15 Best Drugstore Lip Liners Of 2025, According To An Expert
Give your lips the smudge-proof definition you always desired without breaking the bank.
Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailored to the individual.
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Experience: 3 yearsEsha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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A lip liner helps fill the uneven outer edges of your lips before you apply lipstick. Mary Ajaka, a makeup artist, says, “Lip liners can not only enhance your lip shape but also correct it. It can make your lips appear fuller or smaller as per your requirements.” The best drugstore lip liners make your lipstick stay long without smudging or feathering on your statement-making outings. You can also use lip liners to make the lips appear brighter and achieve a matte finish.
In this article, we bring you a list of the best drugstore lip liners that will enhance the look of your lip makeup. We have carefully selected them after going through the honest reviews from users online. Check them out below!
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Lip Liners Under $10 That You Need Right Now !
1. Best Creamy-Matte Texture: NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil
Slim, trim, but never prim! NYX’s lip pencils come in a variety of dashing shades – from auburn to orange to traffic-stopping red. The buttery long-wearing lip liner formula goes on easy and resists bleeding. It is available in 50 shades.
Also Recommended By: Byrdie and Who What Wear have also listed NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil in their top 10.[1]The Best Drugstore Lip Liners for a Well-defined Look. Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/best-drugstore-lip-liner[2]The 15 Best Drugstore Lip Liners for Fuller-Looking Lips. Who What Wear.https://www.whowhatwear.com/best-drugstore-lip-liners/
Pros
- Creamy yet matte texture that works well for normal to dry lips.
- Defines lips well.
- Easy application without the need for tugging or pulling.
- Does not give your lips a cakey appearance.
- Good staying power.
- Not tested on animals.
Cons
- If you have very dry lips, this may highlight the dryness and flakiness.
"This is a staple in my kit for creating different lip looks. It helps me with precise application and moisturizes my lips. I like how smoothly it applies and stays on for long hours."
NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil Review
The NYX Slim Lip pencil comes in a simple wooden pencil packaging with a cap. It is fragrance-free and has no taste, which is a plus. This pencil has a creamy formula that settles into a matte finish. It does a great job of concealing and camouflaging minor lip flaws, particularly when you want to go for a sheer lip color. Sold in a wide range of 50 shades, the NYX lip liner is a top-notch yet budget-friendly option for your lips. As per reviews online, those who have tried-and-tested this lip liner have surely added it in their everyday makeup routine.
2. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Milani Color Statement Lip Liner
Milani’s Color Statement Lip Liner delivers statement-making color and seamless application with every stroke. You can define, shape, and fill in lips to get professional-looking results. The lip liner’s luxe, matte finish creates the perfect canvas for color, and every richly pigmented shade matches beautifully with all skin tones. It’s available in eight shades.
Also Recommended By:Who What Wear has also listed Milani Color Statement Lip Liner in their top 10.[1]The This $6 Drugstore Lip Liner Is My Secret Weapon for Full Lips. Who What Wear. https://www.whowhatwear.com/best-drugstore-lip-liners
Pros
- Soft, creamy texture.
- It does not dry out your lips.
- Color-coded packaging.
- Long-staying.
- Highly pigmented.
- Not tested on animals.
Cons
- It’s difficult to properly sharpen this pencil, which results in wastage.
Pro TipMilani Color Statement Lip Liner Review
This lip liner range has a total of 8 colors available, and the color of the pencil denotes the shade. These are sleek and handy and come with a golden cap. One major drawback concerning its packaging is that this pencil refuses to become pointed despite sharpening. You end up wasting a lot of it in the process. Moving on to its consistency, it’s nice and creamy and is easy to work with. It glides smoothly on your lips without any pulling or tugging. It does not dry out your lips too much and feels very light on the lips. Reviewers mention that for $5, you ought to try these!
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 6,566 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Consistency: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner
The Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner gives you eight hours of long-lasting, transfer-resistant color. Its rich, vibrant colors blend without bleeding. Comfortable wear up to 8 hours. Available in 12 shades.
