Even If You’re a Beginner)

If you’ve ever wondered whether lip liner is really necessary, you’re not alone. With social feeds full of sculpted lip looks and bold overlines, it’s easy to feel like lip liner is an advanced beauty move reserved for pros.

But here’s the truth: lip liner is one of the easiest ways to define your lips, boost volume, and make your lipstick last longer. And yes, anyone can learn how to apply it.

In this lip liner guide, we’ll cover exactly how to apply lip liner, the purpose of lip liner, and which formula is right for your look. Whether you're prepping for a bold night-out lip or a subtle everyday glow, Revlon has the tips—and products—you need.

New to makeup altogether? Start with our  Makeup for Beginners guide.

What Is Lip Liner?

Let’s break it down. Lip liner, also called a lip pencil, is a makeup product designed to outline the lips and add shape before you apply lipstick or gloss. Unlike lipstick, lip liner has a firmer texture for better control and precision.

What is lip liner used for?

  • Defining the lip shape

  • Preventing lipstick from feathering

  • Improving color payoff and longevity

  • Making lips appear fuller and more symmetrical

Still wondering whether you need it? Think of the lip liner vs. no lip liner comparison like contour vs. no contour for your lips—it brings definition, polish, and structure.

What Does Lip Liner Do? (And Why You Should Use It)

So, really, what does lip liner do?

  • It defines your lips: Whether you’re correcting asymmetry or sharpening your cupid’s bow.

  • It locks in color: Lip liner acts as a barrier that helps lipstick stay where it belongs.

  • It prevents smudging and bleeding: Especially with creamier formulas or gloss.

  • It creates fullness: You can subtly overline for volume or contour using two shades.

When comparing lip liner vs no lip liner, the difference is visible: your lip color looks cleaner, more vibrant, and better sculpted.

Ready to find your match? Explore the Revlon Lip Liner Collection.

How to Choose the Right Lip Liner

Not sure where to start? Here’s how to choose a lip liner based on your go-to lipstick shades and desired vibe:

  • For a natural look: Pick a liner that matches your natural lip color or lipstick.

  • For bold lips: Match to your lipstick shade exactly or go slightly deeper for more definition.

  • For contouring or ombré looks: Use a deeper liner and blend inward for contrast.

Consider the finish too:

  • Matte liners offer long-wear hold and are great for bold lips.

  • Creamy liners are easier to blend and ideal for softer or glossy looks.

Should You Apply Lip Liner Before or After Lipstick?

It depends! Here’s the breakdown on lip liner before or after lipstick:

  • Before lipstick: Ideal for defining the shape and creating a base to enhance wear.

  • After lipstick: Useful for refining edges or correcting uneven application.

  • Both: Outline first, apply lipstick, then touch up for maximum precision and impact.

Either way, lip liner is your best friend when layering lip products for dimension and durability.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Lip Liner for Fuller, Defined Lips

Follow these beginner-friendly steps for how to put on lip liner like a pro:

1. Prep Your Lips

Start with clean, moisturized lips. Gently exfoliate if needed for a smoother application.

2. Sharpen Your Lip Pencil

Use a sharpened pencil for better precision. A dull tip can make lines look smudgy.

3. Outline the Cupid’s Bow

Draw an "X" on your cupid’s bow to mark symmetry, then outline the top lip from center to corners.

4. Define the Bottom Lip

Line the center of your bottom lip and connect outward toward the corners.

5. Connect the Corners

Make sure both sides of your top and bottom lip line meet at each corner.

6. Fill In (Optional)

For extra staying power, lightly fill in your lips with the liner before applying lipstick or gloss.

Pro Tip: Blend for a Softer Look

Use your fingertip or a small brush to gently blend the lip liner inward for a natural, blurred effect. This technique works beautifully with neutral or nude shades for an ombré or softly diffused lip.

Common Lip Liner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Let’s clear up some common beginner slip-ups:

  • Too dark for your lipstick? Choose a liner one shade deeper—not two or more.

  • Harsh edges? Blend the liner slightly inward before applying lipstick.

  • Mismatched tones? Stick to the same undertone family—warm with warm, cool with cool.

  • Skipping liner entirely? Even a subtle outline makes a major difference in polish.

Lip liner shouldn’t be intimidating, it’s all about small details that level up your look.

Revlon Lip Liners: Find Your Lip Combo

Revlon’s lip liner lineup includes creamy, long-wear formulas in a wide range of shades to suit any lip look—bold, neutral, glossy, or matte. Pair them with your favorite lipstick or gloss to build your signature lip combo.

Ready to explore?

Shop the Revlon Lip Liner Collection

Need help finding your match? Take our Lip Combo Quiz for personalized recommendations

Conclusion: Line It, Love It

Mastering how to apply lip liner doesn’t require pro-level skills—just the right guidance, tools, and a bit of practice. Whether you're defining your lips for a night out or subtly boosting fullness for a no-makeup day, lip liner is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your beauty routine.

So sharpen that pencil, follow the steps, and experiment with finishes and shades. You’ve got this.

Discover your next go-to look in the Revlon Lip Liner Collection. Confidence? Now that's a perfect outline.

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