Image: MomJunction Design Team
Lip liner has evolved from a luxury item to a necessity in every woman’s beauty bag. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money on it, and you may purchase affordable lip liners from a drugstore. The best drugstore lip liners work well and provide excellent value for money.
A good drugstore lip liner has a variety of uses, including lip definition, correction, shape, and plumping thin lips to give them a larger appearance. We have compiled a wide range of expert-recommended drugstore lip liners worth the money. Keep scrolling and take your pick.
Top Picks
13 Best Drugstore Lip Liners
1. Best Lip Shape Enhancer:Milani Color Statement Lip Liner
Image: Milani This lip liner from Milani not only promises to define and fill your lips but also helps enhance its natural shape. It is available in eight different shades, ranging from nudes to pinks and reds. The colors are strongly pigmented and go well with all skin tones. The liner is an easy glide formula with a matte finish. One of its major attractions is that it has never been tested on animals. Here’s a brief product testing video detailing a reviewer’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Blends well with the lipstick
- Frustration-free application
- Available in different shades
Cons
- May break into chunks
- Color may smudge around the lips
"This lip liner helps me fill my fading lip line, giving me a natural look. It has a matte finish and has earned me compliments even when worn alone. With a bit of chapstick first, it stays on for hours. I hope this color stays available."
Quick tip2. Best Long-Lasting:Haus Laboratories By Lady Gaga: RIP Lip Liner
The RIP versatile lip liners are known for being highly pigmented. They make an ideal addition to makeup bags as they offer liner-like precision, provide full coverage, and can even be used as lipsticks. The beauty product’s formula is weightless and skip-free. These are also waterproof lip liners, which makes them long-lasting. Additionally, these lip pencil shades are demi-matte and buttery in nature. These vegan, cruelty-free liners come in seven hues. Check out this product’s testing video to learn how this lip liner works.
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Blends well with the lipstick shade
- Smudge-proof
- Easy to use
Cons
- May need reapplication
- Shades might differ
"The lip liner offers a natural finish and doesn't dry my lips out. Although it requires frequent sharpening, I'd buy this again for its beautiful color and lip-friendly texture."
3. Best Matte-Like Finish:Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner
Image: Rimmel The Exaggerate Full Color lip liners from Rimmel London have slanted fine tips to offer both precision and full coverage. They are soft in texture and offer full volume color to your lips by doubling up as lipstick. The liners come in eleven different gorgeous shades and give a matte-like appearance without making your lips dry. The liners twist out and are long-lasting. Learn more about the product by exploring a tester’s experience with the product in this review video.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Smooth finish
- No sharpener needed
- Can be worn alone or as an undertone
Cons
- Quantity may not be sufficient
- May be chalky for some
"I love the unique color of this Obsession lip liner, which deviates from my other favorites, 'East End Snob' and 'Addiction.' I find myself using it more often. I suggest pairing it with a clear lip liner for a no-smudge finish."
Quick tipMilani Color Statement Lip Liner | RIP Lip Liner | Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All | All |
| Color | Bordeaux | 05 - Arc | Obsession |
| Dimensions | 0.33 x 0.33 x 5.05 inches | 0.75 x 0.56 x 6.22 inches | 0.35 x 0.35 x 5.08 inches |
| Weight | 0.18 Ounces | 0.05 Ounces | 0.18 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 6,480 | 5,354 | 4,740 |
| Price | $7.45 | $6.88 | $5.48 |
4. Best Smudge-Proof Formula:Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner
Image: Revlon 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 10,349 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
The Colorstay lip liner by the celebrity-endorsed brand Revlon comes in 14 different shades, ranging from neural shades like pinks and browns to deep shades such as reds and plums. This expert-recommended and smudge-proof liner lasts for a minimum of eight hours. The liner does not bleed or feather on your lips and has an even and smooth application. Besides lining the borders of your lips, this liner can also be used to fill in color.
Pros
- Comes with a built-in sharpener
- Transfer-proof
- Can make lips look fuller
- High-impact color
Cons
- May need reapplication
- May get dried up
"I have replaced my pricier liners with this lip liner that offers almost the same results. The swivel-up feature, which eliminates the need for sharpening, has won me over. I'm looking forward to experimenting with more colors."
