Applying lip liner properly can be challenging even for an expert makeup user. If done correctly, lipstick on the lips can look better, prevent color from fading, prevent lipstick from spreading beyond the lip line, define lips more clearly, and accentuate the strengths or hide flaws of the lips.
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Part 1 of 6: Prepare Before Line Lips
Step 1. Exfoliate the lips (optional)
If you don't have an exfoliating balm or scrub on hand (you can buy one at a pharmacy or facial product store), you can exfoliate your lips by applying a moisturizing lip balm and then scrubbing with a clean toothbrush.
- Some experts don't recommend exfoliating your lips because it can cause tiny tears in the skin of your lips, making them dry and cracked in the long run.
- Having healthy, moisturized lips is better than exfoliating, but if dead skin cells are building up on your lips, exfoliating is a quick way to make their surface smooth.
Step 2. Moisturize your lips
Before applying any other product to your lips, apply a light, moisturizing lip balm. Make sure the product isn't too sticky for your lips to absorb, instead of sticking it on top of it.
If your lips are dry, or chapped, it can be difficult to frame them well with lip liner, especially if you want to color the inside of your lips with liner as well
Step 3. Wait for this lip balm to dry
Some experts suggest waiting 20 minutes before applying another product to your lips after applying moisturizer to them.
- If your time is limited, wait at least a few minutes and then press a tissue against your lips to get rid of any excess product.
- It's best if your lips are dry but moist enough before you apply any other product to them.
Step 4. Apply primer on lips (optional)
You don't have to use a primer, but some makeup artists recommend using this product because it can make the surface of the lips smooth and can make liner and lipstick last longer on the lips.
- If you want to wear lipstick, you can color your entire lip with lip liner as this trick will make the lipstick last longer.
- Concealer or foundation can be used instead of primer. This is a great option if you plan to modify the shape of your lips.
Step 5. Choose your lip liner color
Choose a lip liner color based on what your plans are. If you want to wear red lipstick, use a red liner; If you want natural looking lips, choose a nude or soft pink liner.
Step 6. Sharpen your lip liner
Always sharpen lip liner before using it. A sharp product can provide a nice, steady line. If the lip liner is blunt, the wood of the pencil will be closer to the surface of the lips and if there are wood chips sticking out, you can scratch your lips.
- Some people suggest sharpening the lip liner before each use to get rid of bacteria.
- To make the sharpening process easier, try placing the lip pencil in the freezer for 20 minutes before sharpening. That way, the edges won't break and you'll be able to draw cleaner, sharper lines more easily.
Step 7. Warm the lip liner
Before using a lip liner, warm the tip by drawing a line over the back of your hand. That way, you can easily draw lines with this pencil.
Another way to warm up lip liner is to rub the tip with the pads of your thumb and index finger
Part 2 of 6: Drawing Lines Along the Lip Line with Lip Liner
Step 1. Open your lips slightly
Opening your lips slightly helps you to continue drawing along the natural lip line.
Step 2. Follow the natural lip line
Many makeup artists recommend drawing a line along the natural lip line because excessive lip lines can look unnatural. The usual way is to start drawing in the middle of the upper lip and in the middle of the lower lip and then draw a line outwards.
- Another common way is to start in the middle, draw an "x" on the cupid's bow located on your upper lip, and then draw a line at the corners and bottom of your mouth before running along your lips. If you don't plan to apply lipstick to the inside of your lips, this is not a good option.
- When following a natural lip line, you need to be extra careful to make sure you've lined up any wrinkled or chapped lips as this will ensure that the lipstick doesn't seep out of the lip line.
Step 3. Move the lip liner in short, not pressing motions
Outlining the lips with a few short lines that are not too stressed will ensure precise lines, instead of trying to line the lips in one light motion.
If the liner tugs at your lips, it means the tip is too harsh. Try warming the tip by rolling it between your thumb and forefinger, or using it against the back of your hand. You can also try sharpening it
Step 4. Finish the lip appearance
What you do after you line your lips depends on your plans, whether you want to make your lips look natural or apply lipstick over them.
- If you want your lips to look natural, blend the liner with your lips and apply a lip gloss.
- If you want to wear lipstick, fill your lips with liner before applying lipstick.
