The most popular lip pencils. What you should know when choosing a lip pencil. We understand matte options

All women dream of perfect lips - with a clear contour, slightly plump and even, bright color. But, unfortunately, not everyone has been blessed with flawless lips by nature. It is also worth taking into account such a factor as age - every year our lips lose their rich color, and the contour “blurs out”.

In any situation, such a universal element of any women's cosmetic bag as a lip pencil can come to the rescue. We will tell you how to choose the right color, why you need this or that shade, how to paint your lips correctly, and even how to enlarge your lips with a pencil.

Why do you need lip pencil?

Makeup artists are not exaggerating when they say that a woman’s cosmetic bag should have not just one lip pencil, but a whole set. After all, this or that shade not only fits perfectly with a certain lipstick, but also performs the function assigned to it. So, with a pencil you can:

• make the lip contour clear;
• even out the shape of your lips. It is no secret that all facial features are far from proportional, this also applies to the lips, so quite often even parts of the upper or lower lip differ in shape;
• enlarge lips. In this case, there is only one rule - you should not draw the lip line much higher than the natural one, it is enough to just go a little beyond the contour, add lip gloss to achieve a harmonious volume. Lip augmentation with a pencil is one of the popular methods among leading makeup artists;
• reduce lips. Owners of too full lips sometimes think about reducing them, and in this case they are helped by a pencil applied inside the lips;
• The pencil is an excellent base for lipstick - its waxy texture holds the lipstick and prevents it from spreading. It can also be worn without lipstick.

How to choose a lip pencil

Today, cosmetic brands offer a wide range, among which choosing a suitable pencil and choosing its color is not difficult.

Thus, a silicone or wax pencil does an excellent job of smoothing out the texture of the delicate skin of the lips and making them smooth. This is an ideal option primarily for aging makeup, and is also suitable for those who like to use pastel colors.

A waterproof pencil will appeal to those who don’t have time to periodically touch up their makeup throughout the day, but it’s worth remembering that, being harder than other types, it requires careful contouring.

But a stick pencil, which is often used instead of lipstick, will be the most convenient option. A medium-hard lead will ensure not only easy application, but also careful detailing of the lip contour.

When choosing, you should pay attention not only to its softness, but also to its composition. Many pencils contain nutrients (for example, vitamins A, C and E, coconut or castor oil) - these options are worth choosing for those who often have dry, flaky or chapped lips.

Waterproof lip pencil

There are two types: with persistent (last from 4 to 7 hours) and super-resistant rods. The most durable pencil stays on the lips for over 7 hours and gives a permanent effect.

Among the invaluable advantages of such a pencil is that it perfectly retains the line and color throughout the day, and it does not rub off even after you drink a cup of coffee, a glass of water or try a light snack. But when using it, it is worth remembering that waterproof is one of the hardest representatives among pencils, and therefore can dry out the delicate skin of the lips a little. Also, to remove marks from a waterproof pencil, you will need a special makeup remover for long-lasting cosmetics.

Clear lip pencil

Having become an absolute hit in recent seasons, pencils with a colorless core are usually made of silicone. What is a transparent pencil for? It does a great job of evening out the skin texture and also creates a matte line, preventing lipstick or gloss from spreading or smearing on the lips. Since this contour pencil is colorless, it is perfectly compatible with any shade of gloss or lipstick.

White lip pencil

This version of the pencil is useful in cases where the lips need to be made a little more voluminous - they outline the lips with a white pencil, slightly going beyond the boundaries, shade and powder. This method literally transforms your lips in a couple of minutes, making them seductive.

Nude lip pencil

A flesh-colored pencil or a pencil matched to the tone of the lips can be used to give additional volume to the lips (outlined slightly beyond the contour) or to emphasize the natural shape. Also, a pencil in a natural shade is indispensable in cases where it is necessary to hide small imperfections on the surface of the lips.

