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10 Best Drugstore Lip Liners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Revlon ColorStay Lipliner with SoftFlex, Sienna [635] 1 ea (Pack of 3)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,459
Texture
Longevity

Most important from
18215 reviews

Texture
It doesn’t seep into lip lines like so many others do! It’s the perfect consistency for lip lining.
Longevity
My favorite lip liner for color, application, and being long-lasting!

The Revlon ColorStay Lipliner with SoftFlex in Sienna is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable drugstore lip liner. Starting with texture, the SoftFlex formula ensures the pencil glides smoothly over the lips, which can make application easier and more comfortable. The pigmentation is quite strong, providing a rich sienna color that can enhance your lipstick or even be worn alone for a matte finish. Longevity is one of this product's standout features, as the ColorStay line is known for its long-wearing capabilities, meaning you can expect minimal touch-ups throughout the day.

The matte finish is trendy and can work well for those who prefer a non-shiny look. However, if you prefer a glossy or satin finish, this might not be the best option for you. The shade range for this specific product is limited to Sienna, which might not suit everyone's preferences or skin tones, but Revlon offers a variety of shades in the ColorStay line if you’re willing to look at other options. In terms of ease of use, the pencil form is straightforward and user-friendly, even for those new to makeup.

The pack of three also offers good value for money, making it a cost-effective purchase. Some users might find that the pencil needs sharpening more frequently than they'd like, which could be a minor inconvenience. This lip liner excels in texture, pigmentation, and longevity, making it a great choice for those who like a matte finish and are satisfied with the sienna shade.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,459
Texture
Longevity

Most important from
18215 reviews

Texture
It doesn’t seep into lip lines like so many others do! It’s the perfect consistency for lip lining.
Longevity
My favorite lip liner for color, application, and being long-lasting!
#2

REVLON Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-In Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 640 Raisin, 0.01 oz

Rating
9.7
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
18215 reviews

Texture
Rich and creamy formula that doesn’t feel too heavy or dry.
Pigmentation
Excellent pigmentation gives lips a defined look without feeling uncomfortable.
Longevity
Stays put for hours without smudging or fading, even after eating and drinking.
Shade Range
Color 'natural' is perfect and long-lasting, even popular colors can be hard to find.
Ease of Use
Glides on smoothly and provides great precision, making it easy to create clean, defined lines around the lips.

The Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner in shade 640 Raisin is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable lip liner from the drugstore. Its texture is smooth, allowing for easy and even application. The pigmentation is rich, offering vibrant color that helps to define the lips and make them look fuller.

One of the standout features is its impressive longevity; the color stays put for up to 8 hours without needing re-application, making it ideal for long days or events where you don't want to continually touch up your makeup. Additionally, the built-in sharpener is a convenient touch, ensuring the pencil is always ready to use without needing extra tools.

It offers a lush finish, but it may not be suitable for those who prefer a matte or glossy look as it sits somewhere in between. With 14 different shades available, there is a reasonable range of colors to choose from, but it may not cover every skin tone or preference. Another advantage is that it helps prevent bleeding and feathering, which can be a common issue with some lip liners. This lip liner is easy to use and versatile, fitting well within the category needs for texture, pigmentation, longevity, and ease of use. It’s particularly suitable for those seeking a long-lasting, well-defined lip look without frequent touch-ups, although those with very specific shade requirements or finish preferences might need to explore other options.

Rating
9.7
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
18215 reviews

Texture
Rich and creamy formula that doesn’t feel too heavy or dry.
Pigmentation
Excellent pigmentation gives lips a defined look without feeling uncomfortable.
Longevity
Stays put for hours without smudging or fading, even after eating and drinking.
Shade Range
Color 'natural' is perfect and long-lasting, even popular colors can be hard to find.
Ease of Use
Glides on smoothly and provides great precision, making it easy to create clean, defined lines around the lips.
#3

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner - Peakaboo Neutral

Rating
9.4
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
48794 reviews

Texture
It's easy to use, glides on smoothly, and the creamy texture ensures it’s not dry at all.
Pigmentation
The product lasts a long time both in terms of quantity and on the lips, delivering true color and smooth application.
Longevity
The color is very pretty and goes on creamy, lasting throughout the day without stickiness or taste.
Shade Range
Comes in many shades and can be easily sharpened with a pencil sharpener, though reapplication may be needed if you want it to last all day.
Ease of Use
It's easy to use, glides on smoothly, and the creamy texture ensures it’s not dry at all.

