A slew of new launches have put lip liners centre stage – we tested 3
IF I could only have one lip product it would be lipliner. No other product gives you the same staying power or precision.
A series of new launches have put liners centre stage, and here I put three of them to the test.
Budget
MAYBELLINE Lifter Liner (£6.99 for 1.2g, lookfantastic.com): This liner has an almost gel-like consistency, which makes it easy to apply because it doesn’t drag on the skin. This is especially important if you have fine lines around your mouth.
However, because the pencil is quite soft, it runs out of power quickly and you have to sharpen it again after almost every use.
Once on the lips, the color lasts a long time and does not feel unpleasant or drying.
It’s probably the best lip liner I’ve ever tried and I will definitely be purchasing more shades.
Middle class
FENTY Beauty Trace’d Out Pencil lipliner (£19 for 1.24g, boots.com): The pencil of the new Fenty liner is slightly harder than Maybelline’s, making it a little more effort to apply.
It dries fairly quickly after you add it, which means it doesn’t smudge and lasts a very long time – much longer than the other two I tested.
This can make it a pain to remove at the end of the day, especially if you’ve used a dark color. But it’s worth it because you don’t have to reapply after eating or drinking.
It’s my new favorite.
Luxury
DIOR Rouge Dior Contour lipliner (£26 for 1.2g, johnlewis.com): I immediately liked the idea of the brush at the other end of the pencil, but I find I don’t use it that often in practice as the formula is easy to blend with your lips or finger.
It also does not feel drying on the lips.
It also comes with a sharpener, so you get what you pay for. However, if you buy multiple shades, you’ll end up with more sharpeners than you actually need.
I can’t say anything negative about it, but there are other products that are just as good, for less money.
Choice of the week
Even if you’re not a beauty fan, you’ve probably heard of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (£21).
I can’t walk down the street without seeing at least one person using lip balm from a brightly colored jar.
Today the brand launched Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask, £28, which promises the same hydrating and firming benefits for the eye area. I predict it will sell out immediately again.
Buy now at boots.com