How to paint lips with pencil

Once a suitable pencil has been selected, you need to figure out how to apply it correctly. In this matter, leading makeup artists advise following the following algorithm:

• first draw a tick of the upper lip;
• then successively, with small strokes, outline the right and left parts of the upper lip so that the parts are symmetrical. Already at this stage, it is worth remembering that for the natural shape of the lips it is necessary to trace along the contour, for a slight increase - to slightly extend beyond the contour (literally to the thickness of a lead pencil) of the sides of the lips;
• after drawing the upper lip, you should proceed to the lower lip - by analogy, you should start from the center, gradually drawing the contour, moving to the corners and from the corners of the lips.
• The outlined outline can be slightly shaded with a cotton swab, or a pencil can be applied to the entire surface of the lips to create a long-lasting base for lipstick.
• Once the lip contour is ready, you can start applying lipstick.

How to sharpen a lip pencil

Wooden pencils, unlike mechanical ones, require constant sharpening. If you don’t do this, it will be difficult to achieve a clear and even line when drawing a contour, especially since the edges of the pencil can slightly scratch the delicate skin of your lips. Any special sharpener, which is present in the assortment of any cosmetic brand today, is suitable for sharpening.

Before sharpening a pencil, makeup artists advise putting it in the freezer for literally 10 minutes so that the lead freezes. After this, it will be enough to scroll it a couple of times in a sharpener to get a sharp end.

This method will not allow the lead to crumble during sharpening, and pencil consumption will be more economical. It is also worth noting that cooling does not damage the nutritional properties, and sharpening a pencil after this procedure will be twice as fast.

How to replace lip pencil

If suddenly you don’t have the required shade in your makeup bag, then regular eye pencils can come to the rescue. Since their leads are harder, it is worth drawing the contour carefully, avoiding scratches and minor damage to the skin of the lips.

And if you have a spectacular shade of lipstick without a suitable pencil and the desire to make a clear outline, then you can use a thin brush and outline your lips with the lipstick itself. For a more lasting option, repeat the procedure several times, in between blotting your lips with a napkin and gently dusting them with loose powder.

Pencil is an important part of lip makeup. It not only creates more defined lips. Today it has become a more versatile product that, for example, can be used instead of lipstick or to create a fashionable ombre effect. Eyeliner can visually enlarge thin lips and make overly plump lips look more elegant.

For those who want to buy the perfect pencil to create sophisticated makeup, we offer a rating of the best products in this category. The top 10 is compiled based on customer reviews and contains a brief description, an indication of advantages and disadvantages, video reviews and photos.

Advantages and Disadvantages

In modern makeup, you can completely do without a clear lip contour. After all, the most natural nude make-up is now popular. In it, the graphic lines of the lips are not so important. But it’s impossible to completely exclude lip pencil from your makeup bag. After all, it has significant advantages:

• Gives definition to dull, thin lips

If nature has not endowed the girl with clear contours of her lips or they are too light and almost blend in with her skin tone, then using a pencil you can give them shape.

Advice. There is no need to draw the contour too high above the natural lip line. It will be noticeable and not very attractive. The only exception is makeup for photos. In normal situations, you can visually enlarge your lips by applying highlighter to the swoosh-shaped bulge above your upper lip.

• Prevents lipstick from bleeding

Oily glosses and moisturizing lipsticks often smear beyond the contours of the lips. In this case, a line drawn with a pencil will help solve the problem. It will prevent lipsticks with a liquid or greasy consistency from going beyond the contours.

First you need to apply concealer around the lip contour. The concealer is fixed on top using powder with a light texture. Then a lip line is drawn with a pencil in a beige-pink tone. If the gloss or lipstick is of rich shades, then the color of the pencil is matched tone to tone.

• Extends the durability of lipstick

A pencil can give lipstick staying power. To do this, you first need to outline the contours, then “sketch” the entire internal part. Lipstick is applied on top. This method will help the pigment last until the evening. You can use this simple life hack for brides’ makeup.

• Replaces matte lipstick

A fashionable matte finish on the lips is easy to create without having a special lipstick or gloss at your disposal. It is enough to simply outline the outline with a pencil and use it to fill the surface inside the contour line with color. A soft pencil that gives off color well is best suited for these purposes.

