Lip liner has become one of the most essential parts of many of our makeup bags in recent years. With a nod back to the 90s, new-gen liners aren’t just about precision and pout, but are most importantly now about texture, wearability, and comfort. Whatever look you’re after – fuller, blurred, your-lips-but-better, or definition; it has been covered.
Here’s a rundown of the best lip liners on the market right now, beauty to the point.
REFY Blur Liner, £16 – The Blurred Lip Revolution
REFY has nailed that modern, soft-focus lip with its soft shaped liner. The Blur Liner has a creamy, almost balm-like texture that melts into your lips—no harsh lines. It’s super pigmented so you only need a swipe. The six shades consist of muted tones to define lips, leaving them effortlessly diffused without looking overdone. If you’re not one to commit to full lipstick coverage, this could be the answer. A perfect base for gloss, or a blurred pout on its own without drying out your lips.
Number of shades: 6
Finish: Soft matte
Victoria Beckham Lip Definer, £30 – Quiet Luxury, Defined
The Victoria Beckham Lip Definer is all about precision. With a slim tip, it is designed to give a clean, sculpted lip line. Elegant and timeless. It glides on smoothly and wears beautifully. It has incredible staying power, is waterproof, and gives that barely overlined lip offering immediate sophistication.
Number of shades: 6
Finish: Matte
Fara Homidi Essential Lip Pencil, £34 – The It-Girl
Fara Homidi is gaining serious traction in beauty circles. Her Essential Lip Pencil is luxe but minimal, designed for precise shaping with creamy, pigmented perfection. Coming in a super flattering range for all skin tones, Fara has nailed high-end precision with the perfect mix of NYC cool.
Number of shades: 6
Finish: Cream-matte
Ilia Lip Crayon,£26 – The Effortless New Comer
ILIA’s take on the lip liner is as modern and conscious as you’d expect: simple, nourishing, and a beauty to wear. This is the perfect halfway point between a lipstick and a liner, giving you that liner application with a creamy lipstick feel. The shade range has a beautiful selection of universal neutrals that lean neither too pink nor too brown, making these an incredibly versatile addition to your everyday.
Number of shades: 6
Texture: Creamy Matte
Jones Road The Best Pencil ,£24 – The Low-Key MVP
Bobbi Brown’s new venture, Jones Road, is about stripped-back, no-fuss makeup. This pencil is creamy and soft—easy enough to use without a mirror. It’s not a traditional sharp liner, but if you’re into more natural, smudgy definition (or want a two-in-one for eyes and lips), it’s a solid pick creating effortless, undone looks. A favourite of mine for sure. They have just released 4 new shades in brighter, poppier colours just in time for summer.
Number of shades: 12
Finish: Soft matte
Chanel, Longwear Lip Pencil, £27 – The Classic
Smooth but firm enough for serious shaping, Chanel lip pencil offers that iconic French-girl pout with forever classic elegance. This pencil is about architecture—sculpting, elevating, transforming. It comes with a brush attached to help smooth and blend everything. The perfect Chanel touch. Nude Brun is a best-kept secret: elegant, rich, and never too warm. The formula balances creaminess with control, perfect for lip contouring without overlining into ‘90s territory.
Number of Shades: 19
Finish: Creamy Matte
MAC Lip Pencil £20– The OG
MAC Lip Pencils were the blueprint. ‘Spice’, ‘Whirl’, and ‘Chestnut’ are practically part of makeup history. They’re firm (which means more control), insanely pigmented, and come in an endless shade range. You can wear them solo or under anything. If you plan to wear them solo, you might want to moisturise the lips first, as moisture isn’t their strong point. They have truly stood the test of time, and we love them.
Number of shades: 30+
Finish: Matte
Hermès Lip Pencil , £43– The Prestigious
If you want a lip liner that feels like buying yourself flowers, the Hermès pencil is it. It’s beautifully crafted, the texture is buttery, and the pigment is rich without being heavy. As expected, the shade range is gorgeously curated and refined. A beautiful addition to your makeup routine.
Number of shades: 12
Finish: Velvety
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat £22 – The Icon
You have surely tried ‘Pillow Talk’ by now, and it’s no wonder it’s one of the best selling lipliners of today. This is a true cult classic. The Lip Cheat pencil is creamy but long-wearing, with enough grip to actually stay where you apply it. There’s a reason makeup artists have it in every shade. This one is amazing for fuller-looking lips and has great staying power.
Number of shades: 17
Finish: Matte
