The Best Pencils For Fuller, Natural-Looking Lips
The Best Pencils For Fuller, Natural-Looking Lips

The Best Pencils For Fuller, Natural-Looking Lips

Creamier in texture and offering impressive staying power, modern-day lip liners bear little resemblance to the dry, flaky pencils of old. Easy to work with and a great way to build believable definition and vivid colour, here are nine of our favourites.
By Rebecca Hull
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Image: ROUJE

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Chantecaille Lip Definer

Despite being a pencil, these lip definers are soft, smooth, and therefore very easy to work with. They quickly give you a definite line, but they don’t dry too fast, so you have time to play with them and buff them out if needed. Completely budge proof, once they do set, you’ll find they stay put for the remainder of the day. There are plenty of suits-all tones to try, but we rate ‘Natural’ for everyday definition.

Shop now at Chantecaille.co.uk

Emolyne Metamorphosis Lip Definer

With their cream texture, Emolyne’s popular lip pencils can be used to define the outer edges, or to colour the entire lip. The pigment goes a long way and is so easy to blend out, build up or keep sheer. Available in 30 different shades, there really is something for everyone, from soft nudes to rich, vibrant reds. Experts recommend applying them all over the lip, underneath your go-to lipstick, so that when the latter wears off, you’re left with a soft stain. We love that you can use these with any standard sharpeners.

Shop now at Emolyne.com

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner

As with all Maybelline products, these are great value for money. Smooth and velvety, they don’t drag or tug at the skin as you sculpt and shape your lips. The neutral colours are our favourites – simply scribble them on with a little gloss on top for a soft, natural finish that gives great shape and fullness. You’ll find the colour holds for hours without feathering.

Shop now at Boots.com

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

If you prefer a chunkier lip crayon, these ones from NARS are for you. Often recommended by make-up artists, they deliver the pigment of a lipstick, but with the ease of a lip pencil. Just one swipe will give you enough payoff to buff and blend out with your ring finger. Experts love the stunning red ‘Dragon Girl’ or ‘Bahama’ for something more wearable.

Shop now at Nars.co.uk

Victoria Beckham Lip Definer

These lip definers are just like Victoria Beckham’s cult Satin Kajal Liners. Creamy, smooth and so easy to apply – even for lip liner novices – simply scribble them on, blend them out and you’ll instantly see more definition. You never have to tug at the skin or work too hard to get an even finish, either. Perfect for those prone to dryness, the formula also contains softening vitamin E and peptides.

Shop now at VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.com

Rouje Le Stylo

These aren’t technically a ‘pencil’ but they are designed to define and fill in. We love how the rounded tip sculpts even the thinnest of lips and leaves behind a rich colour that looks flattering on everyone. Think of them like twist-up eyeshadow sticks, only for lips. The matte and powdery dry down is impressive – never drying or too tight, it feels comfortable, but lasts for nearly an entire day without smudging.

Shop now at Rouje.com

Vieve Modern Lip Definer

Whether you want to create a crisp line or more of a soft diffused effect, Vieve’s Lip Definers do it all. They apply seamlessly, last for hours and like others on this list, are easy to blend and smudge. We also love how easy these are to sharpen without any crumbling or breaking. The shade ‘Brat’ is full of nudish, brown tones, while ‘Muse’ will amp up any evening look.

Shop now at Vieve.co.uk

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat

You can’t go wrong with these pencils. One of Charlotte Tilbury’s most popular launches, they receive five-star reviews across the board. Why? They’re soft, velvety, and the satin consistency feels so good on the lips. Plus, they really do enhance the shape of your mouth without looking unnatural. Apply them first thing and they’ll still be in the same position at the end of the night.

Shop now at CharlotteTilbury.co.uk

Dior Contour Lip Liner

You’ll often find these in make-up artists’ kits. The waxy texture never transfers or bleeds, while the smooth consistency is so satisfying to apply. It’s double-ended too, with a thin brush on the other side for further sculpting and shaping of your lips. Added ingredients like shea butter and pomegranate flower extract mean it hydrates and never feels dry or heavy. Our only tip is to choose the shade in store – it can be difficult to gauge online as some come up brighter than they look.

Shop now at Boots.com

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