Lip liner's shocking comeback: why everyone's obsessed (and how to nail it)
I used to scoff at lip liner. My friend, bless her perpetually glossy lips, swore by it – nude liner with a generous swipe of Vaseline, a look she’s sported for thirty years. Frankly, I dismissed it as… well, a bit dated. But lately, lip liner’s been everywhere, so, as a journalist, I decided to investigate. The results? Surprisingly impactful.
A subtle shift, a dramatic result
Let’s be clear: I’m not a Beauty devotee. I prefer a simple balm or gloss. But a skilled makeup artist, Sergio Antón De Las Nieves of YSL Beauty, transformed my appearance with a soft pink shade and a surprisingly effective technique. It wasn’t about bold statements; it was about subtly redefining the entire face – a revelation, frankly.
The secret, according to Katie Jane Hughes, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of KJH.Brand, lies in strategic placement. “Shaping lips to appear bigger with lip liner is a trick that works wonders on high-profile clients like Dua Lipa,” she explained. “Using a liner one shade darker than your skin tone, applying small marks outside the lip line at the corners of the mouth, cupid’s bow, and the middle of the bottom of the lip, then blending with a fluffy brush, creates that soft, blurred finish.” Hughes emphasizes that less blending amplifies the definition, while more produces a softer, more diffused effect – a delicate balance.
But it’s not just about the technique. De Las Nieves stresses the importance of shade. “For those like me who’ve avoided lip liner for fear it won’t look natural, the key is to use shades very close to your natural lip color,” he advises. “Don’t draw too rigid a line and blend the edge in a little.” Filling in the lips with the liner itself, he adds, creates a truly integrated, natural appearance and boosts longevity – a clever trick. This approach, surprisingly, felt like a nostalgic update to my friend’s signature look.
Top picks for a modern lip liner
The market is overflowing with options. Vogue’s editors have compiled a list of standout products, including YSL Beauty’s Kiss Shaper Sculpting Lip Liner ($29 at Nordstrom), Wonderskin 360 Contour Lip Liner ($18 at Amazon), Merit Signature Lip Liner ($24 at Sephora), MAC Cosmetics lip liner ($25 at Nordstrom), NYX Lip Lingerie Liner Stain ($12 at Amazon), Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer Waterproof Lip Liner ($32 at Beckham Beauty), and Rhode Peptide Lip Shape ($24 at Rhode).
The investment, ranging from $12 to $32, underscores the growing interest in this understated technique. It’s a surprisingly accessible upgrade to any makeup routine. Frankly, the ability to subtly sculpt and hold lipstick in place is a game changer.
Ultimately, the resurgence of lip liner isn't about chasing trends; it’s about mastering a foundational technique that elevates your entire look. And it seems, after thirty years of dedication, my friend was absolutely right all along.