• Gives a colorless shine tone

Expanding the possibilities of transparent gloss is easy. It can acquire any shade if you first paint your lips with a pencil using the technology indicated above.

The pencil has few disadvantages. Its disadvantages include:

• Lack of caring components. The stylus formula, with rare exceptions, does not contain nutrients, vitamins, or oils.
• Difficulty of choice. It is very difficult to choose a shade that matches the color of each lipstick. Therefore, along with lipstick, as a rule, you have to buy a new pencil.
• Drying effect. The pencil often does not contain moisturizing components. Therefore, makeup artists do not recommend using it every day.

Selection criteria

Today, almost every cosmetic brand offers a wide selection of lip liners. To choose the right cosmetic product, you need to consider the following criteria:

According to the formula, design and purpose, there are different types of pencils:

• Wooden

The classic version with a lead in a wooden “case”. The rod is made of resins and wax. The thickness can be adjusted at any time using a sharpener. The downside is the need to constantly sharpen it.

• Plastic

Instead of a wooden shell, plastic is used. The lead is quite thin and extends due to a special mechanism. Very easy to use, but the retractable rod breaks easily.

• Waterproof

Suitable for those who do not want to touch up their makeup throughout the day. Due to the long-lasting formula, the contour lasts much longer. But there is also a drawback - you will have to draw the lines with double effort due to the fact that its texture is harder than that of analogues without the “tattoo” effect.

• Silicone or wax

Well aligns the structure of the lips. Fills cracks. Suitable for those who love nude makeup and for older makeup.

• Colorless

Creates an invisible line that liquid or cream lipstick won't go beyond. In this case, there is no need to match the shade of the lead to the lipstick.

• Bodily.

Has a powdery tone. Acts as a lip corrector. With the correct selection of shade, it blends into the skin and, unnoticed by others, keeps the lipstick from spreading. It can also be used for nude makeup, when you need to shift the emphasis from the lips to the eyes.

1. Compound

The pencil formula should not contain harmful components. For those who have dry lips, be sure to choose a product that contains nutrients: coconut or castor oil, vitamins A, E and C, aloe vera.

1. Softness

The structure of the rod necessarily includes wax. The softness of the pencil depends on its amount in the composition. It is better to choose the “golden mean”. After all, too soft a lead, with a lot of wax, will spread. Too hard - it will lay down in a broken line through which the liquid lipstick will spread. In addition, the hard texture can cause microtrauma on the lips.

1. Protective cap

The cap protects the lead from breakage and dust accumulation. It should not fit too tightly, but at the same time it should not be allowed to dangle and fly off with any movement. An additional plus is the presence of a sharpener on the cap.

The best lip pencils

Classic pencil in a wooden case. It glides on softly, creates natural contours, and prolongs the durability of decorative cosmetics. Can be used as an independent cosmetic product. The color of the packaging duplicates the shade of the rod. Even if there are no testers in the store, choosing the right tone will not be difficult.

The palette is presented in exquisite shades. The line has all the most popular tones: pink, nude, wine, reddish-coral. After application, a pleasant, creamy-matte pigment remains. The shade is transmitted well, even with light pressure you can get a halftone. Layers can be added to create a more intense color.

• excellent application;
• the range includes current shades;
• comfortable, moderately soft formula;
• beautiful matte finish.

Cons: –

Classic, wooden, requires sharpening. The design is standard, mass-market, but at the same time it looks elegant, no worse than its luxury counterparts. The cap fits tightly, does not fly off and is not lost in the cosmetic bag.

The palette includes 12 shades: from delicate, nude to more saturated browns and reds. The finish is without reflective particles, completely matte, but at the same time the texture is silky, soft. The formula contains hydrogenated oils. They ensure even color distribution and wearing comfort. There are no essential oils or fragrances, so there is no risk of irritation and dry skin.

• high-quality case;
• rich pigmentation;
• durability more than 5 hours;
• easy to sharpen;
• does not dry;
• does not tighten;
• does not “make you bald”;
• not felt in the sock.

• sharpener missing.

