16 Best Lip Liners to Try in 2025, Including Some of Our Team’s Favourites

A great lip liner doesn’t just keep your lipstick in check—it defines, sculpts, and sometimes even steals the show all on its own. Whether you’re after a fuller look, a crisp outline, or just want to make your lip colour last longer, these lip liners make all the difference.

We’ve rounded up 16 options that are worth the swipe.

MAC Lip Pencil

Get the trending look without overthinking it. This iconic lip pencil is your go-to for mastering the classic ‘90s lip combo—nude lips with a slightly deeper liner. The formula glides on smoothly with just the right amount of grip, giving you sharp, defined lines that stay put.

Use it to outline, shape, or fill in your lips for a full, matte finish that’s timeless and flattering.

Shade to try: Spice – a warm, muted brown-pink that pairs perfectly with nude lipsticks or gloss for that effortlessly cool 90s vibe.

Get this for RM125 from MAC. 

Rom&nd Lip Mate Pencil

This budget-friendly lip liner glides on smoothly and offers decent staying power—great for those just getting into lip makeup.

It glides on smoothly and stays on pretty well, even after light snacking. Of course, it doesn’t totally survive a full meal, especially if you’re wiping your lips with tissue, but for the price, I’d say it’s worth it. The only downside is the brush — it clumps after a few uses, so I just use my finger to blend.” – Yewon Shim, Social Media Intern

Shade to try: 04 Fig Breeze – a soft, rosy mauve that gives your lips a natural, blurred effect.

Get this for RM44.25 from Wooh. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner

You’ve probably heard the hype—and yes, it lives up to it. This cult-favourite lip liner has a smooth, creamy texture that glides on with ease, letting you shape and define your lips effortlessly. It’s long-lasting, non-drying, and perfect for creating a naturally fuller-looking pout.

Shade to try: Pillow Talk – a universally flattering nude-pink that enhances your natural lip colour for that ‘my lips but better’ look.

Get this for RM115 from Sephora. 

Related Read:Charlotte Tilbury Is Finally Available In Sephora Malaysia — Here’s Everything You Can Get!

Sephora Collection 8H Colorful Lip Liner

This creamy, beginner-friendly lip liner is perfect for everyday wear.

The Sephora Lip Liner is super creamy and easy to work with. It glides on smoothly and blends out nicely, whether I’m defining my lips or filling them in completely. Plus, it’s really comfortable too, especially if you’ve got dry lips like me. My only gripe is that it doesn’t last as long after eating, so I usually pair it with a long-wear lipstick.” – Galina Tan, Editorial Intern

Shade to try: Marvelous Mauve – a soft, wearable nude-mauve that flatters most everyday makeup looks.

Get this for RM45 from Sephora. 

Velvet Vanity Soft Blur Lip Liner

If you’re after a lip liner that’s both local and impressive, this one’s worth checking out. It’s non-drying, super comfortable to wear, and works beautifully for both soft, blurred edges or a more defined lip look.

I’m not usually a fan of lip liners, but this one is exceptional! I love how Velvet Vanity’s lip liner suits my skin tone—it glides on effortlessly. I especially enjoy pairing it with their lip matte and lip oil. Best of all, it doesn’t dry out my lips!” – Nabilah Awang, Marketing Executive

Shade to try: Suede – a warm-toned nude that flatters a wide range of skin tones and pairs perfectly with Velvet Vanity’s lip matte and lip oil.

Get this for RM45 from Velvet Vanity. 

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner

Rare Beauty’s Kind Words Lip Liner is creamy, hydrating, and glides on like butter. The twist-up design means no sharpening needed, and the pigment payoff is impressive.

Shade to try: Bold is a rich berry tone that adds instant depth without overpowering. It also locks colour in place for hours, which is ideal if you’re not into reapplying. Plus, it plays really well with both glosses and matte lipsticks.

Get this for RM83 from Sephora. 

NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Natural

A longtime drugstore favourite, this budget-friendly lip liner proves you don’t have to splurge for quality. The pencil offers the perfect balance—firm enough for precise outlining, yet soft enough to glide on without tugging.

It’s ideal for daily use, layering under lipstick, or wearing on its own for a more natural look.

Shade to try: Natural – a soft, neutral nude that enhances your lips with just the right amount of definition for effortless, everyday wear.

Get this for RM25.99 from Care to Beauty.

Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0

For those who love a good multitasker, this retractable lip liner does it all. With an ultra-matte, non-drying formula, it works beautifully as both a precise liner and a full-lip colour.

It applies smoothly and sets to a long-lasting finish that holds up through whatever your day (or night) throws at you.

Shade to try: Pinky Brown – a flattering neutral with the perfect mix of warmth and depth, ideal for everyday definition with a polished touch.

Get this for RM125 from Sephora. 

Fenty Beauty Trace’D Out Lip Liner

Bold, creamy, and built to last. Fenty Beauty’s Trace’d Out Lip Liner brings serious pigment with a smooth, tug-free formula. Designed to glide effortlessly across the lips, it delivers a rich colour that won’t feather or bleed.

Whether you’re shaping your pout or filling in completely, it sets down to a soft-matte finish that holds up through hours of wear. Plus, the twist-up packaging makes it extra convenient—no sharpener needed.

Shade to try: Heart Eyes – a warm, rosy mauve that flatters every skin tone and pairs beautifully with both glosses and matte lipsticks.

Get this for RM108 from Sephora.  

Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner

Affordable, easy to use, and surprisingly long-lasting—this is one of those drugstore gems you’ll keep going back to. Maybelline’s Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner is designed with a twist-up tip for fuss-free application and no need for sharpening.

The formula is lightweight, glides on smoothly, and gives your lips just the right amount of definition without feeling dry or heavy. Ideal for everyday wear and layering with multiple finishes.

Shade to try: Dusty Rose – a soft, wearable pink that adds a touch of warmth and polish to any lip look.

Get this for RM23.70 (U.P. RM33.76) from Care to Beauty. 

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil

More than just a lip liner, this multitasking pencil works on lips, eyes, and brows—making it perfect for minimalists or makeup artists on the go. The texture is creamy but firm enough for precise definition, and it blends easily without smudging too much.

It’s the kind of product that does the most without needing extra tools or effort.

Shade to try: Wherever Walnut – a cool-toned brown that doubles as a lip contour and gives that effortless 90s edge.

Get this for RM120 from Sephora. 

Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil

High performance meets sleek packaging in this luxury liner. Pat McGrath’s Permagel formula offers rich colour payoff with a gel-like texture that glides on effortlessly. Once it sets, it stays put—no smudging, feathering, or fading. If you love crisp, editorial-looking lips, this one’s a winner.

Shade to try: Structure – a medium brown that defines and sculpts for that full-lip illusion without going overboard.

Get this for RM121 from Sephora. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner

Anastasia Beverly Hills nails the balance between structure and softness with this velvety lip liner. The pencil is slightly chunkier than most, so it’s quick to apply and great for all-over wear too. It doesn’t dry out your lips and pairs beautifully with glosses or creamy lipsticks.

Shade to try: Deep Taupe – a cool beige-brown that works especially well with neutral or taupe-toned nude lip colours.

Get this for RM110 from Sephora. 

Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner

This liner is all about precision and longevity. Hourglass’ formula resists transferring and fading, making it a reliable pick for long days or nights out. It comes with a built-in sharpener for razor-sharp application, and the formula smooths over lips without skipping or dragging.

Shade to try: Incite 7 – a bold, vibrant red that instantly brightens your look. Perfect for romantic date nights or when you just want to feel extra confident.

Get this for RM159 from Sephora. 

Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede™ Sculpting Lip Pencil

This sculpting lip pencil is all about precision and staying power. The formula is creamy enough to glide on easily, yet sets to a budge-proof finish that lasts through the day. Whether worn alone or under your favourite lipstick, it helps shape and define your lips for that smooth, full-lip look.

Shade to try: Burnt Sienna – a rich, warm brown that enhances your natural lip shape and adds a touch of everyday sophistication.

Get this for RM149 from Sephora. 

Kosas Hotliner Hyaluronic Acid Lip Liner

This clean, retractable lip liner delivers smooth, satiny colour without tugging or drying. Infused with hyaluronic acid and konjac root, it hydrates, softens, and visibly plumps lips both instantly and over time.

The formula glides on evenly for precise contouring or all-over colour, and it comes with a built-in sharpener and brush for effortless blending.

Shade to try: Mega – a universally flattering pinky-nude that adds a natural fullness to your lips, perfect for everyday wear.

Get this for RM110 from Sephora.