Is it essential? Does it complete your finished makeup look? In short – yes! You need to think of a lip liner as you would your favourite ‘shape wear’ in that it creates the perfect silhouette for your undefined pout. Lip liners pull together and accentuate your lovely lip curves, making it a step to not skip if you’re looking to maximise your natural lip shape.
Why Should You Be Using A Lip Liner
1) To improve the shape of your lips – I know it’s a given, but if fuller, more defined looking lips are what you’re looking for, lip liner is your only natural option.
2) To prolong your lipstick longevity – Hoorah for fewer touch-ups! Lip liner really does make your lipstick last longer. For increased longevity, apply before and after lipstick application for locked in colour.
3) It doubles up as the perfect matte lipstick – Everybody loves a strong and sassy versatile product. Not to mention, lip liner shades mean more colours added your ever-growing lip wardrobe – yay!
How To Shape Your Lips Using A Lip Liner
Thin Lips – Overline just outside the edge of your lips, top & bottom, with a lip liner that’s one shade darker than your lip colour. Opt for glosses and shimmer/satin/pearl toned lipsticks, as these finished make your lips look fuller. We love the DIOR Addict Lip Maximizer Collagen Activ High Volume Lip Plumper.
Large Lips – Trace just inside of your natural lip line, this way the liner will look natural and defined, without looking too OTT.
Uneven Lips– For a smaller top lip, slightly overline your top lip line, then trace along your bottom lip line with a shade that’s one shade darker than your lip colour. Dab a lighter shade of lipstick or lip gloss to the centre of your bottom lip to make it look fuller. If you’ve got a smaller bottom lip, reverse the routine by slightly overlining your bottom lip line, then follow your top lip’s natural line with a shade that’s one shade darker than your lip. To balance out the lips, dab a lighter shade of lipstick or lip gloss to the centre to your top lip.
The Only Shades You Need
Believe it or not, you don’t need a lip liner for every lipstick shade you own. Pick one or all four below to complement your favourite lipstick shade. You won’t regret it!
The natural liner: GUERLAIN The Lip Liner High Precision Lip Liner in 44 Bois de Santal
Even if you prefer to wear a gloss, this barely-there liner provides the perfect definition for any muted pinks, browns, nude hues.
The ultimate red liner: Laura Geller Pout Perfection Waterproof Lip Liner in Claret
A statement of pure elegance, this bold lip liner will match beautifully with any hue of red lipstick. Claret also makes for the perfect matte red lip, especially for the festive season!
The versatile liner: Shiseido Smoothing Lip Pencil in BR706
Not just for dark lipstick lovers, this rustic brown hue provides a deep base to any lipstick, especially if you’re looking to darken up a nude, pink or red toned lip. Use alone for a beautiful matte brown or apply as a base or on top of your chosen colour to deepen its hue.
The wax liner: DIOR Dior Contour Transparent Lipliner Pencil with Brush and Sharpener
For those that hate it when their lipstick bleeds, this understated liner is all you need to avoid smudges when enjoying your morning coffee. Formulated with a transparent hue, its wax formulation works perfectly with any lip shade, whilst insuring your pout with unbudgeable colour for a minimum of 4 hours.
Over To You!
Are you a lip liner convert or are you still unsure of your perfect shade? Tweet us – I’m here to help! Whether you’re looking for a personalised recommendation or tips for perfecting your shape, let me know!
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DIOR Addict Lip Maximizer 6ml
This lipgloss by Dior is really amazing,, it tingles constantly plumping the lips. The colour is super sexy and makes the lips look so sexy and fuller. Will definitely be keeping this in my purse! I LOVE IT!