Pros
- Pigmented.
- Long-lasting.
- Fragrance-free.
- It does not budge or bleed.
- Thick and smooth consistency.
Cons
- It’s slightly drying.
- Accentuates lines after a few hours of application.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner Review
This liner comes in a wooden pencil packaging with a plastic cap to shield the product. The color of the pencil denotes its shade. It needs to be sharpened before application, and this tends to cause wastage. Its color is intense, and you can get a full-fledged lip color with this liner alone. It has a thick consistency and goes opaque in one swipe. The staying power is great, and it has a range of 12 colors that you can choose from.
| NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil Best Creamy-Matte Texture | Milani Color Statement Lip Liner Best Long-Lasting Formula | Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner Best Consistency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.6 x 3 x 4 inches | 0.33 x 0.33 x 5.05 inches | 0.5 x 0.5 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 0.04 Ounces | 0.18 Ounces | 0.14 Ounces |
| Skin Type | - | AllColor | All |
| Color | - | - | 004 Indian Pink |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,349 | 6,566 | 168 |
| Price | $4.0 | $21.99 | $4.44 |
[ Read – Top Rated Rimmel London Beauty Products ]
4. Best Lip-Defining:NARS Precision Lip Liner
Introducing NARS Precision Lip Liner: the must-try beauty product for perfect pouts. It was even worn by Coleen Garcia, celebrity and host, at The Preview Ball. This luxurious lip liner features smooth wooden pencils that are easily shapeable and glide across your lips. The soft, creamy, velvety formula of this celebrity-favorite lip liner is blended to perfection for comfort and long-lasting hold.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Creamy formula
- Easy to use
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Can be clumpy
"I like the creaminess of this pencil as it glides on the lips easily. It also offers good staying power and works with a wide range of lipstick consistencies."
Pro TipNARS Precision Lip Liner Review
This lip liner contains silk powder and mango seed oil to keep your lips hydrated and soft. Vitamin E, with antioxidant properties, imparts moisture-rich definition to your lips. This precision lip liner is available in 16 vibrant shades. It is highly pigmented for a deep, neutral color that lasts all day. This lip liner with impressive and enhanced features will surely be your go-to product for precise application.
5. Best Color Payoff:Maybelline New York Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner
Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner creates a totally defined lip look that helps your lipstick stay put for the most impactful lips. Available in 14 super-saturated shades.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula.
- Convenient packaging.
- Good color selection.
- It creates smooth and defined lips.
- Even application.
Cons
- Sharpening leads to wastage.
- Transfers when used as a filler.
"This lip liner a reliable option for long-lasting, true-to-color applications. Its automatic sharpening feature makes it easy to maintain. It pairs well with matte liquids and other types of lipsticks too. It has become a staple for everyday wear and special occasions."
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner Review
This pencil comes in simple wooden packaging with a transparent cap and colored band, and it needs to be sharpened every now and again. It has a smooth texture and glides on your lips without having to tug or pull. A single swipe gives you a great color payoff. It can be used as a lip filler by itself or as a base under your gloss. Reviewers noted that its staying power is decent with an average of 4-5 hours, and it fades evenly. That said, it does increase the longevity of your lipstick and keeps it from bleeding into fine lines.
6. Best In Budget: Wet N’ Wild Perfect Pout Gel Liner
Are you ready for this gel-ly? Tell your lips to get in line for pout perfection. A lip liner like no other, made with a special polymer formula to create lip dimension. It seamlessly guides onto lips and provides the color that can go on for days . Wear alone or under lipstick for color that won’t budge ever! Available in 6 shades.
Pros
- Good packaging.
- Glides effortlessly on lips.
- Extremely comfortable to wear.
- Increases the longevity of your lipstick.
- Very affordable.
- Free of animal testing.
Cons
- Can’t sharpen so once you use this liner a few times, it’s hard to get a precise line.
"This lip liner offers a smooth application and has a pigmented color. It also lasts for a long time. It's easy to use on the go and is suitable for both beginners and pros alike."