Part 3 of 6: Filling the Lips
Step 1. Blend a nude lip liner onto your lips for a natural look (optional)
If you don't wear lipstick and want to use liner to define the shape of your lips, use a nude liner and then rub to blend the line with the center of your lips. Then finish by applying a colorless lip gloss.
- Even if you're not wearing lipstick, using a thin line with lip liner to naturally frame your lips can make your lips look more defined.
- If you want a natural lip look, you don't need to do anything else after the steps above.
Step 2. Fill the lips with liner
In quick, short motions, fill the entire lip with liner. It provides a great foundation for the lipstick to last longer. In addition, the lip color becomes even, the lipstick color does not change in the border area between the lip line and the inner lip.
Some people fill their lips with liner and leave it alone. If this is what you do, try dabbing a lip gloss or lip balm of a similar color on top to make it look smooth and even
Step 3. Apply lipstick
Starting at the center of the lips and then working your way outwards, apply the lipstick to the lips. For a lighter and/or more precise application, use a lip brush to apply lipstick.
Even if you want to apply a thick layer of lipstick, you can still use a brush - you only need to apply it a few times to get a thicker look when you apply it directly from the lipstick
Step 4. Trim the lines you made
Once the lips are lined and filled, the last thing you should do is clean and even out the lip lines.
- You can clean the lines with a small amount of moisturizer or makeup remover applied to the tip of a cotton swab or tissue.
- If you need to line up your lips, draw in the areas that need to be trimmed with lip liner, then use a lip brush to blend as needed.
Step 5. Apply concealer or foundation around the lips (optional)
This is especially helpful if you're wearing a dramatic color and you have a smudge on the edges of your lips. Also, it helps the lip color from seeping into the skin around the lips.
- Use a small brush or foundation brush to dab a little concealer or foundation around the lips, as needed.
- You can also make sure your foundation/concealer lasts a long time by adding a little powder.
Step 6. Glue the tissue in between the application of lip product (optional)
A fairly common practice is to apply lipstick, apply a tissue to the lips, then apply lipstick again. A good way is to open your mouth, slip in a tissue or you can use wax paper, and then close your mouth and emphasize your lips.
If you use wipes, make sure they are thick and of good quality so they don't leave tissue debris on your lips
Step 7. Create a lasting lip look (optional)
Makeup artists often use the trick of attaching a thin tissue to the lips and then putting a colorless powder on the tissue so that a little powder sticks to the lips and makes the lipstick last longer on the lips.
Part 4 of 6: Make Lips Look Bigger
Step 1. Choose the color
Choose a nude liner and lipstick for a natural look, or a dramatic liner with a similar shade of lipstick if you want a bolder look.
Darker colors with a matte appearance can make lips look smaller
Step 2. Apply concealer to the lips and the area around them
This will disguise the blurring of your natural lip line. In addition, liner and lipstick are also easier to stick.
Step 3. Keep the appearance natural (optional)
To make the lips look a little bigger, draw a line slightly beyond the natural lip line. To keep it looking natural, don't draw the line too far from the natural lip line.
Step 4. Create a different look (optional)
If you want your lips to be significantly bigger, it's a good idea to go with the two-toned method, with the liner slightly darker than your lipstick.
In 2014, Kylie Jenner flaunted her visibly bigger lips with a 90s-inspired lip line. In this look, Kylien used a darker colored liner and a lighter shade of lipstick. Experts recommend using a darker liner and a slightly lighter shade of lipstick (e.g. burgundy liner and cranberry lipstick) for this look
Step 5. Finish the lip outline at the natural lip line at the corners of the mouth
No matter how big your lips are, make sure you end the artificial lip line at the natural lip line as you approach the corners of your mouth. Otherwise, your lips will look like clown lips.
Step 6. Apply lipstick thickly in the center of the lips
While doing so, make sure you leave some space between the lipstick and the lip liner, as you will be pulling the lipstick towards the liner and blending the two in the next step.
Apply it thickly because you should be able to pull it up and blend it into the lip line
Step 7. Blend the liner and lipstick
Use a lip brush to pull the lips up towards the lip line and blend them together.