Reliably fixes lipstick and lasts for a long time. The soft texture ensures ease and precision of application. The formula contains shea butter, castor oil and grape seed oil. The pigmentation is good and lasts a long time. With this pencil you can draw only a “frame” or completely shade the pigment over the entire surface of the lips.

It is decorated simply, without frills, the color of the outer shell completely matches the selected shade. The inscriptions on the case do not wear off even after a long period of use.

• moderately soft;
• lays flat, does not roll;
• does not have a drying effect;
• does not fall into folds;
• care components in the formula.

• average durability.

Ultra-pigmented pencil, creates an even line. The texture is medium soft, applies evenly, without bald spots. The formula is enriched with vitamins E and C, which provide the product with antioxidant properties. Jojoba oil and cottonseed oil in the composition are responsible for softening. The color rendition is good, the pigmentation lasts for several hours, does not wear off or fade.

The difference between Pupa True Lips and other analogues is in the design of the case. It has a double-sided format. On the one hand there is a stylus, which periodically requires sharpening, on the other there is a latex applicator for shading. Both sides are reliably protected by a cap.

• contains oils and vitamins;
• no parabens;
• beautiful matte tones;
• easy to apply.

• high price.

Available in 8 shades, packaged in a plastic case. The rod is retractable, has a medium density consistency, is well sharpened and easy to use. Despite its semi-soft texture, it does not break or crumble during makeup application. Due to its creamy texture, it can be used instead of matte lipstick. At the same time, it does not emphasize peeling and does not get into folds.

The product applies very neatly, evenly, and draws lines well. It layers without problems, without pilling or leaving bald spots. Longevity: the pigment does not imprint on clothes, tea cups, and does not disappear after eating. On average it lasts up to 5-6 hours.

• super resistant;
• does not dry or tighten;
• creamy texture with matte effect;
• withstands layering;
• does not create problems when removing makeup;
• does not emphasize folds;
• acceptable cost.

• quickly consumed.

Belarusian product of excellent quality. The structure includes vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant. The soft glide of the lead ensures smooth application without gaps. The durability is commendable, the piment withstands snacks and coffee breaks and remains just as rich at the end of the day. It can be removed without any problems with regular micellar water.

The palette is presented in 22 different shades. You can choose a color for both a soft, everyday look and brighter, evening makeup options. The packaging is standard: a wooden case with golden informational inscriptions and a transparent protective cap.

• gives a matte finish with good durability;
• nourishes and gives a well-groomed appearance;
• soft, easy-to-work consistency;
• wide selection of shades;
• affordable price.

• if used solo, it dries out.

Seventeen Longstay Lip Shaper has a long-lasting formula, similar to kajal eyeliner. The color does not accumulate in folds, but is evenly distributed over the surface. The texture is comfortable enough not to injure the skin during application and leave behind a uniform, homogeneous line without gaps.

The texture is not too greasy and soft. Due to this, it does not smear, melt or crumble. Despite the slight dryness, the rod does not scratch the skin, lies smoothly and is evenly distributed. Externally, the product looks quite decent, packaged in a wooden shell. On top, the rod is protected from damage by a transparent plastic cover, through which you can see and select the desired color.

• contains no gluten;
• delicate to apply;
• gives good color;
• does not roll up in the folds of the skin;
• pigmentation persists for a long time.

• slightly dry texture.

Creates a distinct contour, accentuates the tone of the lipstick and prevents it from bleeding. Easy to apply, includes wax and nutrients, which provides additional care. It retains pigmentation all day, does not rub off, does not smudge, and does not cause any hassle with makeup adjustments.

The shade of the wooden body completely matches the tone of the rod. The top is closed with an opaque cap to protect against damage. The texture is a little dry and harsh, which means the color doesn't apply very easily. The Eva Mosaic Make Up Lips Lip Liner line features an incredibly beautiful palette of colors. In addition, each of them is assigned not only a number, but also a name: “velvet”, “flirting”, “cherry”.

• visually adds volume;
• gives a matte finish;
• the rod is durable and does not break when used or sharpened;
• increased durability;
• attractive colors;
• doesn't look cheap;
• budget price.

• firmer and drier texture compared to similar products.

