This Is Lip Liner’s Most Exciting Era Yet

Of all the looks that be created with makeup, a perfectly sketched pout is one that even the most skilled makeup artists are endlessly pursuing.

From the flapper girls of the 1920s with their exaggerated lip line and the women of colour during the ‘80s and ‘90s sporting dark-rimmed lips to the severely overdrawn look of the mid-2010s courtesy of Kylie Jenner, we all just want a pretty pout. But what does that mean for beauty enthusiasts today?

Much like we’re seeking out makeup that doubles as skincare, the demand for next-gen lip liners that do more than draw a clean line has increased — and brands like Fenty Beauty and Glossier are rising to the challenge. The most innovative lip liner launches in recent years have carefully considered shade range, shape, texture and durability in addition to crafting sophisticated formulas that plump, hydrate and enhance for that extra lip love.

This new age of lip liners continues with a slew of new releases that anyone can wear. Scroll on for our favourite new lips liners and where to shop them.

Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner

If there’s one thing Rihanna knows how to do, it’s how to keep her adoring Navy wanting more — and everything she drops, from music to makeup, is always well worth the wait. Since Fenty Beauty’s inception, we’ve been holding out for lip liners. And after years of being patient, they’re finally here! Introducing the Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner.

These long-wearing pencils have been formulated with pure pigments that glide smoothly onto the lips for a water- and transfer-proof wear that sets like a liquid and won’t slip for up to eight hours. Designed to compliment all complexions from the fairest to the deepest, the Trace’d Out range is launching with 10 universal shades including fan favourites like “Riri” and “The MVP.” Plus, the packaging is conveniently shade-matched so there’s no confusion, just pure Fenty realness.

Told you it was worth the wait!

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

Up next is another way to wear our beloved neutral shades from the minimalistic brand Rhode. Creamier and more seamless than a lip liner, the new Peptide Lip Shape has a contour-like shape and applicator. It combines the soft shades of natural skin tones with an emphasis on skincare to protect lips. Formulated with peptides and fenugreek extract, the Peptide Lip Shapes deliver moisture and enhance lip volume. Sold!

Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Lip Liner

Living up to its name, Kylie Cosmetics’ Plumping Lip Liner is an evolution of the ultra creamy lip liner pencil. The difference? It plumps and defines the lips as it glides on. The lip liner shades have a long-lasting finish that doesn’t smudge or fade, making your day-to-night makeup look more low-maintenance than ever.

Hermès Trait d’Hermès Colour Lip Pencil

Available in 16 classic colours (ranging from neutrals to bold) hues this collection of liners is formulated in a creamy matte-finish that glides on with a single stroke. These iconic lip pencils are made for long-lasting wear so you can forget about touchups.

NYX Cosmetics Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner

Are you after fuller, more plump lips? NYX Cosmetics adds 8 spicy liners to their Duck Plump collection, including shades of everyday nudes, pinks, reds and browns. The dual-edged applicator features a precision tip for lining the lips and a flat end for shaping, making this a no-brainer addition to your makeup bag.

Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Hydrating Longwear Lip Liner Pencil

If you abide by the “match your lip to your nip” beauty rule, you’ll adore Glossier’s new Lip Line. Drawing inspiration from real lip and nipple tones, ranging everywhere from baby pink and tawny peach to walnut brown and dark chocolate, this creamy collection of lip liners has been made to help you create your dream nude lip combo.

By taking a more natural approach to developing nude shades, these liners compliment your true lip tone, proving that there is no such thing as one singular shade of nude. With eight skin-inspired shades to shop, there’s a liner to match every skin tone.

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Extreme Lipliner

Beloved by A-listers from Hailey Bieber to J.Lo, there is no talk of iconic lip liners without mention of Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liners. To fellow fans of the classic liner in search of something even more long-lasting (for surviving the summer heat or an upcoming vacation, perhaps), it’s time to upgrade your OG Make Up For Ever liners to the all-new Artist Color Pencil Extreme Lip Liners.

These ultra-pigmented, waterproof pencils promise not to budge, transfer or smudge all day long. Best of all, signature shades like “Wherever Walnut” and “Anywhere Caffeine” are ready to shop in this extreme formula with a new velvet matte finish that feels soft and creamy on the lips.

Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil

The legendary Pat McGrath strikes again with the release of the Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil. Unlike traditional lip liners, this luxurious lip colour combines the performance of a lipstick with the precision of a slim liner. Its uniquely developed formula paints lips with intense pigments that transform immediately upon contact into the perfect, runway-ready pout with a lush matte finish that won’t dry you out.

Available in 12 bold shades from vibrant “Flashbulb Fuschia” to cool red “Elson,” these liners are the secret to sculpting a serious statement lip.

Ortega Beauty Soft Contour Lip Liner

Etienne Ortega, the makeup artist behind Lana Del Rey’s gorgeous glam, launched his namesake beauty line earlier this year, and along with it came a collection of velvety lip liners we’ve been eyeing ever since. Infused with blue agave and vitamin E, these Soft Contour Lip Liners simultaneously plump up your pout and diffuse fine lines as you apply for a juicy, hydrated final look that lasts.

Approved by Del Rey (she wears the brown “Xola” shade), these pencils also feature a fine tip for the most precise strokes and lip definition. Stocked in 10 all-around shades from soft pink “Nubes” to mauve “Musa,” they’re among the coolest celebrity MUA beauty drops of the year.

Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Contouring Lip Liner

You may remember the Kosas Hotliner Acid Contouring lipliners that launched in the summer of 2022, and we’re delighted to share that in 2024, they’re back and better than ever. Revamped with an all-new formula, these retractable liners (still packed with hyaluronic acid!) glide on easily for comfortable, more plumped-up lips over time. In addition, the konjac root ingredient protects your pout from visible signs of aging and environmental damage.

To top it all off, each of the eight wearable shades comes with a conveniently built-in brush and sharpener.