Yes, lipstick absolutely goes over lip liner. This technique is a fundamental step for achieving a polished, long-lasting, and defined lip look.
Lip liner serves as a crucial base that enhances the performance and wear of your lipstick. After defining the shape of your lips with liner, it's common practice to fill in the entire lip area with the liner before topping it off with your lipstick. This creates a solid foundation, allowing the lipstick to adhere better and wear more evenly throughout the day.
Why Use Lip Liner Under Lipstick?
Using lip liner beneath your lipstick offers several significant advantages, transforming your lip application from good to great.
Key Benefits of Layering
- Prevents Feathering and Bleeding: Lip liner creates a barrier that stops lipstick from migrating into fine lines around the mouth, ensuring your color stays exactly where you want it.
- Enhances Longevity: By providing a base for your lipstick, lip liner grips the color, making it last much longer. When the lipstick starts to fade, the liner underneath keeps your lips looking colored.
- Boosts Color Vibrancy: A neutral or matching lip liner can make your lipstick color appear more intense and true to shade, especially if your natural lip color is uneven.
- Creates Definition: Liner allows you to sculpt and define your lip shape precisely, creating a fuller or more symmetrical appearance before applying a wash of color.
- Smoother Application: A well-lined and filled lip provides a smoother canvas for lipstick application, preventing patchiness.
How to Apply Lip Liner and Lipstick for Best Results
Achieving a flawless lip look is simple with these steps, ensuring your lipstick goes on smoothly and stays put.
| Step | Action | Tip for Success |
|---|---|---|
| **1. Prep Your Lips** | Exfoliate gently and moisturize with a balm. | A smooth canvas prevents flaking and patchy application. Let balm absorb. |
| **2. Line Your Lips** | Outline your natural lip shape or slightly overdraw for fullness. | Start with the Cupid's bow and center of the bottom lip, then connect the corners. |
| **3. Fill Them In** | *Completely fill in the entire lip area with your lip liner.* | This creates a uniform base and increases lipstick wear time. |
| **4. Apply Lipstick** | Apply your chosen lipstick directly over the filled-in lip liner. | Use a brush for precision or directly from the bullet. Blot and reapply for intensity. |
Choosing the Right Lip Liner
The effectiveness of this technique largely depends on selecting the appropriate lip liner.
- Matching Shade: For a seamless look, choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade as closely as possible.
- Nude Liner: A nude or clear lip liner is a versatile option that works with virtually any lipstick color and helps prevent feathering without adding extra color.
- Consistency: Look for a liner that glides on smoothly but isn't too creamy, as this can still lead to bleeding. A slightly firmer pencil offers better control and staying power.
For more detailed guides on lip product application, consider consulting resources from reputable beauty brands like MAC Cosmetics' Lip Tips or beauty editorials such as Allure Magazine's Lip Liner Guide.
By incorporating lip liner as a base, you ensure your lipstick application is not only beautiful but also resilient and long-lasting, proving that lipstick going over lip liner is a universally recommended practice for polished lips.