Quick TipWet N’ Wild Perfect Pout Gel Liner Review
The Wet N’ Wild lip liner comes in black twist-up automatic packaging. The cap displays the color of the liner, which is a useful feature. It has a smooth, creamy, and almost gel-like texture. It’s highly pigmented, and one swipe is all it takes to achieve a pigmented velvet finish. The staying power is decent, and it stays put for a good 5-6 hours. For a $2 lip liner, this one is an excellent value for money, and we highly recommend you to try these.
7. Best Waterproof:Mented Cosmetics Dark Brown Lip Liner Pencil
The Mented Cosmetics Dark Brown Lip Liner Pencil is a water-resistant and cruelty-free makeup product perfect for creating a natural-looking definition. It is a waterproof pencil with a semi-matte finish that lasts over eight hours. This easy-to-apply rich color gives your lips the perfect definition and is suitable for evening, work, or school looks. Now you can take on the day without worrying if your lip liner will smudge or wear off, no matter how busy your life gets.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- None
"I recently tried this retractable lip liner and love its creamy texture. It allows a smooth application that is easy to wear in a rush each morning. The lightweight formula lasts for a good number of hours without any smudging."
Mented Cosmetics Dark Brown Lip Liner Pencil Review
Mented Cosmetics Lip Liner has a stylish, high-end appeal. It is a dark brown color that looks good on all skin tones. This liner is also waterproof and all-day smudge-resistant. However, it may dry up your lips. Apply a lip balm first to solve this issue. This product has incredible staying power and lasts until you wipe it off with an oil-based makeup remover.
8. Best Anti-Aging Benefits: L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Lip Liner
Perfectly defines. Anti-feathering. Rich color. The L’oreal Paris Color Riche Lip Liners create definition and coordinate perfectly to retain lip color vibrancy. Available in 12 shades.
Pros
- Soft and creamy texture.
- It does not dry out lips.
- It contains anti-aging ingredients.
- It does not bleed.
- Transfer proof.
Cons
- Average staying power.
- Price is slightly higher when compared to some more affordable quality and efficient drugstore lip liners.
"I like the smooth application and self-sharpening feature of this lipliner. The maintenance is a breeze. The neutral shade works with a variety of lipsticks. It defines my lips with a natural pout and is a part of my daily routine."
L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Lip Liner Review
This gorgeous lip liner comes in a retractable pen packaging, and the color of its cap coordinates with the shade of the liner. In terms of packaging, this one’s super convenient and hassle-free. It has a creamy texture that settles into a matte finish and can be used as a lip liner as well as a filler. It does not bleed or transfer when applied and smells heavenly. You also have a dozen shades to choose from. But for the price, its staying power is quite average.
9. Best Smearproof:Sorme Waterproof Lip Liner
Discover a liner for all-day follow-through with Sorme Waterproof Lip Liner. This lip liner glides smoothly on your lips without a smudge, smear, or splinter, even after an oily meal! The unique, nourishing formula provides the long-lasting color you want. This product comes in ten luscious shades to perfectly complement your lips. This waterproof product will protect your look, minimize lipstick touch-ups, and is your go-to choice for days that demand perfection.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Non-splintering
- Unique square shape for ultimate grip and control
- Long-lasting
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- None
Sorme Waterproof Lip Liner Review
Super pigmented, the Sorme Waterproof Lip Liner is a great pick. You only need one stroke to keep your lips appearing defined all day on your statement-making outings. It enhances the longevity of your lipstick by staying put for 7-8 hours without fading or smudging. Despite this, removing the product can be a little challenging.
10. Best For Dry Lips:Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner
Revlon Colorstay Lipliner provides a long-wearing definition, helps lip color last longer, and prevents feathering and bleeding. Available in 14 shades.
Pros
- Gorgeous shades.
- Great packaging.
- It comes with a built-in sharpener.
- Long staying.
- Fragrance-free.
Cons
- Slightly drying.
- Some of the shades in the range aren’t true to their color.