5. Best Soft Texture:Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner
Image: Rimmel The 1000 Kisses range of lip liner from Rimmel London has been popular as ‘kissable’, as it is transfer-resistant and won’t stain your partner. The liners come in 14 shades and have a cream-like soft texture. One of the perfect lip liners for dry skin, they glide on with precision to provide definition to your lips with a rich and bright color. The liners blend into the lipstick without smudging or bleeding.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Gives a bolder look
- Keeps lips hydrated
- Easy to sharpen
Cons
- Tip may break slightly
- May not last long
"Having tested numerous lip liners, I found this one particularly impressive. It works harmoniously with my Mac Prep and Prime—no bleeding experienced all day. I can't say it's my 'favorite' yet, but it's a standout."
6. Best For All Skin Types:Maybelline New York Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner
Image: Maybelline New York Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 8,867 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
The Color Sensational Shaping lip liner pencil from Maybelline New York makes it easy to get the perfect shade as it comes in a whopping 21 different colors, with everything from nudes, browns, pinks, peaches, and reds to purples. It comes with a built-in sharpener, so you’re never far from a precision point. The professional-grade liner defines, outlines, and fills your lips with its creamy texture and smudge-proof formula. Besides, this lip liner does not bleed or feather.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Soft texture
- Enhances the lip fullness
- Creates bold definition
Cons
- Tip may be fragile
- Shade may be slightly different
"My quest for the perfect liner ended when I found this one. It complements my outfits with its hint of nude gloss and offers a rich pigment and lasting finish. It's worth having in your makeup arsenal."
Quick tip7. Best Budget-Friendly :Wet n’ Wild Color Icon Lip Liner
Image: Wet N Wild Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 637 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
The Color Icon lip liners from Wet n’ Wild have been popular for over 30 years and have acquired a cult following. They are budget-friendly liners that come in shades from the brown and mauve palette. The creamy formula of this lip care enables you to glide it on for easy application. The color of these liners does not bleed, and the precision offers a pout that is well defined.
Pros
- Not tested on animals
- Ideal for highlighting
- Silky smooth
- Long-lasting color
Cons
- Color may look somewhat dark
- May be a bit greasy
"My eyebrows look fresh even after a shower, thanks to this waterproof and long-lasting brow liner. It's easy to remove and accentuates my lips. The liner draws compliments and is a gem worth every cent."
8. Best Pigmented Formula:L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liners
Image: L'oréal Paris The Colour Riche range of lip liners from the celebrity-endorsed brand L’Oreal Paris has twelve different shades. They have a creamy texture and define the lips with precision. The expert-recommended liners are anti-feathering and infused with omega 3 and vitamin E to moisturize and nourish the lips — perfect for natural lip enhancement. They contour the lips and can create the illusion of fuller lips. The shades match the brand’s range of lip colors.
Pros
- Pigmented formula
- Doesn’t need a sharpener
- Glides smooth
- Prevents cracks at the edges
Cons
- Tip may break
- May have a strong smell
"I'm a fan of this lip liner by my favorite brand. I adore its smooth texture. Pairing it with golden or bronze hues provides stunning results. Although it doesn't last all day and is small in size, the shade aligns well with my style."
9. Best Anti-Feathering Base:Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Liner
Image: Flower The Flower Beauty Petal Pout lip liner has a smooth and creamy, pigment-rich formula that facilitates easy and precise application. It can be used as an anti-feathering base for lipstick or gloss application. The packaging features a convenient built-in sharpener and is compact, making it perfect for quick touch-ups.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Does not dry out the lip line
- Lightweight formula
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- Shades may be slightly different
- May not be smear-proof
"Although the lip pencil's color is more peachy than expected, I find it creamy and easy to apply with no drying effect. It works well as a base liner."
10. Best Chemical-Free :Youngblood Lip Liner
The lip liners from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics have been enriched with vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant, as well as castor oil that conditions the lips. This range is known for being one of the best chemical-free and cruelty-free vegan makeup lip liners. Available in eight shades, the lip filler liners are moisturizing without bleeding or transferring. The color lasts long and can be used to outline or fill in lips.
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Hydrating
- Perfume-free
- Smudge-proof
Cons
- May seem chalky to some
- May be slightly firm
"I'm fond of the beige nude shade this lip pencil offers. A friend recommended it, and I instantly liked it when it arrived. My husband approves of it too."
