1.13.2015

Lip Liner 101

So this is the year you finally will learn about makeup, or maybe get those questions answered about the basics of it? Well, you've come to the right place. Every week I'm going back to the basics to give you makeup info. Today, I'm starting with something easy: lip liner.

Every time I feature lip liner in a tutorial, I get asked so many questions about it. It seems intimidating, but it's not. Listen up: it's time for lip liner 101:




Why Do I Need Lip Liner?

  • it defines lips
  • it changes/corrects the appearance of lip shapes, such as:
    • bigger
    • smaller
  • it provides an outline for lipstick application, like with red lipstick
    • prevents color from "bleeding" or "feathering" into fine line
  • it allows lipstick to stay on longer

Types: Lip liner generally comes in two forms:

  • pencil needs to be sharpened (some come with a sharpener in the cap or you can purchase a sharpener separately)
  • twist up (retractable)
  • It comes in a variety of shades, from clear (I suggest this for everyone) to various colors.
  • Lip liners can be found at the drugstore as well as high end.
4 Easy Ways to Wear Lip Liner:

Option 1: Take clear (also called invisible) liner and outline lips--if I am doing someone's lipstick who has fine wrinkles around the mouth, I'll outline slightly outside of the lip line too. Apply lipstick.


Option 2: Pick a shade of liner you'd like to wear. Outline and fill in lips. Leave as is for a very matte lip (most liners will be matte) or add a lip balm or clear gloss for a natural, stained lip look.



Option 3: Pick a shade that matches your lipstick. I suggest outlining your lips and filling them in. Sometimes beginners feel they look silly with outlined lips, so I suggest filling them in. It will make your lipstick last longer! Add lipstick or lip gloss that matches the liner.


Option 4: (bigger lips). Use a lip liner close to your lip color (a nude shade). Outline slightly above your natural lip line. Fill in and add a matching lip liner. I did my upper lip in this example. 

These are just a few of the ways to use lip liner. I hope you try them out!

Extra Elle:

47 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 1:56 AM

    I I don't know how I never used to wear lip liner! It makes a world of a difference!

    xx angela | the sunday chapter

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  2. FelyMJanuary 13, 2015 at 4:10 AM

    i never tried these products..
    kisses

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  3. Rachelle PinksoleJanuary 13, 2015 at 5:15 AM

    it makes such a difference when you use a liner.

    xo
    PinkSole

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  4. Inge JaneJanuary 13, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    Yes, lipliner is intimidating, and it's very obvious when people wear it the wrong way, which is why I think so many people stay away from it. But I had no idea they made clear lip liner! I also just learned from my makeup artist for my wedding about lining and filling in before applying your lipstick so your lips still have some color when your lipstick starts to fade.

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  5. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    I love lip liner, it's a staple in my routine! Great post!!
    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

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  6. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:27 AM

    great tips! im clueless when it comes to lip liners!! off to check out your giveaways :) xo jillian - stop by! I'm hosting a giveaway on cornflake dreams

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  7. Laura BJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:35 AM

    Thank you so much for all these ideas! I never wear lip liner because I had no clue where to start. I didn't even know there was a clear shade! Cool!

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  8. NadineJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:36 AM

    Oh I love this idea for a series! I am ok with certain make up things, but lip liner is something that I have always shy away from. I actually wont a lip liner in a giveaway recently, so this will give me some great ideas on what to do with it when it comes!

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  9. Amy's Fashion BlogJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    Thanks for the tips. I barely line my lip with lip liner. I only own one red lip liners. Which I will have to start using more.

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  10. Courtney ErinJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:50 AM

    I don't really ever use lip liner and I honestly have no idea why other than laziness on my part. I definitely need to start!

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  11. Shannon JenkinsJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    I've been trying to wear liner more! It makes such a big difference! I just need more colors!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  12. Joey Hodges January 13, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    It's been gross and rainy here lately too and it's been making me feel all the funks! I just recently got back in to lip liners!

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  13. Kay R.January 13, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    I literally always wear lipliner even if Im just using a gloss. Lipliner is a must for me :)

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  14. Laura.January 13, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    Sooo helpful, I love it! Great post.

    Anything & Everything

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  15. KristenJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    ok so if i am trying to wear it just normal, do i 'outline' on my lips, or just above? seriously it is far too confusing to me. i feel like an idiot if i draw above my lips like you said for the bigger lips - do you not do it all the way round? it looks like you didnt but i can't tell. i need like a lip liner 100 like what comes before 101 lol.

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  16. CarlyJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    So many good tips! I rarely take the time I should when using lip liner, and it can make such a big difference!

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  17. two birdsJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    Clear lip liner??? I will be running out to get some today. Lip liner always makes me think of the 90s and the bad makeup trends of that time. I think that's why it scares me away. But I see how well it works when it's used correctly!