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil in Peakaboo Neutral is designed to meet the needs of anyone looking for a versatile lip liner. This product’s creamy texture makes it easy to apply, ensuring a smooth line that enhances the shape of your lips. The pigmentation is strong, providing a bold color that stands out, yet the neutral shade makes it a great everyday option that can complement various looks. Its long-lasting formula is ideal for all-day wear, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

This lip liner also resists bleeding, which helps maintain a clean and sharp look throughout the day. The satin finish gives a soft, natural look to the lips, suitable for a wide range of skin types. Users who appreciate variety will be pleased with the extensive shade range available in this product line, allowing for plenty of customization and experimentation with different lip colors. Furthermore, the pencil form makes it easy to use and convenient to carry around. An added bonus is NYX’s commitment to being a cruelty-free brand, which is a crucial factor for ethically-conscious consumers.

However, as with any product, there might be some downsides. Some users might find the pencil needs to be sharpened frequently, which could be slightly inconvenient. Additionally, while the neutral shade is versatile, those seeking more dramatic or unique colors might need to explore the other shades offered by NYX. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil is a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable, easy-to-use lip liner with good performance in texture, pigmentation, and longevity.

Rating
9.4
Texture
Pigmentation
Longevity

Most important from
48794 reviews

Texture
It's easy to use, glides on smoothly, and the creamy texture ensures it’s not dry at all.
Pigmentation
The product lasts a long time both in terms of quantity and on the lips, delivering true color and smooth application.
Longevity
The color is very pretty and goes on creamy, lasting throughout the day without stickiness or taste.
Shade Range
Comes in many shades and can be easily sharpened with a pencil sharpener, though reapplication may be needed if you want it to last all day.
Ease of Use
It's easy to use, glides on smoothly, and the creamy texture ensures it’s not dry at all.

Buying Guide for the Best Drugstore Lip Liners

Choosing the right lip liner can make a significant difference in your makeup routine. A good lip liner can define your lips, prevent lipstick from feathering, and even make your lipstick last longer. When selecting a lip liner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while shopping for a drugstore lip liner.
TextureTexture refers to how the lip liner feels when applied to your lips. It is important because a smooth, creamy texture will glide on easily without tugging at your lips, providing a more comfortable application. Lip liners can range from very creamy to more firm and waxy. If you prefer a liner that is easy to apply and blend, look for one with a creamier texture. If you want a liner that stays put and provides a more precise line, a firmer texture might be better for you.
PigmentationPigmentation is the intensity of the color that the lip liner provides. This is important because a highly pigmented liner will give you a more defined and vibrant look with less product. Lip liners can range from sheer to highly pigmented. If you want a natural look, a sheer or medium-pigmented liner might be best. For a bold, defined lip, look for a highly pigmented liner.
LongevityLongevity refers to how long the lip liner stays on your lips without fading or smudging. This is important for ensuring your lip makeup lasts throughout the day. Lip liners can vary from short-wearing to long-wearing. If you need your lip liner to last through meals and long hours, look for a long-wearing or waterproof formula. If you don't mind reapplying, a regular formula might be sufficient.
Shade RangeShade range refers to the variety of colors available in a lip liner line. This is important because having a good match for your lipstick or natural lip color can make your makeup look more cohesive. Lip liners come in a wide range of shades, from nudes to bold colors. If you wear a variety of lipstick colors, you might want a few different shades of lip liners. If you have a go-to lipstick color, find a liner that closely matches it.
FinishFinish refers to the final look of the lip liner once applied. This is important because it can affect the overall appearance of your lips. Lip liners can have different finishes, such as matte, satin, or glossy. If you prefer a natural look, a satin finish might be best. For a more dramatic look, a matte finish can provide a bold, defined line. A glossy finish can add a bit of shine and make your lips look fuller.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple the lip liner is to apply and maintain. This is important for ensuring a hassle-free makeup routine. Some lip liners come in pencil form that needs sharpening, while others are retractable and do not require a sharpener. If you prefer convenience, a retractable liner might be the best choice. If you don't mind sharpening your liner for a precise tip, a traditional pencil might work well for you.

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