How To Use Lip Liner With Lip Gloss

Pairing lip liner with lip gloss is the easiest way to achieve a luscious yet understated pout. You get all the definition of lipstick with the added shine and moisture of gloss, what's not to love? We did the work and found the best lip gloss and liner combinations, plus some handy application tips you'll be sure to thank us for.

To use a lip liner with lip gloss, use a nude, pink, or peachy liner that complements your skin tone. Rather than draw a harsh line around your lips, create a feathered effect by shading in toward the center. Then, simply pat your favorite gloss over top. 

It may seem like a no-brainer, but there are some game-changing tips and tricks you should know in order to do this trend correctly. Keep reading to learn everything we have to offer. You'll be turning heads in no time.

What Color Gloss And Lip Liner Go Together?

First thing's first, you need to find the perfect combo to get the look you're after. Whether you want something natural or a pout more akin to lipstick, we've got you covered.

Check out this article: Do Lip Liners Ever Expire?

You Can't Go Wrong With Clear Lip Gloss

Every makeup wearer should have a dependable clear lip gloss in their arsenal. In this application, clear lip gloss pairs best over a natural lip liner that's only a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone. This combination leaves you with a subtly defined lip that looks healthy and juicy.

A lip gloss enriched with nourishing oils will double as a balm so your lips never feel chapped! Keep reading to learn what lip liners will look best under clear gloss depending on your skin tone.

Check out this e.l.f. moisturizing lip lacquer in "bubbles" on Amazon. 

Pink Lip Liner

Sweet pink lip liner is the perfect choice for folks with fair skin tones. The subtle wash of color will play up the undertones in your skin while still imparting the defined look you're after. Remember: look for a pink liner that's a few shades darker than your skin. Pinks that are too light will look clownish and won't provide any definition.

Check out this Maybelline lip liner in "pink wink" on Amazon. 

Peach Lip Liner

If you have a medium skin tone with warm peachy undertones, a warm peach-toned lip liner is your best friend. Worn under clear lip gloss, this color will give you a bronzed, beach-ready feel even in the dead of winter.

The best aspect of peach lip liners is that they come in a wide variety of shades, so one is bound to work perfectly with your skin. Look for one that leans pink if you're on the fairer side of medium or one that's darker nude for deeper skin tones.

Check out this Clique lip liner in "California sunset" on Amazon. 

Nude Brown Lip Liner

People with dark skin tones can't go wrong with clear lip gloss and nude lip liner. As with the other colors, look for a shade that's just a little bit deeper than the natural color of your lips. Using a nude lip liner that incorporates a little bit of mauve is an easy way to add some more flair to this look.

Check out this NYX lip pencil in "urban cafe" on Amazon. 

Try Nude Lip Liner With Pink Lip Gloss

Our number one tip for pulling off this look is to avoid gloss and liner that are the same exact color. When you do that, the finished product is one-dimensional and a little boring. A liner that is a slightly deeper, more neutral shade paired with a little pop of color in your gloss is your best bet.

That's why nude lip liner paired with pink lip gloss is one of our favorite options. This look will work for anyone. People with fair skin tones can stick to a light, bubblegum pink while darker-skinned folks can opt for a gloss with deeper berry tones. Either way, this look is sure to please.

Check out this Haus Laboratories rip lip liner in "myth" on Amazon. 

Check out this Honest Beauty gloss-c lip gloss in "rose opal" on Amazon. 

Pair Peachy Lip Liner With Shimmering Gold Gloss

Add a little sparkle to your life for the ultimate beachy sun-kissed look. Warm undertones are the way to go. Start with a liner that's anywhere from bright peach to a subtle warm-nude.

The lip gloss is really the key here. One with a gold reflection will put this look over the top. Opt for a little extra bronzer while wearing this lip and voila – it's like summertime all year round.

Check out this NYX suede matte lip liner in "Kyoto" on Amazon. 

Check out this Revlon super lustrous lip gloss in "rosy future" on Amazon. 

How To Apply Lip Liner With Lip Gloss

Once you start applying lip liner under your gloss, you'll never go back. Wearing lip gloss by itself is cute, sure. But it lacks the depth and definition that comes with layering it over lip liner.

It may seem straightforward, but applying this look correctly requires a specific technique. Once you get the hang of it, it's a piece of cake, but be sure to keep reading if you want to know exactly how to achieve the perfect liner + gloss combo.

Apply Lip Liner With A Light Hand

You may be used to putting lip liner on in a defined ring around the whole perimeter of your lips. That's the best way to get your lipstick to stay put, after all. But you're going to want to do it a little differently in this situation.

Start by creating a soft line around your mouth like you normally would, but then lightly shade inward toward the center of your lips. You can shade in your lips entirely for a result akin to lipstick, or stop halfway for an ombré effect.

Pro tip: don't be afraid to use your hands. Pat your lips with your ring finger to seamlessly blend your liner and avoid harsh lines.

Pat Lip Gloss Over Top

This is the easiest part, but also the most important. For a full-lipped, juicy look, apply a thin layer all over the lips. For something more natural, swipe your gloss in the center of your bottom lip and lightly pat outward with your finger. Voila, the look is complete!

Check out the video below for a step-by-step tutorial:

How Often Should You Apply Lip Gloss?

The one downside of lip gloss is how easily it transfers and fades. It's an unfortunate reality, but luckily lip gloss doesn't require too much precision to re-apply. For this reason, always keep the gloss you're wearing in your pocket or bag! It's super simple to swipe on a little more when you need it.

On a normal day, you should really only need to re-apply two or three times. After you eat a meal or drink your coffee is a good time to check the mirror and see if you need a touch-up.

How To Get Lip Liner To Stay On All Day?

Unlike lip gloss, lip liner will stay on all day if you prep your lips well. That means two things: moisture and exfoliation!

Exfoliate 2-3 Time Per Week

It's a good idea to exfoliate your lips every few days, especially if you like wearing lipstick or other drying lip products. Just take a washcloth or dry toothbrush and brush off any dead skin. If you're in the mood to treat yourself, you can find some yummy-smelling lip scrubs on Amazon!

Check out this Burt's Bees conditioning lip scrub on Amazon. 

Lip Balm Is A Must

Wearing a nourishing lip gloss over your liner is a great way to keep your lips soft throughout the day, but it's important to keep them moisturized all the time. That means investing in a lip mask or lip balm and applying it on mornings, nights, and makeup-free days.

Check out this Vaseline cocoa butter lip therapy on Amazon. 

Can You Put Lip Gloss Over Matte Lipstick?

You can absolutely put lip gloss over your matte lipstick if you're looking for a dewy finish. Just make sure to pat the lip gloss on with your finger instead of swiping the applicator over your lips. That swiping motion will remove the product and leave you with patchy lipstick.

Check out this article: Should You Wear Lipstick To An Interview?

In Closing

Now that you know the right technique for wearing lip liner with lip gloss, it's sure to become your new go-to look. The beauty of this trend is how customizable it is. With just a few different liners and glosses in your collection, you can mix and match to serve a different look every day of the week.