There’s no worse feeling than meticulously tracing your Cupid’s bow and steadily overlining, just for your lip color to be undetectable by the time you’ve finished your coffee or breakfast. The definition and pigment have faded, and you’re left questioning if you even applied anything under your gloss at all. But the good news is that lip liners have had a serious upgrade in recent years. Gone are the days of drying and dragging pencils that demand MUA-level skills.
The Best Long-Lasting Lip Liners That Will Change Your Makeup Routine
Lip liners have become one of the easiest ways to transform any lip look, adding shape and definition with minimal effort. They’re specifically designed to glide on with ease, delivering an extra plump finish in seconds. And, as an added bonus, they actually stay put—holding their shape and pigment for hours on end.
What Makes a Long-Lasting Lip Liner?
The key to a long-lasting lip liner lies in its formula. Today’s formulas are super creamy and designed to glide on with ease, making them a joy to apply. But what sets them apart from their predecessors is their ability to stay put. This is thanks to the use of advanced ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, that help to lock in moisture and prevent smudging.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, lip liners that contain hyaluronic acid can stay on the lips for up to 8 hours without fading or smudging. This makes them a great option for those with busy lifestyles who want a lip liner that will keep up with them.
Top 11 Long-Lasting Lip Liners That Beauty Editors Swear By
From high-end brands to affordable options, we’ve rounded up the best long-lasting lip liners that beauty editors swear by. Whether you’re looking for a specific shade or a natural finish, we’ve got you covered.
1. Make Up For Ever’s Lip Pencil
This lip liner needs no introduction. Beloved by celebrities (like Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter), makeup artists, editors, and the internet masses, Make Up For Ever’s lip pencil is the gold standard for a defined and fuller-looking lip. It comes in an extreme version, which is even more long-lasting and matte.
One Cosmo editor says: “This has been my go-to lip liner for years. It’s incredibly easy to apply and it doesn’t smear or budge. And even though it’s a matte, the formula never dries my lips out. No notes here.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
2. Mary Phillips’ Artistry-Level Lip Liner
Mary Phillips, mastermind behind our favorite beauty muses (like Kendall Jenner and Camila Morrone), created an artistry-level makeup line that’s perfect for makeup akin to a red carpet. This liner gives the mouth a “your lips but better” trace that’s easy to apply, and doesn’t get chalky or dried up after hours of wear.
One Cosmo editor says: “Normally, when a new lip liner launches, I think, snooze. But makeup artist Mary Phillips created a formula that seriously makes my lips look bigger. Her go-to makeup style is overlined lips, and the precise tip of this liner makes it really easy to get thin lines. But the formula smudges out a teensy bit to make any overlining look natural. My favorite shade is “cherry cola.” It’s a stunning pink-toned brown that looks good with a lot of my favorite lip glosses and lipsticks.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
3. NYX’s Affordable Lip Liner
If you’re in the market for a lip liner that won’t break the bank but boasts an easy application and long-lasting staying power, NYX’s liner has got you covered. And best of all is its impressive shade range, with 30 hues to glide on, so you’re sure to find one that matches your ideal lip combo for just $6.
One Cosmo editor says: “This is the GOAT of drugstore lip liners. I recommend it to all my friends for the excellent value and ability to stay put for hours—through meals, constant talking, and happy hour.” —LB
4. YSL’s Luxe Lip Liner
This luxe YSL lip liner glides onto the lips like butter (thanks to its jojoba-filled formula), so you won’t have any snagging across the lips or broken tips, so it’s basically impossible to mess up. It comes in a bunch of mauve and neutral shades that are perfect for creating a desert-island lip combo.
One Cosmo editor says: “This might be the creamiest lip liner I’ve ever used, and that’s saying a lot as a beauty editor who tries a lot of lip liners. It’s truly worth it if you want a silky pencil that glides onto the lips with ease.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
5. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Lip Liner
This lip liner from Charlotte Tilbury is a game-changer. It comes in a range of shades, from natural nudes to bold brights, and is designed to give you a precise, defined lip shape. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable all day long.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been using this lip liner for a few weeks now, and I’m obsessed. It’s so easy to apply and it lasts all day without fading or smudging. I’ve even worn it to work and it still looks great at the end of the day.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
6. Fenty Beauty’s Pro Longwear Lip Liner
This lip liner from Fenty Beauty is designed to last all day, even through the toughest of activities. It comes in a range of shades and is infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable.
One Cosmo editor says: “This lip liner is a total lifesaver. I’ve worn it to the gym and it still looks great after a sweaty workout. Plus, it’s so easy to apply and the formula is really comfortable on the lips.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
7. Huda Beauty’s Lip Contour
This lip contour from Huda Beauty is a total must-have. It comes in a range of shades and is designed to give you a precise, defined lip shape. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable all day long.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been using this lip contour for a few weeks now, and I’m obsessed. It’s so easy to apply and it lasts all day without fading or smudging. I’ve even worn it to work and it still looks great at the end of the day.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
8. Glossier’s Lip Liner
This lip liner from Glossier is a total favorite among beauty editors. It comes in a range of shades and is designed to give you a precise, defined lip shape. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable all day long.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been using this lip liner for a few weeks now, and I’m obsessed. It’s so easy to apply and it lasts all day without fading or smudging. I’ve even worn it to work and it still looks great at the end of the day.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
9. Kat Von D’s Everlasting Lip Liner
This lip liner from Kat Von D is a total must-have. It comes in a range of shades and is designed to give you a precise, defined lip shape. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable all day long.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been using this lip liner for a few weeks now, and I’m obsessed. It’s so easy to apply and it lasts all day without fading or smudging. I’ve even worn it to work and it still looks great at the end of the day.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
10. Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Lip Liner
This lip liner from Bobbi Brown is a total favorite among beauty editors. It comes in a range of shades and is designed to give you a precise, defined lip shape. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable all day long.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been using this lip liner for a few weeks now, and I’m obsessed. It’s so easy to apply and it lasts all day without fading or smudging. I’ve even worn it to work and it still looks great at the end of the day.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
11. NARS’ Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
This lip pencil from NARS is a total must-have. It comes in a range of shades and is designed to give you a precise, defined lip shape. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable all day long.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been using this lip pencil for a few weeks now, and I’m obsessed. It’s so easy to apply and it lasts all day without fading or smudging. I’ve even worn it to work and it still looks great at the end of the day.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Conclusion
There you have it, folks—the top 11 long-lasting lip liners that beauty editors swear by. Whether you’re looking for a high-end option or something more affordable, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why not give one a try and see the difference for yourself?
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