Get the hang of lip-lining, once and for all!

May 14, 2015 9:11 PM

Whatever the case might be, the 90's have proven that lip liner can be an intimidating beauty tool when it comes to the perfect pout.

Lip Lining

Thanks to the likes of Kylie Jenner, lip liner is gaining firm footing in the beauty world once again, or it could just be a retro touch.

At some point, lip lining was actually seen as rachet. Who knew this day would come?

Whatever the case might be, the 90's have proven that lip liner can be an intimidating beauty tool when it comes to the perfect pout.

"Many women think that lip liner is the one makeup step that is unnecessary, too time consuming, and harsh," says MAC's Director of Makeup Artistry, Romero Jennings. "Lip liner is actually a necessary tool that helps you achieve a long-lasting, symmetrical, perfected lip."

So for that perfectly lined lip, you would want to try Romero's tips on lining your way to a perfect pout!

The key to successful lip liner application lies in a few key steps.

Master the BasicsFirst, always start with a sharpened pencil, which will create a precise line, says Jennings. Then trace the bottom lip before the top, smiling as you trace to stretch the lip.

"Overdraw the smaller top lip so that it looks closer to the other for a more cohesive look," he suggests. Finally, start blending.

"Sometimes the liner can be too light, too dark, or a contrasting color that needs to be diffused," says Jennings, who cites a lack of blending as the biggest lip liner mistake he sees. Use a lip brush to lightly spread the color from the outer lip line over the rest of the lip.

Fill It UpIf there's one lip liner look that women are after these days, it's the plumped up pout, but without the right technique, it can come off more clownish than cute.

To make yours work for everyday wear, Jennings suggests starting by blending a concealer one shade lighter than your normal shade around the mouth to frame the lip. Then, apply the lip liner on the lip line, following your natural shape.

"Next, draw another ring around that," says Jennings. "I would say to stop there, but you can add another ring if you feel good about it!" Finally, fill in the entire lip with the same pencil. Romero also suggests finishing with a gloss, "for a more 3D look."

Make It LastLip liner is good for more than just creating the illusion of bigger lips. Layering lipstick over lips shaded in liner can make your lip color last longer, says Jennings. Choosing liner shades that can blend well with most common lipstick colors is key.

"Everyone needs a red, a nude, and this season's hot color: coral," he says.

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