You might own gloss, lip stain, and lipstick, but what about a liner? Lip liners are usually an afterthought for most who are new to makeup until they've tried it. But once you learn to use liner correctly, it'll become as much of a staple as your everyday gloss or lip color. This tool can create super versatile looks, from a bold, pouty lip to a more subtle and natural vibe. They also come in wide ranges of finishes, shades, and staying power, which can make it challenging to choose which is right for you. To help you out, we've put together a list of our favorite lip liners available today. Keep reading to find the new addition to your makeup kit. NYX Professional Makeup Lip Pencil Elevate your lip look with this liner by NYX. Offered in various shades to accommodate all skin tones, this lip pencil features a soft, smooth texture and a formula designed to resist bleeding. It glides on super easily and can be paired with any lipstick or gloss for a gorgeous result. We love that it’s cost-effective while still providing a quality formula, and it’s never tested on animals, which is a huge bonus. Pros: Offered in multiple shades Great value for the price Cruelty-free formula Cons: Depending on how you prep before applying, this option isn’t the most long-lasting Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Liner With its convenient self-sharpening tip, this lip liner might be your new go-to. Maybelline created this formula to prevent feathering or smudging while allowing for a creamy, smooth application. Plus, the built-in sharpener means you’ll achieve perfectly defined lips every time. This liner is offered in 14 super-saturated colors, including a clear option that can be used as a primer or lip barrier for any lipstick you choose. Pros: Long-lasting formula Convenient self-sharpening tip High-quality color Cons: The sharp tip could be prone to breaking with too much pressure Italia Deluxe Ultra Fine Lip Liner One of the most difficult things about getting the best liner look is finding a color that matches your specific lipstick, stain, or gloss. Thankfully, this lip liner by Italia is here to save the day. You’ll receive 12 different colors that are incredibly pigmented and offer a formula that won’t dry out your lips. These also sharpen well and are made from quality ingredients that prevent crumbling, making them creamy but not too soft. And we love that there’s no annoying, waxy texture. Pros: Comes as a set of 12 saturated colors No dragging or skipping Great value for the price Cons: It may begin to break down slightly when interacting with glosses Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner If you need a little extra staying power, Palladio’s waterproof lip liner is designed for all-day wear without feathering or transfer. With this silky-smooth formula, you can eat and drink the night away and still have that perfect, pouty look when you get home. This liner is also infused with chamomile extract and aloe vera to moisturize and nourish your lips to help keep them soft and supple. Pros: Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free Does not require a sharpener Offered in nine gorgeous, saturated colors Cons: We wish the formula were just a bit thicker Evpct DNM Lip Liner and Lipstick Set If you’re on the hunt for a complete lip look in one convenient package, we recommend this set of dual-ended liner and lipstick combos. These unique products feature a quality lip liner on one side and a color-matching lipstick on the other. You’ll receive six different colors that offer a matte finish for a beautiful, elegant look. Plus, the formula is smooth and long-lasting without being sticky, so you’ll get a creamy application every time. Pros: Six-piece box set makes an excellent gift for the beauty maven in your life Long-lasting velvet finish No need to worry about finding a matching lipstick Cons: The actual colors may be a bit different compared to the photos, but they’ll still match each other Frequently Asked Questions What exactly does lip liner do? Lip liner is actually quite versatile. It’s most commonly used to create fuller-looking lips when paired with a matching lipstick. You can also choose to overline your lip to create an even fuller look, depending on your preference. Clear lip liner can be used as a primer or lip barrier to prevent color from bleeding past your natural lip line. Liner is also great for more subtle, natural looks when used in a nude shade and paired with a pretty gloss. How do you apply lip liner? You’ll first want to choose a liner that matches your skin tone or the color of the lipstick you’ll be wearing, depending on the look you’re going for. It’s best to always make sure your lips are moisturized, too. Start at the corner of your lip, follow your natural line or a little bit over your natural line, and use quick, small strokes to create an outline. We recommend filling in your lips with the liner to create a uniform base for your lipstick and add some intensity. Then follow with your lipstick. Is there a special sharpener for lip liner? If you do not have a lip liner that comes with a built-in sharpener, as a twist-up model would, then you’ll need to sharpen your liner manually when it starts to dull. While there are dedicated lip liner sharpeners available, any pencil sharpener made with safe materials will do the trick. Just be sure to clean your sharpener after each use to remove any residue and to ensure you don’t accidentally mix colors of different liners. Related posts: The Best Eyeliners The Best Lip Balms The Best Lipsticks