Lip liners

More than an outline

A lip liner does three jobs: it defines the shape, gives lipstick a base and keeps it inside the lip line so it does not bleed into fine lines around the mouth. As it is richly pigmented, you can also wear it on its own: fill in your whole lips and top with a balm or gloss. Most of the liners have a sharpener and a sponge tip at the end, which you can use to soften and blend the line.

How to choose your liner shade

For a natural look, choose a liner close to your own lip colour, such as the beige-pink Lena. With a bold lipstick, use a liner in the same shade or one tone deeper: Anita with reds, Marghareta with red-browns and Maud with mauve tones. Brown Ingrid rounds off warm nude combinations nicely.

Applying your lip liner

• Start by defining the Cupid’s bow and the centre of the lower lip.
• Then join up the outline to the corners with short strokes.
• Soften the line with the sponge so there is no hard edge.
• Finish with lipstick or gloss.