You'll want to use a lip liner that's one to two shades darker than your lipstick while keeping it in the same color family with the same undertones. The reason is because lip liner is meant to define your lips while preventing feathering and smudging so if you choose a lighter shade, you won't get definition.

Lip liners are composed of waxes, oils, and pigment, making them firmer in consistency and more deeply pigmented. This mean they are suitable for drawing on to the lip with precision. There are several functions of a lip liner.

Like lipstick, lip liners are composed of waxes, oils, and pigment. Compared to lipstick, lip liners are firmer in consistency and more deeply pigmented, making them suitable for drawing on to the lip with precision. For these reasons, lip liners have less oil but more wax and pigment than most lipsticks.

Dark skin tones generally have warm undertones, so lip liners with warm undertones like deep reds, rich browns, and earthy tones often work well.

Before reaching for your lip liner, you'll need to plan out your desired look - specifically, what colors you intend to use (and how). Nude shades that are slightly darker than your natural skin tone are ideal for faking a fuller lip.

You don't have to exactly match your skin tone, but try to stay in that range. For shopper-loved universal shades, look to favorites like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk or Iconic Nude and NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Natural or Nude Beige.

Lip liner not only helps to designate the area in which you'll be applying lipstick, but it also helps to ensure your lipstick doesn't bleed and has a longer-wear finish - no matter if it's a creamy formula, matte finish, classic tube, or liquid lipstick.

For extra insurance against fading and to avoid a ring of color around the outside of your mouth at the end of the night, fill in your lips completely with pencil before appying your lipstick. The waxy consistency will act like tape to hold the color down longer.

A lip liner can be worn by itself, without any lipstick –– it creates a nice wash of colour and gives your pout a healthy uplift. It is also a great way to thicken that pout, especially if you've got thinner lips.

Whether it's because you're in a pinch and forgot your lipstick or simply because you really love the color of the lip liner, chances are you've used your lip liner as an impromptu lipstick. And if you have, then you know it can be a little drying.

Pick a liner that matches the color of your lipstick for a seamless look.

• For instance, if you are using a rosy pink lipstick color, go with a rose-colored lip liner.
• This way, your lips appear luscious and defined.
• If you choose a darker lip liner on the outer edges of your lips, it will look more pronounced.

• 12 Color Lip Pencil - Soft Waterproof Smooth Lip Liner/Lipliner Pen. 3.73.7 out of 5 stars (21) ₹157. M.R.P: ₹499. (69% off)
• 12 Color Super Matte Lip Pencil - Soft Waterproof Smooth Lip Liner/Lipliner Pen. 4.14.1 out of 5 stars (2) ₹149. M.R.P: ₹499.

nude lipstick However, if your goal is to make your lips look fuller, opting for a nude lipstick that's just a few shades deeper than your skin tone is your best bet. If you choose a color that contrasts your skin too much - like a red lipstick paired with fair skin, or baby pink on dark skin - your lips will look smaller.