Lip Liner and Lipstick: What’s the Difference and How to Use?

Just like the proverbial phrases of bread and butter, shampoo and conditioner, color correctors and concealers. Some things are designed to improve each other’s existence as a combo. 

The persistent battle between lip liner and lipstick is the perfect example of these phrases. Although lipstick and lipliner are often paired together, each of these lip products plays a different role in your makeup kit. 

This guide on lip liner and lipstick explains their roles and why both are essential in your daily makeup kit.

What is a Lip Liner?

 A lip liner is like an eye pencil for your lips. It is a type of cosmetic product in a pencil shape. It is formulated with a waxy formula and hues that are more opaque and pigmented as compared to lipsticks. It helps provide a precise shape to your lips and can act as an eyeliner for your lips. 

Related Blog: Tips to Choose the Best Lipstick Colors

What is Lipstick?

Lipstick is a favorite cosmetic product amongst makeup lovers. It is usually found in many shades or colors, including matte lipstick, creamy ones, glossy types, and so on. The simple job of a lipstick is to add color and shine to your lips.

Lip Liner vs. Lipstick: Different Types and Use Cases

To get the most out of each product, it’s important to understand the available varieties and their different uses, as outlined below:

Types of Lip Liner Pencils and Use Cases

Following are the top varieties of lip liner pencils available in the market, each with its own sets of benefits and use cases:

More Information For You: Lip Tint vs Lipstick

Types of Lipsticks and Use Cases

The following are the most commonly used lipsticks found in the cosmetic market, each with unique shades, finishes, and use cases. 

A Compilation of Key Differences Between Lip Liner and Lipstick

While lip liner and lipstick are applied to the lips synonymously, the following are some of the main differences between the two, emphasizing them as individual lip makeup products that provide different results:

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How to Use Lip Liner and Lipstick? 

Given the complementary nature of lip care products, questions like “Can lip liner be used as lipstick?” or “Can lip liner and lipstick be used together?” are common. Understanding how to apply each correctly will provide the best answers.

Steps to Apply Lip Liner Correctly

To get the best out of using lip liner as an individual product, follow the below-listed steps for correct application:

Step 1: Prep your lips: Be sure to moisturize your lips so that the lip liner can easily glide through them.

Step 2: Select your shade: Select your lip liner color shade based on your chosen lipstick. The best tip is to select one shade darker than your lipstick. 

Step 3 Start To Line your Lips: Apply the lip liner onto the top corner of your lips using short, light-handed strokes. This will help lips appear fuller and wider-looking.  

Step 4  Fill with lip liner: Apply lip liner. to add more colour intensity to your lip contour.

Step 5 Add Lipstick for Extra Colour: The goal of applying lipstick is to blend the colour seamlessly with your lip liner for that pout-perfect look. 

Step 6: Add Lip Gloss for Finishing Touches: To make your lips appear fuller-looking, glowing, and glossy, apply lip gloss over the top of the lipstick.

Steps to Apply Lipstick Correctly

The following are instructions for properly applying lipstick: 

Step 1: A layer of lip balm: As lipsticks have a matte finish or tinted textures, to make your lips drier. Coating your lips with a lip balm helps add a moisturizing layer.

Step 2: A liner to define: To achieve well-defined lips, line up your lips using a lip liner. 

Step 3: Colour with lip liner: Colouring your lips with a lip liner will not only ensure long-lasting colour but will also help keep your lips comfortable, moisturized, and nourished.

Step 4: Apply your lipstick: After the above 3 prep steps, apply lipstick using cross strokes from each tip of your cupid’s bow and then proceed to fill the rest of your lip.

Step 5: Finish with Gloss: As a final touch, add a lip gloss to add a glamorous shine and make your lip color stay in place all day long.

Can You Use Lip Liner as Lipstick?

Given the sections above and the usage steps, you can use lip liner as lipstick. Applying lip liner all over your lips creates a softer, more natural look.

Key Points About Using Lip Liner as Lipstick:

• Natural Look: Provides a subtle, defined lip line without the heavy coverage of lipstick.
• Matte Finish: Most lip liners have a matte texture, which is ideal for certain styles.
• Lip Preparation: Since lip liners can be drying, applying lip balm beforehand helps with hydration and comfort.
• Color Choice: For best results, choose a shade that closely matches your desired lip color.

Conclusion 

Lip liner and lipstick are important products that together help you to achieve flawless, glamorous, and stunning lips easily. Lip liners help improve the longevity of your lipstick, while lipstick adds extra dimension to your lip liner. But if you want to use these products individually, then it depends totally on your personal preferences. If you prefer a creamy matte finish with long-lasting wear, a lip liner is the best choice, and for a super-pigmented hue with shine, opt for lipstick.

FAQs 

Are lip liner and lipstick the same?

No, not the same. But one helps in bettering the other. Lip liners help improve the life shelf of your lipstick, while lipstick adds extra dimension to your lip liner.

Can I apply lipstick without lip liner?

Yes, you can wear lipstick without lip liner. Applying lipstick alone can look just as flattering, but lip liner will help you to create a more defined-looking lip shape.

Is lip liner or lipstick better?

Neither lip liner nor lipstick is definitively “better,” as they serve different purposes. For a polished finish, most makeup artists recommend using both together. 

Is lip liner or lipstick safe for lips?

Lip liner might be slightly safer for sensitive lips as it is typically applied in a thinner layer, while lipstick can sometimes contain potentially irritating ingredients due to its higher pigment concentration.

Can lip liner be lighter than lipstick?

For a nude lip, Liner slightly lighter than lipstick works. For a bolder lip look, use a lip liner of a slightly darker shade. 

What is the rule for choosing lip liner?

As a matter of rule, select a shade closer to your natural lip color. This will help to create a natural, all-day lasting look.  

What is the rule for choosing lipstick? 

The key rule for choosing lipstick is to match the undertone of the lipstick to your skin’s undertone. 

Do you put on lip liner or lipstick first?

You should always apply lip liner before lipstick; the liner helps define your lip shape, prevents lipstick from bleeding, and provides a cleaner application overall.

Does lip liner make lipstick last longer?

There are many benefits to using lip liner. It ensures the longevity of your lipstick and provides your lips with a more structured shape.

Can lip liner replace lipstick?

Yes, a lip pencil can replace your lipstick or gloss when you fill in your pout. It can even extend your lipstick’s wear by acting as a base and preventing bleeding and smudging onto skin.