"The lip liner is very creamy and applies easily without any tugging. It does not feel heavy on my lips and has a good staying power through drinks and meals. The self-sharpening feature is a bonus. It is good for both natural and dramatic looks and is one of my makeup bag staples."
Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Review
This smooth gliding pencil is packed in a retractable pencil case. The base and the cap of the pencil represent the shade of the color, and it also has a built-in sharpener at the end of the pencil, which is convenient. It has a fine, smooth texture and it’s very pigmented. It stays on your lips for 6-7 hours which is very impressive. It’s not super moisturizing so if you have really dry lips, applying a lip balm under it would suffice. If you’re looking for something long staying and pigmented, your search ends here.
11.Best For Easy Application:SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Gel Lip Liner
Create a lasting impression with the Sephora Collection Rouge Gel Lip Liner. The unique gel-cream formula helps with achieving enhanced lips and is easy to apply and instantly offers a matte finish. Get over 24 hours of wear with this smudge-proof, non-drying product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Non-drying formula
- Cruelty-free
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- None
"I like this nude pencil as it does not have any hints of reds and pinks that are mostly common in the market. It is highly pigmented and does not smudge easily. It also lasts for a good while."
SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Gel Lip Liner Review
This gel lip liner has a creamy consistency that applies smoothly without straining and provides superb color payoff. The brush is effective and fulfills its role as a lip brush. Although a lip liner doesn’t require a brush, having one is just an extra. This product remains intact for 24 hours easily, gives a polished lip look, and lengthens the life of your lipstick. This is a pricey choice for a $13 product, but it is still worthwhile.
12. Best Nourishing Formula:Palladio Retractable Lip Liner
Palladio Retractable Pencil has a nourishing formula with chamomile, safflower, jojoba seed oil, and aloe. The long-lasting formula is highly pigmented and settles into a waterproof, creamy finish. It is available in 9 gorgeous shades to give you the perfect pout-enhancing look.
Pros
- Smudge-free
- Waterproof wear
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- No sharpening needed
Cons
- The texture may feel too soft
"This lip liner delivers a smooth application each time. The creamy texture does not need too many layers to work. It blends well with other lip products without causing dryness. It is easy to maintain and does not need any sharpening."
Palladio Retractable Pencil Review
This lip liner comes in a retractable twist-up pencil design. It is neat, hassle-free as it requires no sharpening. Made with nourishing ingredients, it glides smoothly onto the lips for an even application. It offers true color pay-off and stays on all day long. It is a smudge-free formula that doesn’t feather or transfer. It is an excellent catch for the natural-looking vibrant colors.
13. Best Ergonomic Gel Grip:L.A Girl Ultimate Intense Stay Auto Lip Liner
Define lips with long-lasting color! The extremely soft formula is smudge-proof, anti-feathering, and sets to a matte finish for efficiently prepping the lips. Ergonomic gel grip allows comfort and ease of application in a quick twist. Dermatologist tested and free of preservatives. Available in 8 shades.
Pros
- Anti-feathering.
- Good pigmentation.
- Soft and smooth texture.
- Long-lasting.
- Cruelty-free.
- Dermatologist-tested.
Cons
- Slightly drying.
- Limited shade options.
"This lip liner is very durable for active days. Its bold shade lasts without touch-ups and is completely smudge-proof. The retractable design is user-friendly. It's a good option for a daily makeup routine."
L.A Girl Ultimate Intense Stay Auto Lip Liner Review
This lip liner can be used to line the lips as well as to fill them in. The packaging looks classy – it comes in a black retractable pencil with a colored end that denotes the shade of the liner. This dermatologist-tested lip liner is easy to use and glides smoothly on the lips without any tugging or pulling. The shades are intensely pigmented and stay on the lips for 6-7 hours without budging. It defines the lips well and makes your lipstick stay longer.
14. Best Dermatologically Tested:Prestige Lipliner
The Prestige Lipliner is a classic wooden sharpenable lip pencil. The pencil imparts a smudge-proof, rich plum color to your lips. It glides on your lips smoothly and without tugging. The dermatologically tested lipliner consists of a blend of natural ingredients such as vegetable oil, castor oil, fruit wax, mineral oil, etc. This easy liner for lips nourishes and effectively prevents your lipstick from bleeding.
