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The pros know!
Britt Fallon
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Lip liner is essential to my everyday makeup routine. With naturally small lips, I rely on a good liner to fake a little bit extra in the pout department. But, lip pencils are reserved for us small-lip girlies; they add definition and color impact to all lip shapes. And, if you use them to color in your entire lip before applying lipstick or gloss, it can make your look last longer, too. I’ve never been one to discriminate against drugstore products, and most professional makeup artists don’t either. For less than $10, you can find an impressive variety of lip liners that look and feel great.
“So many drugstore brands have earned their place in my kit at one time or another for their quality, affordability and accessibility,” says makeup artist Tayelor Kennedy. “They are the go-to choices for beauty lovers everywhere. Whether you’re perfecting a bold lip or a natural look, budget-friendly options have you covered.” Here, the best lip liners under $10 according to the pros.
Featured Experts
- Ivelina Stefanova, a makeup artist and founder of Makeup by Ivelina
- Jenny Patinkin, a celebrity makeup artist and founder ofJenny Patinkin
- Kelli Anne Sewell, a celebrity makeup artist and founder ofMakeup by Kelli Anne
- Tayelor Kennedy, a makeup artist and wellness expert
1 / 8
ColourPop Lippie Pencil ($7)
“I love these lip pencils. They are my preferred choice any day of the week, even more than some of the luxury brand ones. The color range is very extensive, the texture is super smooth and creamy, and you just cannot beat the quality for $7.” —Jenny Patinkin
2 / 8
NYX Professional Makeup Line Loud Vegan Longwear Lip Liner ($8)
“It glides on smoothly, it’s long-lasting and it offers an impressive array of shades to suit any occasion, from bold hues to subtle neutrals. This affordable option doesn’t skimp on quality.” —Tayelor Kennedy
3 / 8
Revlon ColorStay Longwear Lip Liner ($8)
“Known for its longevity, this lip liner stays in place throughout the day without smudging. The shade Nude is the perfect nude-brown that pairs beautifully with a variety of lip colors. Plus, the liner’s retractable design eliminates the need for sharpening, making it a great on-the-go option.” —Ivelina Stefanova
4 / 8
Maybelline New York Lifter Liner ($8)
“This long-wear, transfer-proof formula is so beyond luxe. The shades are amazing—my fave is On It. It glides on your lips without any tugging, and when it dries down, it’s not drying. I recommend topping it with your fave lip oil for juicy lips that last all day and night.” —Kelli Anne Sewell
“This automatic lipliner offers creamy, smooth application and bold color payoff. The shade On It is a natural pinkish-nude that enhances and defines lips while preventing feathering.” —Ivelina Stefanova
5 / 8
e.l.f. Cream Glide Lip Liner ($2)
“These are very pigmented and pack a punch. The packaging is definitely not luxury level, but for $2 you can stock up on a bunch of new colors and experiment to your heart’s content.” —Jenny Patinkin
“At just $2, this is a beauty bargain you can’t ignore. The creamy texture glides effortlessly onto the lips, allowing for precise application. The shade Pinky Swear is a soft beige-pink that’s perfect for natural or glam looks.” —Ivelina Stefanova
6 / 8
Rimmel London Lasting Finish LipLiner ($6)
“This lip liner provides rich color and prevents feathering, helping you achieve a polished look that stays put. The creamy, lightweight texture glides on well for a precise application every time.” —Tayelor Kennedy
“This classic liner is beloved for its rich pigment and ultra-smooth glide. The shade Cappuccino is a versatile, neutral brown that works beautifully for natural looks or to create depth for nude lip combos. Its impressive longevity and creamy texture make it a go-to for all-day wear.” —Ivelina Stefanova
7 / 8
Milani Understatement LipLiner ($8)
“These pencils have a good range of brown-based nude colors that always look very natural, but what I really appreciate is that they come in twist-up form, so they always stay sharp. This is a nice bonus because lip pencils can get a little messy to sharpen.” —Jenny Patinkin
8 / 8
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner Pencil ($9.50)
“This lip pencil is creamy and offers durability, making it a trusted choice for all-day wear. The wide shade range ensures you’ll find a match for every lipstick or gloss in your collection.” —Tayelor Kennedy
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