11. Best For Dry Lips:Joah Lip Candy Auto Lip Liner
Image: Joah The Lip Candy lip liner by Joah has a waterproof formula that provides long-lasting color and wear. It features an easy-to-use retractable tip that does not require sharpening. Its colors are easy to pair with lipstick, balms, or gloss for a subtle definition and can also be used as a filler for overall lip color. Moreover, its highly pigmented formula is lightweight and non-drying, making it ideal for all-day use.
Pros
- Blends easily
- Not tested on animals
- Satin finish
- Convenient packaging
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Might be slightly darker than expected
12. Best Creamy Texture:L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner
Image: L'oréal Paris If you’re looking for a plumped up lip look, then L’Oreal Paris’ Colour Riche Matte liners may be the answer. They come in eight different colors and sport an extremely creamy texture for easy application. They are designed not to smudge, bleed, or feather out. The liners can be easily sharpened to create a luxe look on the wearer. The liner glides on easily, and does not dry out your lips.
Pros
- Can be worn alone or combined with lipstick
- Creates a bold look
- Compatible with the L’oreal Paris dual sharpener
- Richly pigmented
- Long-lasting formula
Cons
- May be hard to sharpen
- Tip may break
13. Best Cruelty Free:NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner
This professional-grade range of lip liners from NYX comes in a wide variety of 36 different hues in a professional finish. It is known for its velvety matte texture and appearance, which makes its applications smooth and provides a base for filling in with a lippie. The liners provide full coverage and are heavily pigmented. The celebrity-favorite liner does not pull or tug at your lips while applying.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Blends well
- Long-lasting stay
- PETA-certified
Cons
- Shade may appear a bit light
- Tip may break
"I'm all for the color selection in this lip liner range. While some shades deviate from the hues advertized, they glide on perfectly when teamed with a good primer. The longevity and texture are just impressive."
How To Choose The Correct Lip Liner?
Always consider the following factors when selecting a lip liner:
- Texture: Consider whether you would prefer a creamy lip liner or something firmer for definition. Creamy liners tend to be easier on your lips and avoid pulling, whereas more firm liners will give you a precise shape.
- Shade: Opt for a darker and bold lip liner. Even if your lipstick is light in color, you can go for a darker shade of the same color. This helps in giving a well-defined look.
- Color: Always opt for a liner from the same color family as that of your lipstick, so that it does not look jarring and blends together well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to match my lip liner with my lipstick?
Lip liners do not have to match the exact lipstick shade. Using a matching or non-matching lip liner depends on the look you wish to create. Overall, it’s safe to choose a liner that’s a shade or two darker or lighter than your lipstick. Remember to use lipstick and lip liners of the same texture for a clean look. Mixing matte and metallic isn’t recommended unless a look requires it.
2. Do clear lip liners work?
Unpigmented clear lip liners are often gel-based and long-lasting. The clear liners keep the lipstick from feathering and smudging, and all you need is a thin layer of a clear liner to create the perfect base for your pigmented lipstick.
3. How should I blend lip liners?
To get the perfect lip liner and lipstick blend, line the outer corners of the lips, moving inwards towards the pout. Apply liner to the outer one-third portion of the lips. Use a finger or hard bristled brush to smooth out the color towards the center. Mix the buffed liner with the lipstick, but keep the lined edges untouched.
The Bottom Line
A lip liner is a makeup essential used to define the lips and create a canvas to apply lipstick. To buy the best lip liners, you can consider factors such as long-lasting, safe, and richly pigmented formulation that glides easily. You can also pick a lip liner with a shimmer or a matte finish based on the lipstick you intend to pair with the liner. Moreover, if your lip liner is water-resistant and smudge-proof, like the Haus Laboratories By Lady Gaga: RIP Lip Liner, you’ll have a good experience using it. You may also pick the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner, featuring a slanted fine tip, or the Milani Color Statement Lip Liner, which is suitable for all skin tones.
Infographic: How To Apply A Lip Liner Like A Professional?
A lip liner helps prevent the lipstick from bleeding and enhances the appearance of your lips. However, a lip liner may not give the desired results when misapplied. So, check out the following infographic to learn how to use a lip liner with finesse.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is known for well-researched and content-driven articles. Not only does she have an interest in the clothing, fashion, and footwear industry, but she is also well-versed in the world of beauty and makeup. In this post on the best drugstore lip liners, she has reviewed each in immense detail. They also come with pros and cons, along with a buying guide to help you pick the right one. These lip products have been chosen after considering user reviews posted on various websites for an unbiased opinion.
