The 12 Best Lip Liners, Expert-Tested for Clarity and Fullness

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The best lip liner is one of the most powerful tools in the beauty world. Whether you want to enhance your natural lips or go for a plump and bold look like Naomi Campbell, or Pamela Anderson This nineties makeup staple will give your lips plump, defined lips without any filler in sight.

Think of them as your Swiss Army Knife Cosmetic bagwhether it’s a twist-on eyeliner, a sharp pencil or a creamy formula. The right products can change the shape of your face, whether it helps or not lipstick Look sharper or make your cupid’s bow more chiseled.

Its first use dates back to the 1920s, when actresses such as Clara Bow accentuated their cupid’s bows and lower lips to create the demure, doll-like mouths that were the hallmark of modern girls. Lip liner was later adopted by Hollywood stars of the Forties and Fifties such as Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe, whose pouty contours became synonymous with the glamor of the era.

I’ve been wearing lip liner almost every day for over a decade, and I’ve tested countless formulas over the years and narrowed them down to a star-studded shortlist. Mac’s Lip Pencil (£17, Boots.com) has been a firm staple in my rotation- Jennifer Aniston wore this lining In the Shadow of “Spice” friends – and relative makeup newcomer Refy’s Lip Sculpting Eyeliner (£18, Sephora UK website) makes my pout look plump for up to nine hours. But here’s Kosas’ helpline (£20, Spacenk.com) I rely on it every day – its longevity is impressive, hydration is impressive, and it has a natural-looking finish.

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The best lip liners of 2026 are:

Best Overall – Kosas hotliner hyaluronic acid contour lip liner: £20, Spacenk.com
Best budget buy – NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner: £4, Boots.com
Best Everyday Lip Liners – Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat: £22, john lewis website
Best for matte finish – Mac Lip Liner: £17, Boots.com

how i tested

I have tried countless lip liners to bring you the best (Daisy Lester)

From neutral lip liners that give the illusion of fuller lips to sharp formulas that soften lipstick, I’ve tried and tested all the best lip liners. I’ve loved and used some of these lip liners for years (see: Kosas, Refy, Mac, and Charlotte Tilbury), while others have been worn every day for up to a week, including long days at the office and warm trips abroad. I compare popular products to budget buys, including some luxury items.