Best Drugstore Lip Liner for a Contoured, Finished Look
Want to add dimension to your lips? Or create a seamless outline for your lip color without the feathering? These top lip liners do the trick!
Lip liner is the key to transforming your everyday makeup from drab to fab, but it doesn't have to break the bank.
From creamy formulas with intense pigment pay-off to wax-based liners that are ideal for effortless blending, there's no shortage of drugstore lip liners available on the market today.
And we're here to show you what our top picks are so you can find just the right one for you! Get ready to take your look up a notch with some seriously budget-friendly products.
We hope you discover your next favorite beauty find from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try, but all opinions in this article are our own. And, FYI — GlamourBadger may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy your next favorite beauty find!
How We Choose
Struggling to find a lip liner you can count on?
We’ve done the hard work for you, scouring hundreds of verified customer reviews to bring together the top-rated lip liners out there. And not just any old brands - we've picked only those that won't break your budget.
Whether you’re looking for a nude lip liner or bolder tones, we’ll help you find just the right lip liner shade for your skin tone. Plus these prices are unbeatable – get a quality product at an affordable price!
Best Pigmentation
Maybelline New York Makeup Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner
Why We Like It
Welcome to Makeup Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner from Maybelline New York! No look is complete without a beautiful lip shape that catches the eye, and now it’s easier than ever to make an impact with your lips. This mechanical, self-sharpening liner lets you outline an impeccable definition in mere moments. The creamy formula ensures your look stays intact; smudging and bleeding are a thing of the past—say goodbye to feathering and hello to fabulous!
This absolutely effortless lip liner glides on easily, no need for a twirl—it sharpens itself every time you twist it. How cool is that? The intense color will always remain vivid and vibrant as it lasts up to 12 hours: for that extra bit of fun in the nightlife or all-day convenience when running errands. All you have to do is apply some pressure, follow your natural lip line, and voila—perfect lips every time!
Go ahead! Flaunt those stunningly defined lips; treat yourself with Makeup Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner from Maybelline New York.
More to Know
Lip liner is a must-have in every cosmetics bag, and this lip liner is no exception. This lip liner range comes in an array of shades from nude to plum, so you're sure to find the one that best suits your lip color!
Plus, each lip liner can be paired with your favorite lip color or lip gloss for a stunning lip look. Whether you're putting on a subtle lip stain or going full glam, these lip liners will help you achieve any lip look you desire.
Why We Like It
Introducing Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner - the perfect way to add luxurious color to your lips! This lip liner is creamy and opaque, meaning you can get full-fledged lip color in just one swipe of a pencil.
Choose from 12 luscious shades that are sure to complement all skin tones. Not only that but this amazing product is also super long-lasting so once you put it on in the morning, it won’t smudge or fade away until it’s time to take it off.
Get ready to pucker up and say goodbye to those pesky touch-ups! With Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner, one application will give you incredible color that looks good all day. So why wait? Get your hands on this luxe-quality lip liner and enjoy fantastic vibrant shades with long-lasting power!
More to Know
This long-lasting formula won’t budge or bleed, ensuring you look fabulous all day long. This pigmented goodness was made with precision application in mind.
With its thick and smooth consistency, it’s perfect for creating any look. Plus, it’s transfer-resistant and fragrance-free so you can feel and look fresh for longer.
Why We Like It
Check out wet n wild's brand new Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil - it's guaranteed to give you the perfect pout! Its unique matte formula - made with a special polymer formula - effortlessly glides on and sets for long-lasting color that won't budge.
Whether you're going for a natural look or something bolder, this gel lip liner is your go-to product for easy application and superior staying power. No more smudging or bleeding - just beautiful lips with high-impact color that stays in place!
Best of all, this retractable pencil is easy to carry around and use on the go. It'll quickly become your favorite part of your makeup routine!
More to Know
This lip liner is the key to long-lasting lip color that won't budge no matter what your day brings. It's specially formulated with a proprietary polymer and ester complex for a comfortable application that feels like a second skin.
Never experience tugging or dragging again - this gel lip pencil provides consistently beautiful lip color, from the moment you apply it first thing in the morning until you're ready to take it off at night. What are you waiting for? Get out there and show off your look - never-ending lip color awaits!
Why We Like It
Say hello to Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner – your best friend for beautiful, long-wearing lips! This cult favorite gives you rich color and definition for fuller, enviable lips that last throughout the day.
Its liner is designed to provide you with gorgeous and lasting color that doesn’t need any touch-ups! Once it’s applied it will stay on your lips for up to 8 hours without fading or smudging. Its easy-to-apply formula glides onto your lips leaving them with a vibrant finish that looks amazing.
So don’t waste time re-applying lipsticks throughout the day, get perfect definition and lasting color all day long with our Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner. You won't be disappointed!
More to Know
Revlon lip liner is perfect for any lip look – its long-wearing color ensures that your lip makeup stays on longer and looks brighter. Best of all, there's no need to worry about bleeding or feathering: you'll get a gorgeous finish with a smooth and lush result.
Not to mention, the lip pencil comes with an already built-in sharpener, so you don't have to go looking for extra tools while you're out on the go!
With 14 stunning shades to pick from, you'll find the right lip liner shade to complement your rich and lush lip look.
Why We Like It
Create bold and beautiful lips with L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner! This creamy lip liner is perfect for defining and designing your lips. Its rich formula will glide across your lips seamlessly, allowing you to easily shape and define them however you want.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or full-on glamour, Colour Riche is the perfect product for you! Use this smudge-proof liner to create full lips that won’t fade or bleed throughout the day – perfect for long days out or big nights out.
