In the ebullient, vibrant world that is the beauty scape—certain make-up products are inevitably called upon more often than others. Some require the daily dab of concealer to mask darkening under eyes, others look to a simple flick of eyeliner, and many rely on a swipe of lip gloss for that spot of shine on an otherwise pared-back mien. For those who have discovered their spirit animal in the latter, perhaps our sole job today would be to lend some additional words of wisdom: don’t leave out the lip liner.
It’s an unsung hero, and an unlikely one at that. Whilst the overlined pout actually ruled the zeitgeist in the ‘90s, there were years at a go in the last decade when the lip liner was deemed as hardly crucial in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, by way of harking back to the beauty trend that took the beauty world by storm at the turn of the century, it’s important to also remember that the darker lip liner look had its roots in ‘Chola’ communities, or first and second generation Mexican minority groups. No stone should be left unturned when building up your Pinterest board for future experimentation.
In line with all the nostalgia we’ve been feeling for the aughts, that same distinctive contrast—involving a darker outline juxtaposed against a lighter lip hue or gloss—has made its way back into our current consciousness. Spotted on celebrities and models at fashion shows once again, it’s a surefire way to achieve the currently-reigning soft goth aesthetic or even attempt to go bolder with that high-shine finish worthy of any runway. Should your preference be for simplicity however, a simple nude shade closer to your skin tone will leave you with an easy way to amp up a minimal visage, whether you’re simply looking to give your pout a fuller matte look or create a soft, flattering ombre effect.
All in all, no harm in trying to work it back into your everyday routines. For those who would like to get in on the look stat, here’s Vogue Singapore’s kickstarter guide on the best lip liners in the market.
1 / 10
Rom&nd Lip Mate Pencil Be Oveeer Shade
While the K-Beauty sector has historically favoured glossy, high-shine pouts, it seems 2024 might prove to be a turning point with the heralding of pigment-packed lip pencils. Rom&nd is one of the labels leading the charge with their super wearable matte variants. Available in 10 super versatile shades, they are described to feel like “fudge spreading on your lips”, and harbours an ideal thickness that allows for seamless blending.
Rom&nd Lip Mate Pencil Be Oveeer Shade, $11.90, available at Amazon
2 / 10
Dasique Mood Blur Lip Pencil
A lip pencil designed to do it all. Think a buttery-soft, highly-blendable formula which facilitates priming, over-lining, reshaping, and even contouring—of which comes in 10 hues ranging from pale pink to brick red.
Dasique Mood Blur Lip Pencil, $20, available at KSisters
3 / 10
Clio Velvet Lip Pencil
Make-up newbies are sure to adore this classic lip pencil from Clio. Its finely-milled tip delivers on a smooth, sheer wash of colour—of which can be worn layered on for more vibrancy or as a single coat for a more natural effect. The cherry on top: the provided pencil sharpener to ensure optimal colour pay-off.
Clio Velvet Lip Pencil, $19.90, available at Watsons.
4 / 10
Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner
You know you’ve found a keeper when it’s hard to lose the stain it leaves behind. In essence, that’s what this Rare Beauty option gives you. With its range of muted mauves and pleasing fall hues, you could layer on a tint with a similar shade or sparkly gloss and ta-da, that’s soft, everyday glam for you.
Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner , $26, available at Sephora
5 / 10
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
If we’re talking indulgent, then you’ll be wanting your gorgeous, gorgeous pout to be lined by this particular cult favourite. Its velvety, matte texture gives way to a smooth, painless application—it simply glides right on and is ideal for overdrawing or reshaping those lips.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner , $40, available at Sephora
6 / 10
NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil Creamy Long-Lasting Lip Liner
Drugstore gems are often hard to beat and understandably so considering its affordability. What more when it gives you long-lasting coverage and is easy to wield as you please. NYX also has a pretty large range in terms of shade options—with close to 30 to take your pick from.
NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil Creamy Long-Lasting Lip Liner, $7, available at LookFantastic.
7 / 10
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Liner
Despite its limited shade range, this is an easy addition to the list because Tarte’s clearly got its priorities right. No lip liner will glide on as easily as you want it to if it’s not sufficiently hydrated, and for that, it’s thrown in some hyaluronic acid to give your pout a much-needed plump.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Liner, $39, available at Sephora
8 / 10
Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil
Might your lips be in need of some additional pampering, then perhaps this Chanel number will do it for you. As in its name, this longwear pencil will give you a creamy, crayon finish that glides on like a dream—and there’s even inclusions of jojoba seed oil in there to amp up on that hydrating formula. The best part? It comes with a brush on its other end, so you can really blend the contours of your lip line with your lipstick with finesse.
Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil, $36, available at Chanel
9 / 10
Mac Cosmetics Lip Pencil
Creamy, smooth and a lasting formula that’s in for the long haul. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t whisper sweet nothings about Mac’s pencil and considering it’s one that’s been around from the early aughts, we’re pretty confident of its sultry, kissable finish. Its darker shades will be a sure hit for the Morticia Addams-identifying ladies.
Mac Cosmetics Lip Pencil, $37, available at Sephora
10 / 10
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner
Pigmentation is most definitely Anastasia Beverly Hills’s strong suit and it continues to show in its range of shades available for its lip liners. Another plus point? Its thin pencil shape allows for precise application—lending to a polished finish for those looking for a sharper, fuller pout.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner , $33, available at Sephora
