How to Apply Lip Liner Correctly, According to Pro Makeup Artists

Lip liner – a bona fide 90s beauty hero – has had a major comeback. But before jumping on the bandwagon, it’s worth learning how to apply lip liner correctly. With the proper prep and technique, you can easily create a long-lasting look that takes your lip combo to the next level.

Like any makeup product that requires precision, practice makes perfect with lip liner. Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are so many ways to experiment and play. “Think of lip liner as both the blueprint and the barrier for your lip colour,” Sara Kuhl, makeup artist and product education director at SeneGence, tells Glamour. “It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your final look. That added definition instantly elevates your entire makeup look, giving it that refined, finished touch.”

Below, we asked professional makeup artists for a complete crash course in lip liner, from an easy step-by-step application guide to how to customise your look.

What are the benefits of wearing lip liner?

Whether you’re looking to draw more attention to your lips, or just polish up your go-to lipstick look, there are plenty of upsides to adding a liner to your routine. Even at its most basic application level, “Lip liner defines your shape, helps prevent feathering, and extends wear for long-lasting colour confidence,” Kuhl says. More recently, blurred lips – inspired by makeup artist Nina Park – has seen lip liner used more as a makeup trend, to help achieve effortless, freshly kissed lips in a second.

Once you’re comfortable with the product, your liner can act like a makeup magic wand – creating subtle illusions that bring major variety to your lip combos. “I like using a lip liner because it allows you to be super precise, and you can adjust the shape of your lips a little by making them appear fuller and more even,” says Jake Warden, Dolce & Gabbana Beauty’s global makeup expert. Whatever your desired outcome is, knowing how to properly apply lip liner is an essential makeup skill.

How to apply lip liner, step-by-step

“Healthy, hydrated lips make for a smooth canvas,” Kuhl says. She recommends starting with a lip exfoliant or conditioning polish to gently remove any dead skin: “Follow with an antioxidant-rich juicy lip mask or a shea-butter-infused moisturising gloss to nourish and hydrate, then blot lightly to remove excess moisture before applying your liner.” Warden advises letting your lip mask sit while doing the rest of your makeup to maximise hydration. If you don’t have a lip exfoliator handy, you can use an old toothbrush to gently brush your lips all over and remove any dry skin.