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10 Best Drugstore Lip Liners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

REVLON Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 640 Raisin, 0.01 oz

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,369
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
16148 reviews

Texture
Rich and creamy formula that doesn’t feel too heavy or dry.
Pigmentation
Excellent pigmentation gives lips a defined look without feeling uncomfortable.
Longevity
Stays put for hours without smudging or fading, even after eating and drinking.
Shade Range
Color 'natural' is perfect and long-lasting, even popular colors can be hard to find.
Ease of Use
Glides on smoothly and provides great precision, making it easy to create clean, defined lines around the lips.

The Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner in shade 640 Raisin is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable lip liner from the drugstore. Its texture is smooth, allowing for easy and even application. The pigmentation is rich, offering vibrant color that helps to define the lips and make them look fuller.

One of the standout features is its impressive longevity; the color stays put for up to 8 hours without needing re-application, making it ideal for long days or events where you don't want to continually touch up your makeup. Additionally, the built-in sharpener is a convenient touch, ensuring the pencil is always ready to use without needing extra tools.

It offers a lush finish, but it may not be suitable for those who prefer a matte or glossy look as it sits somewhere in between. With 14 different shades available, there is a reasonable range of colors to choose from, but it may not cover every skin tone or preference. Another advantage is that it helps prevent bleeding and feathering, which can be a common issue with some lip liners. This lip liner is easy to use and versatile, fitting well within the category needs for texture, pigmentation, longevity, and ease of use. It’s particularly suitable for those seeking a long-lasting, well-defined lip look without frequent touch-ups, although those with very specific shade requirements or finish preferences might need to explore other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,369
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
16148 reviews

Texture
Rich and creamy formula that doesn’t feel too heavy or dry.
Pigmentation
Excellent pigmentation gives lips a defined look without feeling uncomfortable.
Longevity
Stays put for hours without smudging or fading, even after eating and drinking.
Shade Range
Color 'natural' is perfect and long-lasting, even popular colors can be hard to find.
Ease of Use
Glides on smoothly and provides great precision, making it easy to create clean, defined lines around the lips.
#2

e.l.f. Cream Glide Lip Liner, Highly-Pigmented Pencil For Shaping & Sculpting Lips, Semi-Matte Finish, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Plum & Get It

Rating
10.0
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
10333 reviews

Texture
The lip liner offers the perfect amount of creaminess, making it glide on beautifully and effortlessly.
Pigmentation
Highly pigmented and true to the advertised shades, ensuring a vibrant look.
Longevity
Long-lasting wear, though it may need touch-ups after meals.
Shade Range
The deep berry shade 'Spill The Tea' is a standout for its rich color and precise application.
Finish
Pairs wonderfully with lip gloss for a hydrated and stunning finish.

The e.l.f. Cream Glide Lip Liner stands out for its creamy texture, ensuring a smooth application without any tugging, making it easy and comfortable to use. It boasts high pigmentation, delivering rich and vibrant color to your lips, so a little goes a long way.

This particular shade, 'Plum & Get It,' is one of eight available, offering some variety but not an extensive range of colors. The semi-matte finish is a nice touch, providing a modern look that can be worn alone or under lipstick for added definition.

Its longevity is decent but may require touch-ups throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking. The fact that it is vegan and cruelty-free is a significant plus for those conscious about ethical beauty products. It’s a versatile and budget-friendly option for everyday lip lining needs.

Rating
10.0
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
10333 reviews

Texture
The lip liner offers the perfect amount of creaminess, making it glide on beautifully and effortlessly.
Pigmentation
Highly pigmented and true to the advertised shades, ensuring a vibrant look.
Longevity
Long-lasting wear, though it may need touch-ups after meals.
Shade Range
The deep berry shade 'Spill The Tea' is a standout for its rich color and precise application.
Finish
Pairs wonderfully with lip gloss for a hydrated and stunning finish.
#3

Maybelline Lifter Liner Lip Liner Pencil with Hyaluronic Acid, Big Lift, 1 Count

Rating
10.0
Texture
Longevity
Finish

Most important from
2649 reviews

Texture
The creamy texture ensures a smooth and comfortable application.
Longevity
It applies smoothly and lasts long, making it a great product.
Finish
You can use it to fill in your lips and it leaves a nice, long-lasting matte finish.
Ease of Use
Sharpening is required often, which can make it go faster than other lip liners.

