Lip Liners & Pencils

Have you ever experienced lipstick bleeding off of your lips and onto your face? Some lipsticks definitely have a tendency to make lip liners and pencils necessary. Lip liners are made to do exactly as they describe, line the lips. Lip pencils are more flexible in use. In addition to lining the lips, pencils can be used to slightly color your entire lips before you apply lipstick. As your lipstick wears off, you still have a tint of color lying underneath. It can also add a tint of color under a colorless lip gloss balm, or even be used on its own for a matte finish.

Lip liners and pencils can also be used to provide a more defined shape to your lips. You don't want to draw all over your face, but if you trace the outside of your lips with the tip of your pencil or liner, just where the skin meets the lips, you can create an illusion that your lips are fuller. If you want to make them a little pouty, only apply this trick to your lower lip.

You want lip liners and pencils that provide a smooth application. It's difficult to create a nice line when you're having issues applying. You also want to select a shade which matches your lipstick color or is just slightly darker. If you can't find a lip liner or pencil to match, try to select a neutral color. Especially if you are attempting visual effects, you don't want people staring at your lip liner instead of your lips.

Some lip liners and pencils have additional features including being waterproof, moisturizing or having Vitamin E built in. Most make-up companies provide their own line of lip pencil and liners including Clinique, L'Oreal and Estee Lauder.