Step 8. Sweep your lips with your ring or little finger
Do this in smooth back and forth motions until you have evened out the entire surface. You want your lips to look well-graded, with a slightly darker border with a lighter, fuller center.
Step 9. And you're done
If you want, you can apply a little gloss or shimmer powder in the center of the lower lip to make the lips a little more plump.
Part 5 of 6: Make Lips Look Smaller
Step 1. Choose the color
Choose a nude liner and lipstick for a natural look, or a more dramatic liner and matching lipstick if you want a bolder look.
Darker colors with a matte appearance can help lips look smaller
Step 2. Apply concealer to the lips and the area around them
This will disguise the blurring of your natural lip line. In addition, liners and lipsticks are also easier to stick.
Step 3. Draw a line slightly inside your natural lip line
With a short, quick line, draw a line inside your natural lip line.
Use a nude lip liner for a nude lip look, or a darker shade for a more dramatic effect. Darker colors can make lips look smaller
Step 4. Clean the area around the lips
When you're done lining and filling in your lips, blot out any uneven lines with a tissue or earplug, then use a concealer and foundation brush to clean the area around the lip liner to make the natural lip lines even more hidden.
Part 6 of 6: Choosing the Right Equipment
Step 1. Buy a good quality lip liner
Good quality lip liner can be bought at pharmacies and makeup stores, you just need to know what to look for. Make sure you always try before you buy. A good liner should be used to draw smooth, solid colored lines on your hand.
- Avoid liners that are transparent, not runny, and/or brittle.
- If there is a liner product that makes it difficult for you to draw a line on the back of your hand, don't buy that product.
Step 2. Find out what color to buy
Some fans of makeup products collect lip liners with colors that match every lipstick they have. If you only buy one color of lip liner, choose a nude or natural color.
For beginners, it is recommended to buy lip liners in one nude, one red, and one pink
Step 3. Buy a good pencil sharpener
If you're not using a liner that rotates to dispense the contents (usually in plastic packaging), you're definitely using a pencil-type liner. In order to continue to use this product properly, you will need a pencil sharpener.
- There aren't many tips available for buying a high-quality pencil sharpener, but you can ask a friend or do some research on the internet to find a pencil sharpener that has the best reviews and fits your budget.
- The price of a lip liner sharpener can start from 20 thousand to more than 400 thousand rupiah, but you can buy this sharpener for under 100 thousand.
Step 4. Prepare a tissue or earplug
Especially if you're just learning how to frame your lips, chances are you'll need to clear this line. It will be easier if you prepare a cotton swab or tissue.
- For stubborn stains, put a small amount of facial moisturizer or makeup remover on a tissue or the tip of a cotton swab, and blot the stain thoroughly.
- You can put a small amount of facial moisturizer on the stain and use a clean cotton swab to rub it off.
Step 5. Buy a good lip balm
Moisturizing the lips before drawing with a lip liner can prevent the lips from becoming dry which can make the liner look dry and uneven when absorbed by the lines on the surface of the lips when it is dry.
A good lip balm will absorb into the lips and make the lips feel more moisturized. Do not buy a lip balm that is too sticky because it will be difficult to apply the lip makeup product to the surface of the lips after that
Step 6. Purchase a lip primer (optional)
Some makeup artists suggest applying lip primer to the lips before doing anything else because it can make the liner and lipstick last longer once applied.
If you don't have a primer, you can use concealer or foundation to prep your lips
Tips
- The lip liner should be coordinated with the lip color. Try buying them together if possible.
- Quality is important. If one product doesn't work well, try another brand.
- You can buy from the makeup counter at your local department store and ask the clerk to help you choose lipstick and liner. Don't let her persuade you to try your favorite color if it's too flashy, too trendy, or too light for your lip color. Convey that you're new to using lip liners and try a few while you're there.
- Some lip liners have a more creamy texture than others. Try different lip liners to see what you like best.
- If the lip liner you are using sometimes oozes, you can clean it with water.
Warning
- Lip balm, some types of lip gloss and similar products can make lipstick and lip liner fade.
- Lip liner can melt if exposed to heat. Store lip liner the way you would store eye liner or lipstick.
- A dull wooden pencil can scratch the lips. Always have a pencil sharpener ready.
- Lip liner that is applied too much can give an unclean appearance.
