What Does Lip Liner Really Do (and Do I Need It)?

Watch any makeup tutorial on social media and you’re almost guaranteed to see a beauty creator carefully applying lip liner — then promptly swiping over it with lipstick. We wouldn’t blame you if you found yourself wondering whether lip liner is, in fact, necessary at all. Though the answer is no — you can and should wear your makeup however you see fit — it can be a helpful addition to your routine, particularly if you’re after a statement lip look. 

“Lip liner is like your lips’ personal assistant,” editorial and celebrity makeup artist Joseph Carrillo says. “It defines the edges, keeps your lipstick in line — literally — and stops it from feathering or smudging.” Celebrity makeup artist Yasuko Shapiro concurs and adds that this unassuming product “can be great for correcting asymmetry,” which may occur as you age and your skin loses collagen. 

Lip liner can also help prevent lipstick from bleeding into the fine lines around the mouth. The key, of course, lies in choosing the right liner for your needs (and applying it properly). “Pencil lip liners are your go-to for precision,” Carrillo says. “They’re firm and great for defining.” Gel liners, meanwhile, provide a softer, more blurred look. You’ll want to select a formula based on your desired result — sharp and precise or soft and natural. No matter which you choose, Shapiro suggests lightly tracing along the natural lip line, avoiding the outer corners of the mouth (this will help keep it from looking overdone). If your lips are on the thinner side — another natural side-effect of aging — she notes that you can apply the liner “just outside [the natural lip line] for a fuller look.” 

After lining your lips, use your finger to soften any harsh lines. Then, swipe on your lipstick. For extra protection against feathering and fading, opt for long-lasting, smudge-resistant formulas designed to hold up throughout the day. If you need a recommendation, Carrillo is a fan of the Maybelline Lifter Plump Lip Liner. “They’re super long-wearing,” he says.

Ultimately, though, both pros agree that while helpful, lip liner isn’t essential. “It’s ultimately a creative choice,” Shapiro says. If you’re after a natural lip look, a swipe of tinted lip balm or some sheer lip gloss is more than enough to subtly accentuate your pout.