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Organic
- Long-lasting
- Matte finish
- Dermatologically tested
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This lip liner is my constant companion that stays in place even after eating. It has a good texture that does not tug at my skin. It lasts long and works with a variety of lipsticks."
15. Best Pigmentation:COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Lip Liner
The COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Lip Liner is the perfect tool to give your lips the definition they deserve! Enjoy intense pigmentation and natural-looking definition that lasts for over 24 hours. This self-sharpening pencil makes application stress-free, easy, and fast, whether for a subtle contouring effect or a bold look. Achieve long-lasting colors that do not fade, smudge, or transfer. Reviewers mentioned that one can trust it to stay in place all day and night.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Intense pigmentation
- Cruelty-free
- Easy removal
Cons
- The color might bleed
"I tried this lip liner and like its creamy texture that applies smoothly. The slanted tip design helps with precise lining. The formula is pigmented and needs just a quick swipe to line my lips."
COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Lip Liner Review
This full-color lip liner is reasonably priced and comes in ten great colors, and may be used alone or with lipstick. It is simple to apply and not tricky to get off, and has a smooth finish. It is lightweight and feels comfortable on the lips. Unfortunately, it exhibits minor color leakage, which can be inconvenient, especially if you favor seamless makeup.
(* Product prices may vary)
*Subject to Availability
Infographic: Things To Consider Before Buying A Lip Liner
The infographic below lists some factors to keep in mind before investing in a lip liner. It will help you pick an easy-to-use product that moisturizes your lips for long hours. The infographic will also assist you in choosing a versatile lip liner that can be used along with other lip products to get a flawless lip finish. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
We often do not consider this, but wearing a lip liner can truly make a big difference. Using a lip liner correctly will help you achieve more fuller-looking and defined lips and prevent your lipstick from smudging and feathering. They are the Holy Grail product for your lips, according to many celebrity makeup artists. You do not have to splurge on expensive lip liners to get the full benefit from them because there are plenty of makeup artist-approved drugstore ones available in various textures, colors, and shades. The NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil offers a long-lasting, creamy finish at an affordable price, while the NARS Precision Lip Liner glides across your lips smoothly to create smudge-free outlines. But if you are looking for something that provides a natural-looking finish easily, try the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Lip Liner. The products reviewed above have good staying power. They are highly pigmented and have a soft and creamy texture. These expertly crafted lip liners will allow your lipstick to blend seamlessly and accentuate your lips perfectly.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Esha Saxena, the author of this article, is a keen makeup enthusiast. She loves to explore various makeup products and continuously checks out the latest makeup trends to bring the best for readers. The list of best drugstore lip liners is curated after extensive research and reading many customer feedback on trusted online forums. These are smudge-proof and give your lips a fuller look. They are also long-lasting and easy to apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lip liner good for the lips?
Yes. Lip liners feature ultra-precise tips that help you enhance the lip structure. They usually have heavy formulas that prevent your lipstick from bleeding outside the lips.
Should lip liner be lighter or darker than lipstick?
Choose a lip liner, one or two shades darker than your lipstick, to accentuate or reshape your lips.
How do I keep my lip liner on all day?
Exfoliate your lips and apply lip balm. Once the balm gets completely absorbed, apply the liner following your natural lip line. Pat some translucent powder on your lips to keep the liner stay throughout the day.
What is the point of an invisible lip liner?
Invisible lip liners line your lip with a colorless formula that prevents your glosses or lipstick from feathering. They are easy to apply and feel non-sticky.
How do I stop my lip liner from bleeding?
Apply a moisturizing lip primer to your lips. Then, apply the lip liner to the lip outline. Next, blot your lips with a clean tissue and pat some translucent powder to prevent them from smudging.
Do you apply lip liner before lipstick?
Yes. Apply lip liner to your lips to achieve your desired lip shape. Then, fill them with lipstick.
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