I’ll never forget the first time I discovered the magic of lip liner. It was during a girls’ night before Pride—I was trying to get that perfect red lip, but no matter what I did, my lipstick kept feathering. Then my friend handed me a liner and said, “Trust me, this will change everything.” She was so right. From that night on, lip liner has been one of my go-to tools, whether I’m going full glam, doing a soft everyday look, or just boosting my confidence with a little overlining. Whether you’re a makeup beginner, seasoned beauty lover, or finding ways to affirm your beauty as part of your gender journey, these lip liner hacks are made for you.
Lip liner enhances lip shape, boosts longevity, prevents feathering, and can even create the illusion of fuller or more defined lips—all while helping your lipstick stay put and slay all day.
If you’ve ever felt confused about how or why to use lip liner, I promise these 14 easy hacks will make you feel like a total pro. I’m breaking it down step-by-step, including the exact products I use, so you can shop your perfect match and elevate your lip game.
LIP LINER HACK #1: PREP WITH LIP BALM
Hydration is your best friend—especially when it comes to your lips. I never skip this step. Before I do anything with liner, I swipe on a nourishing balm to soften and smooth things out. My go-to is L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss (available on Amazon), but any hydrating balm works. Trust me, your liner will glide on like butter, and your lips will thank you.
LIP LINER HACK #2: SKIP SUPER-SHARP PENCILS
Okay, I used to think sharpening my liner to a tiny, precise point made me a pro… nope! A slightly rounded tip blends way better. Super-sharp liners can make lines look harsh and fake. Just let your liner dull naturally through use—it’ll hug your lips more softly and look way more natural.
LIP LINER HACK #3: KNOW YOUR ANGLE
Here’s a trick that changed my life: hold your pencil at about a 45-degree angle. It gives you more control and helps avoid harsh edges. And no need to press hard—a light hand goes a long way.
LIP LINER HACK #4: KEEP IT MOVING
Don’t just stare straight into the mirror! Tilt your chin up, down, and side to side while you apply. Sometimes what looks great from one angle can look totally uneven from another. Think of this as your “quality check” moment.
LIP LINER HACK #5: CREATE A BASE
Want to make your lipstick last all day (or all night at the club)? Use your liner to fill in your entire lip. This trick makes your lipstick stick better and helps avoid awkward fading. I love using L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner (available on Amazon) in a matching shade for this—it’s creamy, comfy, and makes my lipstick pop.
LIP LINER HACK #6: DRAW AN X
Want that perfect cupid’s bow? Try this! Using your L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner (available on Amazon), draw a tiny “X” where your upper lip dips in. Then line the rest as usual. It adds definition and really plays up your natural lip shape.
LIP LINER HACK #7: GO INVISIBLE
On minimal makeup days or when I’m using bold lipstick shades, I reach for a clear liner. Yup—clear! L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Clear (available on Amazon) is perfect for preventing feathering without visible edges. Plus, when your lipstick fades, you won’t get that awkward liner ring. Bonus points for it working with literally any color.
LIP LINER HACK #8: COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES
Let’s be real—we all want that pillowy, plumped-up lip look sometimes. To create it without filler, just slightly overline your lips with a liner that’s close to your natural lip color. It’s subtle but so effective. No clown lips here, just soft enhancement.
LIP LINER HACK #9: SOFTEN YOUR LINER
If your pencil feels a little stiff or draggy, warm it up! Roll it between your fingers for a few seconds to soften the tip. It’ll glide on like a dream. Especially helpful if you’re using a matte formula like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner (available on Amazon).
LIP LINER HACK #10: MIX MULTIPLE SHADES
Feeling creative? Try using two shades of liner to contour your lips. A lighter liner in the center + a deeper tone on the outer edges = next-level pout. Blend the lines and finish with a gloss like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump (available on Amazon) for serious dimension.
LIP LINER HACK #11: SWITCH UP APPLICATION ORDER
Liner before lipstick? Sure. But sometimes I apply lipstick first (especially when I’m in a rush), then follow with liner to clean up and define the edges. I especially love this with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick (available on Amazon) + matching Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner duo (available on Amazon).
LIP LINER HACK #12: START SMALL
Instead of one long line (which can be a mess if your hand slips), I use short, feathered strokes to trace the shape of my lips. It looks way more natural and gives me way more control.
LIP LINER HACK #13: GO NUDE
On days when I’m not going full glam but still want to look polished, a nude liner is my holy grail. I use a shade close to my lip color—like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Au Naturale (available on Amazon) —and slightly overline for a naturally full-looking pout.
LIP LINER HACK #14: RELAX YOUR POUT
Seriously, just chill your lips. When I first started using liner, I’d purse my lips tight, thinking it helped… but it actually distorts your shape! Instead, keep your mouth slightly open and relaxed—it makes all the difference in getting a smooth, true-to-you line.
Final Thoughts
Lip liner isn’t just an extra step—it’s a total game-changer. From prepping your lips with balm to softening harsh lines, from creating a fuller pout to using invisible liner for no-fuss days, these 14 hacks are all about making your lip routine smoother, longer-lasting, and so much more fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment—whether you’re new to makeup, finding what makes you feel beautiful, or just want to try something bold and playful.
So grab your favorite lip liner (or three—I won’t judge), put on some music, and start playing. Makeup is meant to be joyful, expressive, and uniquely yours. You’ve got this—and your perfect pout is just a few strokes away.
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When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.