The Maybelline Lifter Liner Lip Liner Pencil with Hyaluronic Acid offers a creamy texture that ensures a smooth and comfortable application. The inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil in its formula helps to lock in moisture, reducing the risk of tugging on the lips, which makes it user-friendly for everyday use.

This lip liner provides good pigmentation, allowing for well-defined and sculpted lip lines that can create the appearance of fuller lips. The satin finish adds a subtle shine without being overly glossy, which can be suitable for both casual and more polished looks. There is a decent shade range with 10 available colors, including various nude tones, making it easier to find a match for different skin tones and preferences.

Some users may find the need to sharpen the pencil slightly inconvenient, especially if they prefer mechanical liners. Additionally, while the liner's longevity is generally good, it may require touch-ups after meals or drinks to maintain its defined look. The Maybelline Lifter Liner is a versatile and moisturizing option that pairs well with the Lifter Gloss for added shine and hydration, making it a practical choice for enhancing the lips.

Rating
10.0
Texture
Longevity
Finish

Most important from
2649 reviews

Texture
The creamy texture ensures a smooth and comfortable application.
Longevity
It applies smoothly and lasts long, making it a great product.
Finish
You can use it to fill in your lips and it leaves a nice, long-lasting matte finish.
Ease of Use
Sharpening is required often, which can make it go faster than other lip liners.

Buying Guide for the Best Drugstore Lip Liners

Choosing the right lip liner can make a significant difference in your makeup routine. A good lip liner can define your lips, prevent lipstick from feathering, and even make your lipstick last longer. When selecting a lip liner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while shopping for a drugstore lip liner.
TextureTexture refers to how the lip liner feels when applied to your lips. It is important because a smooth, creamy texture will glide on easily without tugging at your lips, providing a more comfortable application. Lip liners can range from very creamy to more firm and waxy. If you prefer a liner that is easy to apply and blend, look for one with a creamier texture. If you want a liner that stays put and provides a more precise line, a firmer texture might be better for you.
PigmentationPigmentation is the intensity of the color that the lip liner provides. This is important because a highly pigmented liner will give you a more defined and vibrant look with less product. Lip liners can range from sheer to highly pigmented. If you want a natural look, a sheer or medium-pigmented liner might be best. For a bold, defined lip, look for a highly pigmented liner.
LongevityLongevity refers to how long the lip liner stays on your lips without fading or smudging. This is important for ensuring your lip makeup lasts throughout the day. Lip liners can vary from short-wearing to long-wearing. If you need your lip liner to last through meals and long hours, look for a long-wearing or waterproof formula. If you don't mind reapplying, a regular formula might be sufficient.
Shade RangeShade range refers to the variety of colors available in a lip liner line. This is important because having a good match for your lipstick or natural lip color can make your makeup look more cohesive. Lip liners come in a wide range of shades, from nudes to bold colors. If you wear a variety of lipstick colors, you might want a few different shades of lip liners. If you have a go-to lipstick color, find a liner that closely matches it.
FinishFinish refers to the final look of the lip liner once applied. This is important because it can affect the overall appearance of your lips. Lip liners can have different finishes, such as matte, satin, or glossy. If you prefer a natural look, a satin finish might be best. For a more dramatic look, a matte finish can provide a bold, defined line. A glossy finish can add a bit of shine and make your lips look fuller.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple the lip liner is to apply and maintain. This is important for ensuring a hassle-free makeup routine. Some lip liners come in pencil form that needs sharpening, while others are retractable and do not require a sharpener. If you prefer convenience, a retractable liner might be the best choice. If you don't mind sharpening your liner for a precise tip, a traditional pencil might work well for you.

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