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10 Best Drugstore Lip Liners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner - Peakaboo Neutral

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil in Peakaboo Neutral is designed to meet the needs of anyone looking for a versatile lip liner. This product’s creamy texture makes it easy to apply, ensuring a smooth line that enhances the shape of your lips. The pigmentation is strong, providing a bold color that stands out, yet the neutral shade makes it a great everyday option that can complement various looks. Its long-lasting formula is ideal for all-day wear, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

This lip liner also resists bleeding, which helps maintain a clean and sharp look throughout the day. The satin finish gives a soft, natural look to the lips, suitable for a wide range of skin types. Users who appreciate variety will be pleased with the extensive shade range available in this product line, allowing for plenty of customization and experimentation with different lip colors. Furthermore, the pencil form makes it easy to use and convenient to carry around. An added bonus is NYX’s commitment to being a cruelty-free brand, which is a crucial factor for ethically-conscious consumers.

However, as with any product, there might be some downsides. Some users might find the pencil needs to be sharpened frequently, which could be slightly inconvenient. Additionally, while the neutral shade is versatile, those seeking more dramatic or unique colors might need to explore the other shades offered by NYX. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil is a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable, easy-to-use lip liner with good performance in texture, pigmentation, and longevity.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Texture
It's easy to use, glides on smoothly, and the creamy texture ensures it’s not dry at all.
Pigmentation
The product lasts a long time both in terms of quantity and on the lips, delivering true color and smooth application.
Longevity
The color is very pretty and goes on creamy, lasting throughout the day without stickiness or taste.
Shade Range
Comes in many shades and can be easily sharpened with a pencil sharpener, though reapplication may be needed if you want it to last all day.
Ease of Use
It's easy to use, glides on smoothly, and the creamy texture ensures it’s not dry at all.
#2

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

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
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

Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 640 Raisin, 0.01 Oz

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
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.

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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