The product from the famous American brand NYX is designed to create ombre lip makeup. For a smooth transition from one shade to another, there are 2 retractable leads on both sides. One of them is thinner and darker, designed to outline the contour and form the dark part of the gradient. The other is lighter, thicker. With its help, the light part of the ombre is filled.

The creamy consistency allows for excellent blending of the product and helps achieve smooth transitions between tones. As a result, the double-sided ombre rod adds volume and creates a beautiful cosmetic “3D effect”.

• soft and comfortable application;
• without drying effect;
• does not emphasize lip imperfections;
• prolongs the durability of makeup;
• does not need a sharpener.

• small volume;
• fast consumption.

The pencil with a wooden frame is made in a classic style. Its formula includes many useful components:

• Vitamin E – keeps skin youthful;
• aloe extract – tones and protects against bacteria;
• Jojoba oil – softens and nourishes.

The composition includes refractory waxes, due to which color durability is enhanced throughout the day. Although the rod has a hard structure, it is applied effortlessly, without stretching or scratching the skin. The lines are clear, even, and last all day. Can be filled in the inner part of the contour and used as lipstick.

• large selection of shades;
• persistent pigmentation;
• economical consumption;
• does not dry out;
• Keeps makeup fresh for a long time.

• difficult to sharpen.

How to choose a pencil according to lipstick color

To do this you need to follow a few simple rules:

1. Consider the saturation and tone of the lipstick. The color of the lead should completely match the shade of the lipstick or be 1-2 shades darker. If you plan to apply ombre, then the difference in tonality should be at least 3-4 tones.
2. Choose a universal shade. Every girl has a favorite shade of lipstick. The pencil will automatically become universal if its shade matches the tone of most glosses and lipsticks in your cosmetic bag.
3. Make the line invisible. A transparent contour pencil will harmonize with any lipstick color. It is currently in a special trend because it creates a clear but completely invisible lip line. This makeup looks natural and modern, and the lipstick does not spread beyond the contours.

A pencil with the smallest particles of mother-of-pearl will help make your lips visually fuller. After application, they are practically invisible, but due to the shining inclusions, additional volume will appear.

How to sharpen a pencil correctly

Cosmetic pencils differ from ordinary stationery pencils. Accordingly, they need to be sharpened according to other rules:

1. Use a special sharpener. Office sharpeners are not suitable. They are designed for different properties of wood and lead.
2. Select the diameter of the sharpener. Different brands of pencils have different diameters. This must be taken into account when purchasing a sharpener. There are options with two compartments of different diameters. Such sharpeners are more versatile, but it’s still better to grab your pencil and “try” it on the sharpener in a cosmetics store.
3. Do not sharpen the tip too sharp. The texture of cosmetic lead is softer and greasy than regular lead. If you sharpen the tip too sharp, it will probably break quickly.
4. Keep the lead in the freezer for 10 minutes. This life hack will help if you can’t sharpen your stylus and it keeps breaking. The cold temperature will “tighten” the texture a little and allow you to sharpen the lead without any problems.

If you don’t have a cosmetic sharpener at hand, you can use a blade or a regular kitchen knife. In the first case, the blade must be removed from its packaging and the lead carefully sharpened. In the second, place the pencil on the surface at an angle of 30° and, without pressing too hard on the rod, sharpen it, cutting off the excess part of the wooden shell.

When working with a knife and razor blade, you must follow safety rules.

Rules for drawing a contour with a pencil

Before application, you need to prepare your lips to smooth out any unevenness and remove flaking. This is done simply:

1. Treat the surface with lip scrub.
2. Moisten the top with balm.
3. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes.
4. Blot with a dry cloth to remove excess balm.

After this, you can draw a contour line. To make it smooth and perfectly highlight the beauty of the lips, the pencil is applied in stages:

1. The central part of the contour of the upper lip is drawn.
2. Then the corners are drawn in the upper part and connected to the central pattern.
3. On the contrary, you need to draw a line from the bottom, starting from the corners, moving towards the center.

Beginning makeup artists can put dots along the contour. They will act as guides. By connecting the dots, you can achieve a more precise and neat line.