If you’re looking for a perfect pout, your lip prep is a step you don’t want to skip! Before applying any products, we must prep the lips to achieve a softer, smoother pout. We love reaching for our sugar Lip Exfoliator that gently removes dry, dead skin. With seven yummy scents to choose from, this moisturizing lip scrub will leave your lips smooth, nourished, and prepped for any lip product. First, apply and rub the lip exfoliator over the lips in small, circular motions to buff and smooth the skin. Simply wipe off any residue from the scrub with a makeup remover and follow with a hydrating balm like our Squeeze Me Lip Balm to lock in moisture.
e.l.f. Discovery
The Best Way to Apply Lip Liner for Fuller-Looking Lips
Ready to turn up the volume on your lip game? Kiss dry, chapped lips goodbye and unlock the secret to fuller, hydrated, and defined lips with our step-by-step guide on the best way to apply lip liner. You don’t need to be a seasoned pro to master this technique! We’ll walk you through all the steps, from selecting the correct complementary shade to precisely defining and blending any lip liner for a natural, fuller appearance.
Ready, set, swipe, and let your lips do the talking!
Prep Your Lips
Assess Your Lip Shape
A little bit of love for our lips begins here! When exploring lip liners, first it’s essential to understand the shape of our lips to learn how to enhance or accentuate our natural features properly. Lip liners are a great way to enhance the shape of your lips, whether you have fuller or thinner lips. Everyone has a unique shape to their lips, whether full, thin, asymmetrical, or somewhere in between. Once you’ve determined your shape, you can now further access how you can apply your lip liner to best enhance your natural features. If you have fuller lips, look to define the natural edges to accentuate your shape. In comparison, consider overlining just outside the natural lip slightly for a fuller appearance for thinner lips. By using a lip liner, you can tailor and customize your lip shape to enhance your features with a few quick swipes.
How to Choose a Lip Liner Shade
Pucker up! Let’s find your right lip liner shade. Having a correct lip liner shade is an essential foundational step for any makeup look. For our more natural beauty lovers, opt for a shade that is slightly darker than your natural lip color – with this technique, you can wear it for an everyday look as it will subtly contrast the lips for a polished and put-together look.
If you’re looking for a little added dimension, match your lip liner with your lipstick or also opt for a darker shade to create some depth. We encourage you to experiment and have fun with liners to find personal shade. From light brown lip liner, nude lip liner, or peachy nude, you're sure to find your perfect match. Get your hands on one of our Cream Glide Lip Liners that come in eight easy-to-wear and blendable shades that will instantly define and sculpt your lips (with no tugging!)
Start to Line Your Lips
Your lip base routine is truly as easy as three simple steps. First, cleanse and buff away any dead skin with our Lip Exfoliator for a clean base. Next, grab your preferred neutral or defining lip liner and start on your top lip and apply the liner from the center of your lips, moving towards the outer corners. Pro-tip: draw an “X” shape at the Cupid’s bow to help guide, shape, and define the peak of your upper lip. Use short, light strokes for a smooth and even application when outlining your natural lip line. Trust us; this lip liner doesn’t fall short, and it checks all the right boxes!
Add Lipstick and Lip Gloss
Now that we’ve learned how to line your lips and your lip liner is applied, it’s time for the finishing touches! Start by applying your lipstick of choice, two e.l.f. community favorites include the O FACE Satin Lipstick and Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen. With your preferred lipstick shade, select a matching or complementing liner shade to pair it with.
The most important step to this is blending the lipstick into the lip liner to ensure a seamless transition and to avoid a harsh visible line. If you’re looking to enhance the lip look, you can apply a plumping gloss like our 3-in-1 lip plumping pen for a boost of shine and a fuller look. If you're looking for a more natural lip, you can always just stick to lip liner and lip gloss! Choose from a variety of options from tinted gloss or keep it simple and just add lip liner with clear lip gloss.
Lip Liner and Lipstick FAQs
Q: Should Your Lip Liner be Lighter or Darker than Your Lipstick?
A: When first selecting a lip liner, it’s typically best to opt for a shade that is either the same color or slightly darker than your lipstick. This technique helps define and create a polished look to your lips and will prevent your lipstick from bleeding.
Q: What is a Double Lip Line?
A: A double lip line is a prominent line just above the flushed portion of your lips. For some, it’s a clear, visible, and distinct line between your lips and skin that may be more noticeable and defined.
Q: Should You Start with Lip Liner or Lipstick?
A: It’s recommended to start with lip liner before applying lipstick. The lip liner helps define the shape of your natural lips, prevent lipstick from bleeding, and create a base that will make your lips look longer.
Q: Can You Use Lip Liner Alone?
A: Yes! If you’re looking for a more everyday lip look,, you can wear a liner alone. Easily create a more defined shape for your lips with a more neutral color to create a natural and matte look. Simply add a clear balm over the lips for a polished finish.
Q: How Do I Overline My Lips for Fuller Looking Lips?
A: Begin by tracing the outline of your natural lip line with a lip liner. If you need guidance, create an “X” on Cupid’s bow and follow the outline connecting the lines in soft, gentle strokes. Focus on adding volume to the center of your lips, and blend the liner and lipstick to avoid harsh lines. For extra dimension, don’t forget a touch of gloss!
Q: Should Your Lip Liner and Lipstick Shades Match?
A: Typically, finding a matching or similar lip liner and lipstick shades helps to create a polished look. Its purpose is to prevent the lipstick from feathering and adding dimension to define your lips. Alternatively, you can use a slightly darker lip liner shape to contour the lips for a more defined and volumized appearance.
Q: Are You Supposed to Blend Lip Liner?
A: For a seamless look, blending your liner into your lipstick will help soften the edges and avoid harsh, distinct lines. The purpose of the liner is to subtly create a fuller natural lip through a smooth transitioning technique between the liner and lipstick.
Q: What Lip Liner Shade Makes Lips Look Bigger?
A: A lip liner that is slightly darker than your natural lip color will help you achieve a fuller appearance. Using a darker shade will help create the illusion of volume through added depth and dimension. If you want an even more enhanced lip, add a lighter lipstick or gloss to the center of your lips after blending the liner inward.