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  18. BLovedBostonJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    Love using liner with my red lipsticks...that's pretty much the only time I ever wear it! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  19. JessicaJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    These tips are amazing! Very useful post! =)

    NEW POST on http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/

    Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin

    xoxo,
    Jessica

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  20. awhiteJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    I'm a total liner addict now that I've learned how to use it- and it definitely helps your lipstick last!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  21. Shireen L. PlattJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:28 AM

    Lip liner is definitely scary for some, even for me because I am just terrible at drawing my lips..well that and I'm also super lazy. LOL! Great tips here, Elle!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  22. Sissi NuthmanJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:52 AM

    Very true. I love lip liners- lipstick does not bleed so much and holds much longer. Helpful post Elle! xoxo, Sissi www.beauty4free2u.com

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  23. Rebecca JoJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    I remember the lip liner of the 80s... the BOLD lines of it... look up some pictures... funny stuff

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  24. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    Great post! I was just saying in my last one that I suck at putting lip liner on. I can never get it straight or even. But I guess that comes with practice, just like eyeliner!

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  25. DarcyJanuary 13, 2015 at 11:13 AM

    Great tips! I have not used lip liner before, but am starting to be curious about the difference it can make. Thanks for sharing!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  26. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2015 at 11:14 AM

    Loved all of these tips!! Lip lines are so helpful for adding a little extra!

    xx 365Hangers

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  27. Rowena @ rolala lovesJanuary 13, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    I find that my lip color definitely lasts much longer when I remember to use lip liner first.

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  28. Tanya DufourJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    Great tips! I rarley fill them in completely with lip liner because I don't want to waste the liners or I am applying matte lipstick anyways lol But lip liner is def a must for most lipstick looks!

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  29. SMD @ lifeaccordingtostephJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    I usually wear it. I think it makes a great base and lipcolor lasts much longer.

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  30. Midnight CowgirlJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:17 PM

    I like to use lip liner to make my lips look a little bigger :)

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  31. Kerry @ Till Then Smile OftenJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    I never wear lip liner. I feel like it makes my lip look weird. :(

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  32. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:43 PM

    I've never been a huge lip liner person. But I am loving your tips.

    Kay of Pure & Complex
    www.purecomplex.com

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  33. According to KikiJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:52 PM

    I only have a handful of liners in my stash, mainly because I think my lips are a decent size, and I'm always on the go throw on a color you have in the car. These are great tips! You look great with all these colors. (:

    www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com

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  34. Shea LennonJanuary 13, 2015 at 1:11 PM

    This is a step I admit I always skip. In fact, I don't know if I even OWN lipliner. But, I'll keep your tips in mind if I get some!

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  35. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2015 at 1:17 PM

    This is definitely the year I need to try - and find - a nice neutral lip liner. Sold ;)

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  36. Cupcakes and CrossbonesJanuary 13, 2015 at 1:27 PM

    I needed this. Thanks, I rarely ever use lip liner but now with this tutorial, I'll have to try!

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  37. willsingformakeupJanuary 13, 2015 at 2:49 PM

    I have small lips, so I've really been into lip liner lately. I love how you can change the shape of your lips with it!

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  38. HeatherJanuary 13, 2015 at 3:48 PM

    The only time I ever wore lip liner was at my wedding. Maybe I'll give it another try!

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  39. oomph.January 13, 2015 at 6:27 PM

    my lips are too dry to fill with liner, but i love using it to reshape my lips and make them fuller from time to time.

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  40. kristenJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:08 PM

    I became a big fan of lip liner this year after testing the wear of my lipstick over it versus without it. It lasted EONS longer with a liner! It made my dream of wearing a non-long wearing lip product (like a liquid lipstick that I find very drying even with tons of balm on top) for my wedding day. Comfortable lips in my favorite shade - YAS! Happy times. Lately I've been loving UD's Turn On liner with balm over it. Turn On would look amazing on you!

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  41. ShybikerJanuary 14, 2015 at 12:06 AM

    Very useful. I needed to hear this and learn more. BTW, I enjoy the Extra Elle section a lot.

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  42. LiaJanuary 14, 2015 at 2:54 AM

    I pick lip liners only if i like the shade of it.

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  43. UnknownJanuary 14, 2015 at 6:11 AM

    I like the retractable ones, so that we don't need to sharpen it!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  44. Charming LucyJanuary 14, 2015 at 6:14 PM

    Thank you so much for this tutorial!! I have never used lip liner and I am so excited to try now. I am going to start with a nude shade first. Thanks friend!! Susan

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  45. NinaJanuary 15, 2015 at 11:14 PM

    Oh I think I'm going to like this new back to basics blog posts since I'm not very good with makeup and pretty much do the same thing when I wear makeup, so I'm excited it. But yeah I've never used lip liner before I'm going to have to look into the invisible one to try out first. Thanks for this, something new for me to try! :)

    Nina
    http://curvymod.blogspot.com/

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  46. Katie MarieJanuary 18, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    I've honestly never been that into lip liners, but I have started playing around with them recently. Thank you for going back to the basics -- you always need to know this stuff and often we forget and just want to jump right into the more complex stuff. :-)

    Katie // From My Vanity

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  47. GingiJanuary 20, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    You know, this is the ONE piece of make-up that scares the dickens out of me.. I always manage to mess it up and make it look tacky! I may need to give it another try! - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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