The 9 best lip liners for a defined and smudge-proof pout that lasts all day

RRP: £22 | Shades: 23 | Texture: Matte

Reviewed by: Hannah Holway

Charlotte Tilbury's eponymous makeup line has achieved cult status, and so has the brand’s bestselling Lip Cheat Liner. I found its narrow yet creamy tip easy to manoeuvre and layer under lipstick. It also boasts a waterproof formula that, on testing, stayed put for up to eight hours. I didn't need to worry about smudging, product transfer or frequent reapplication.

It is a fairly matte pencil, meaning it would work best with matte lipsticks or under glossy products. There are an impressive 23 shades to choose from, with buildable and long-lasting colours to suit every skin tone. I dare say this could even replace my favourite lipstick for good.

RRP: £3 | Shades: 9 | Texture: creamy

Reviewed by: Naomi Jamieson

To say that I was impressed by this lip liner is an understatement. The formula is so lightweight and creamy, gliding on (much like the name promises) and giving added shape and pigment to my lips in a flash.

Alas, the shade range is very limited, boasting just nine options ranging from warm pinky nudes and soft neutrals to bold reds. The price, though, is what makes this lip liner a contender on this list as it costs just £3 (yes, seriously just £3!) and yet its formula feels so luxe and lasted very well through eating, drinking and lots of conversation.

RRP: £18 | Shades: 9 | Texture: Matte

Reviewed by: Fiona McKim

This looks a little different to your average lip pencil. The sturdy base, combined with a pointed, twist-up nib (which was firm enough to remain tapered after several uses), created the perfect conditions to steadily overline my lips for a plumper-looking pout.

The texture of this liner is fairly matte, and feels like it, but I didn't find it overly draggy on my lips or tricky to apply. This is due to the inclusion of coconut oil and vitamin E, which take care of your lips while the formula lays itself down and sets. It's as long-lasting as anything I've tried, which is exactly what you want when creating an exaggerated, defined shape.

RRP: £4 | Shades: 14 | Texture: creamy

Reviewed by: Hannah Holway

With several industry awards, NYX's Slim Lip Pencil has a slender shape and a fine tip, making it easy to accentuate the appearance of your pout. Arriving in a wide spectrum of shades, with classic reds and fuchsias as well as orange and auburn, the pencil features a buttery-soft formula that glides on easily and stays put.

I found that this resists bleeding well and appreciated the inclusion of hydrating coconut oil to condition lips; this makes all the difference when applying this pencil, as the sharp tip still feels super-soft and is all the nicer to use. All this for the same price as your daily coffee? I can't think of many better ways to spend a few pounds.

RRP: £21 | Shades: 8 | Texture: Sheeny

Reviewed by: Fiona McKim

If your lips tend to get a bit parched in the summer and chapped in the winter, Merit's ultra-hydrating liner could be for you. When I tested this twist-up pencil, I couldn't believe how different it felt from the matte liners I usually wear. It's sheeny and comfortable thanks to the inclusion of a jojoba complex, with a satin finish.

The downside? Like any moisturising lippie, it doesn't last as long as its matte counterparts. This is just the rules; if a lip product is creamy and comfy, expect reapplications. As it glides on so nicely, it was no trouble to redraw a couple of times a day. Shout out to the shade selection - of the eight available (I tested Beverly Hills), every one is gorgeous, grown-up, and subtle.

RRP: £20 | Shades: 36 | Texture: Matte

Reviewed by: Hannah Holway

This is loaded with pigment, delivering impressive colour in one swipe. From nudes, browns, and soft pinks to bolder and brighter hues, there is a huge range of shades. I also found that this lip liner boasted an impressive staying power that does not budge. Its pigment-packed formula stays put for hours on end (trust me).

I loved scribbling it all over my lips, as well as under lip gloss for a going-out glam look. It is also the perfect liner when teamed with a deep nude lipstick for a sophisticated finish. A great all-rounder, this is without a doubt one of the best lip liners I’ve tried.

RRP: £26 | Shades: 10 | Texture: Satin

Reviewed by: Hannah Holway

For a dreamy, creamy lip liner that is a total joy to apply, opt for this. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, which makes it super moisturising and comfortable enough for all-day wear. I found that this hydrating formula creates the perfect base, extending the wear of lipstick without any feathering or bleeding.

The real hero here is the integrated lip brush, with a pointed bristle tip. I found it easy to blend out this liner for a seamless pout, mixed with my favourite shade of lipstick. I also think it works well as a stand-alone lip product, made all the more subtle by using the soft, feathery brush.

RRP: £27 | Shades: 9 | Texture: Velvet matte

Reviewed by: Hannah Holway

Bobbi Brown’s iconic Lip Pencil has been a mainstay of my makeup bag for years. It’s a classic pencil liner that comes with a professional sharpener, so you can ensure a precise line. However, if you’re after a softly diffused finish, you can wear it down to a blunter edge.

There are nine shades spanning deep browns through to pale pink. All can be worn alone, under lipstick or, as the brand recommends, over lipstick. For the latter, I’d recommend blotting on your chosen lipstick before defining your lip line with your pencil. My only gripe is that it’s not as creamy as some other (newer) lip liners, but it certainly stays put all day.

RRP: £21 | Shades: 15 | Texture: Creamy matte

Reviewed by: Hannah Holway

Many of us love a multi-tasking wonder, and this chubby lip pencil offers the ability to use it as lip liner, lipstick and blusher in 12 neutral, pink and red shades. For the latter, I simply scribbled it onto the apples of my cheeks before blending with my fingertips for an instant, perky complexion, rivalling some of the best cream blushers around.

For the lips, I recommend using the pointed tip to outline your lip line, then using the slanted edge to saturate your pout. Its pigment-rich colour has impressive staying power. As for shades, I like Entice, a muted pink, for daytime and Raven, a deep burgundy, for night. What’s more, the velvety matte finish looks ultra-chic.