Lip Liner vs Lipstick: Which One Should You Reach For First?

Table of Contents

• What is Lipstick?
• What is a Lip Liner?
• Lip Liner vs. Lipstick: Understand Key Differences
• Which One Should You Apply First and Why?
• Lip Looks You Can Create Using Both
• When to Skip One or the Other
• Conclusion
• FAQs

You might also have an “impulsive purchase” lip liner in your makeup bag that you don't know what to do with. Then we'll give you the tea! While you know that lipstick is the star of the show shining its bold shades and finishes, lip liner is the quiet expert working behind the curtains to keep everything clean and perfect. Together, they're a Main+Main! Your lip game can go from meh to slay real quick.

In this blog we’ll see how to use lip liner and lipstick and when to use each for a flawless makeup flex.

What is Lipstick?

Lipstick is your social butterfly (you'll find her in every makeup party). It is that one product that stays constant even when other things come and go. It is just swiped on your lips and your lips are colourful. Lipstick comes in matte, glossy, creamy and more formulations.

What is a Lip Liner?

A lip liner is the underrated genius that gives precise shape to your lips. It is used to outline your lips so that your lip makeup has clean edges and zero smudge. You can even use lip liner to fill in your lips and create a smooth base for lipstick. Lip liner makes the dream of long-lasting lipstick a reality!

Lip Liner vs. Lipstick: Understand Key Differences

Which One Should You Apply First and Why?

You should apply lip liner before lipstick. This is because lip liner will help line your lips and give it structure. Lip liner will create a border through which lipstick will not be able to bleed. Applying it first will also help your lipstick cling to your lips and give a tough fight against coffee cup transfer.

Lip Looks You Can Create Using Both 

Cherry Cola Lips

This lip makeup look is so in rn! It's every woman's personal favourite lip combo no lie. To recreate this sultry and rich lip look start by lining your lips with a deep brown or burgundy shade of lip liner. Use the same shade to fill in your outer corners for a smooth gradient. Next use a deep red or cherry red shade of matte lipstick in the centre of your lips and blend it out with the liner. Now for the juicy effect, apply lip gloss for the shine.

Latina Lip Combo

The iconic latina lip look has set the standard for decades to come! To get the same iconic lip makeup use a lip liner in a rich chocolate shade. Use the same shade to fill in your outer corners and top lip halfway. Then go in with a nude, peach or soft pink shade of matte lipstick and apply it to the centre of your bottom lips and the area where you didn't apply lip liner. Blend the edges where lip liner meets lipstick softly.

Blurred Korean Lips

Also popular as the “just bitten lips”, it makes your lips look irresistible! Grab a soft pink or rosy shade of lip liner and lightly trace your natural lip line. Now take a pinkish red shade of lipstick and apply it to the centre of your top lip in a “V” shape and to the inner part of your bottom lip. Take a Q-tip or using your fingers gently blur the product outwards. For the dewy finish, apply lip gloss to the centre of your lips.

When to Skip One or the Other

Skipping Lipstick

You can definitely just use a lip liner to color your entire lip and there are many situations where this is an ideal choice. Lip liner will provide a shape,color and a more natural long-lasting finish. Lip liners are small and cute and also portable so you can just carry it around and touch up your lips whenever.

Skipping Lip liner

Lipstick alone works just as fine when you're using a neutral or nude lipstick shade that won't require much precision. Also if you're using a creamy formulation, it wont feather easily so you can just apply it on your lips. Going without a lip liner is for quick glams and no makeup-makeup looks.

Conclusion,

Lip liner brings structure, control and seriousness while Lipstick brings color and drama to the table. You don't have to always use both but when paired together you can create a lip combo that lasts and serves all day long.

FAQs 

Can lip liner be used alone?

Yes, a lip liner can be used as a stand alone lip makeup to define your lips and create a soft minimal appearance. Lip liner will also last longer than a lipstick due to its creamy matte formula.

Can lip liner be used as lipstick?

Definitely! Lip liner can be used as lipstick to fill in shade all over your lips. Lip liner will provide a precise and sculpted look that’ll last longer.

Are lip liners better than lipstick?

Lip liner and lipstick are different types of lip makeup products and which one is better depends on your preference. Lip liner provides precision and lipstick provides hydration.

Do lip liner and lipstick need to match exactly?

Not necessarily! While a matching lip liner and lipstick create a seamless appearance, using a darker shade of lip liner will make your lips look fuller.

Is lip liner necessary for every lipstick look?

Using a lip liner everytime you apply lipstick is not necessary because it helps with defining your lips and make your lipstick longer which may not be necessary for soft everyday looks.

Will overlining with lip liner make my lips look bigger?

Yes, overlining your lips with a lip liner will enhance their shape and make them appear fuller. Avoid going too far out of your natural lip line or it'll end up looking fake.

Written by Madiha Patel