Enjoy glamorous, defined lips in just a few easy steps. Try it today and see how amazing your lips can be with Colour Riche!
More to Know
Make a dramatic statement with your lips using the amazing lip liner pencil! This lovely liner is infused with omega 3 and vitamin E, which makes your lips look more beautiful than ever.
Perfect for contouring and creating the illusion of fuller lips, the lip liner will not disappoint you. Just prime and line your lips - use it alone or combine it with lipstick to complete your look.
For an even bolder look, fill in your entire lip and apply lipstick on top! Say goodbye to boring and traditional lip liners and welcome glamorous new looks!
Best Drugstore Lip Liner FAQs
It can be tough to figure out which lip liner is right for you. There are so many different brands and formulas out there, it's hard to know which one to choose.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the best drugstore lip liners so that you can make an informed decision about what's best for you.
How do you apply lip liner?
Applying lip liner is essential for achieving a polished, perfect look. Lip liner helps to prevent feathering and bleed of lipstick color around the edges of lips, as well as providing an even base for lipstick application.
Trace the Outline Of The Lips: Use gentle strokes and begin at either corner of your upper lip and trace along its natural contours until reaching the other side of the mouth in one continuous line. Don't forget to carefully trace your cupid's bow.
Repeat this process with lower lips, tracing from corner to corner in outward motions until both outlines are complete - use more pressure near corners for sharper angles if desired.
What is the longest-lasting lip liner?
The longest-lasting lip liner is the Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner. This popular drugstore pencil liner can last up to 12 hours without needing to be reapplied.
It's also smudge and transfer-proof, so you won't have to worry about it running or fading away after a few hours of wear.
Should lip liner be lighter or darker?
For a natural look, you should opt for a color that is very close in shade to your lip color. This will help make the line almost invisible and accentuate your lips without calling too much attention to it.
For a more defined or dramatic finish, you may want to use a slightly darker shade of lip liner than your own lip color. However, be sure not to go too dark - anything darker than two shades deeper can quickly draw focus away from the beauty of your lips and the overall makeup.
Additionally, you can also opt for shades lighter than the color of your natural lips if you would like an ethereal or dreamy aesthetic with muted tones.
Lip liners range from nudes and neutrals all the way up to bold purples and blues - so have fun experimenting!
Does lip liner make you look older?
The short answer is no: lip liner does not necessarily make you look older. It all depends on how you apply it and the shade of color that you choose.
When applied correctly, lip liner can actually help enhance the shape of your lips and create a fuller, more youthful appearance. However, if not used properly or in too dark of a shade, it may draw attention to lines around your lips and give off an illusion that you are older than your true age.
To prevent this from happening, focus on lining your lips just slightly outside their natural edges with a neutral soft brown or pinkish-beige color depending on the natural color of your skin tone – stay away from anything too dark or overly bold!
How do you make your lip liner look natural?
Making your lip liner look natural all comes down to selecting the right shade for you and applying it in the correct manner.
When picking a color, avoid ones that are drastically different from your lip color and choose something just a few shades darker. This will subtly define your lips without looking fake or overdone.
Do you put on lip liner before or after lipstick?
When it comes to lip liner and lipstick, the best approach is to apply your lip liner first. This will help define your lips and create the perfect base for applying lipstick.
Applying lip liner before you apply lipstick helps prevent feathering--that is when the color of your lipstick bleeds out of the lines of your lips.
When you use a lip liner, be sure to select one that closely matches or is slightly darker than the shade of lipstick you intend to use. You can also choose a universal color such as nude or brown if you wear many shades of lipstick.
Lip liners work best when sharpened with a sharpener made specifically for them; this ensures even application and optimal performance from beginning to end.
Can you use lip liner by itself?
Yes, lip liner can be used by itself if desired. The primary purpose of lip liner is to define the shape of lips and provide a base into which lipstick or gloss can be applied.
However, it can also offer a subtle hint of color or even stand alone as an effective alternative to heavier makeup applications.
Does lip liner really make a difference?
Absolutely! It can make a huge difference in your makeup routine. It helps to define and contour the lips, while also helping to prevent lipstick from feathering outside of the lip line.
Applying lip liner makes it easier to create precision when applying lipstick and gloss.
Is there a lip liner that doesn’t bleed?
Yes, there are several lip liners available on the market that do not bleed. Depending on your budget and desired results, you can find lip liners from both luxury brands and drugstore varieties.
Are drugstore lip liners really good?
That's a resounding yes. Drugstore lip liners can be just as high-performing and long-lasting as those from high-end brands, making them an excellent choice for your makeup bag.
When it comes to finding quality, there’s no need to break the bank. Many love products like Wet n Wild Perfect Pout Lip Liner, Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner, e.l.f Retractable Lipliner Pencil, NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner, and Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner – all of which come in at under $10 each!
Bottom Line
It has been a pleasure to help you in your journey to the perfect beauty product for your needs. You have put so much effort into learning what is best for you and we are glad that our article could point you in the right direction.
We hope that you found the perfect lip line and are excited for you to see how it enhances your natural beauty.
Go ahead and show off your gorgeous lips today with your new favorite lip liner! We truly appreciate your time, investment, and enthusiasm when it comes to self-care and pampering yourself.
May this new purchase bring many days full of confidence, joy, and compliments!
Related: Best Drugstore Lipstick to Create the Perfect Pout!