10 Best Clear Lip Liners Of 2024, As Per A Makeup Artist
Hold your lipstick in place to create fuller lips for the perfect gram-ready pouts.
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special event categories.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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For some, adding a quality lip liner is nothing more than adding an extra makeup product that doesn’t make much difference. But did you know that besides preventing your lipstick from feathering, the best clear lip liners also provide the perfect pout? They are available in various formulas, shades, textures, and packaging and help create fuller-looking lips by filling the lines to define and accentuate your lips.
They also prevent the lip color from smearing on your entire face, also known as bleeding. What’s more? Lip liners are known to avoid feathering, i.e., when the lipstick gets on the lines of your lips and results in uneven coverage. Before applying your lipstick, you can use a clear lip liner as a base, and it will hold your lipstick in place and provide an even-toned and strong-pigmented color for statement-making looks. For many people, finding the right lip liner shade might seem like a hassle, so they can opt for a clear lip liner, which does the job equally well. In this article, we have curated a list of the best clear lip liners you can choose from. Keep reading!
In This Article
What Does A Clear Lip Liner Do?
Clear lip liners or invisible lip liners can be a gamechanger when added to your beauty routine. Since they are transparent, they can match any lipstick color you apply and lock it securely to avoid feathering and bleeding. They draw precisely along your lips to accentuate them and give them proper definition. You can even use invisible lip liners as a primer to prepare your lips for lipstick or lipgloss to give it an even look. And if a clear lip liner comes equipped with some nourishing ingredients like essential oils or vitamins, even better. This will ensure that your lips are soft and kissable as opposed to being dry and cracked. Not only that, they hold both matte and glossy lip products well. So, go slather on that lip gloss, girl!
10 Best Clear Lip Liners To Up Your Pout Game Instantly
1. Best Long-Lasting:Maybelline New York ColorSensational Shaping Lip Liner
The Maybelline New York ColorSensational Shaping Lip Liner comes with a self-sharpening tip to completely revolutionize your lip vanity! It’s never been easier to give an impression of full and defined lips, as the creamy pencil glides easily along your lip line and cupid’s bow. Made with a smudge-proof formula, this pencil lip liner helps your lipstick last longer by acting as a primer without any fear of feathering or bleeding. You can go on with your day rest assured that your lips are making an impact. The tester’s experience featured in this video will give you a better insight into the product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy application
- Smudge-proof
- Glides on easily
- Locks in lip product for long hours
Cons
- Tip may be weak and prone to breakage
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 8,688 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Vegan Formula:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Line Loud Lip Liner
The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Line Loud Lip Liner imparts a silky, soft touch to any lip makeup look in vibrant, loud lip color hues. It is ideal for boosting the volume of any lip makeup look. This matte lip liner’s creamy smoothness shapes the lips and blends seamlessly to prevent color leakage. This versatile option is a soft matte lip pencil that, due to the presence of jojoba oil and vitamin E, makes the lips seem silky and smooth during quick touch ups. Its kiss-proof formula does not tug or pull at your lip skin and applies smoothly. This product is not tested on animals, which makes it a good fur-friendly option.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
- Self-sharpening
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Soft finish
- Suitable for sensitive lips
Cons
- None
Quick Tip3. Best Creamy Texture:Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lipliner
Rimmel is a tried-and-tested brand that offers cosmetics that have become favorites in the beauty world. Their Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lipliner is super creamy and gives a longer staying power to any lip color. If you are a makeup professional or an artist, this non-drying perfect lip liner is your paintbrush and you can use it to fill, prime, and line your lips to accentuate them to the fullest. As a plus, this non-bleeding formula contains shea butter and castor oil to make your lips softer and more kissable. Get yourself a clear lip-lining pencil that stays put through anything you do without becoming dry or cakey. It goes without saying that your lipstick won’t even budge for upto 7 hours— forget feathering! As the icing on top, this anti-feathering lip liner is also dermatologically tested. It is also formulated without any animal testing, which makes it a good fur-friendly option. Watch this reviewer’s experience in this video for a thorough understanding of the product.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Contains moisturizing ingredients
- Long staying power
- Smudge-proof
- Tip is soft and glides smoothly
Cons
- Not water-resistant
| Maybelline New York ColorSensational Shaping Lip Liner Best Long-Lasting | NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Line Loud Lip Liner Best Vegan Formula | Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lipliner Best Creamy Texture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.12 x 0.31 x 0.31 inches | 5.31 x 0.35 x 0.35 inches | 5.12 x 0.33 x 0.33 inches |
| Weight | 0.19 Ounces | 1.76 Ounces. | 0.32 Ounces |
| Skin Type | - | AllColor | AllColor |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,688 | - | 1,101 |
| Price | $5.53 | $7.97 | $3.59 |
4. Best Nourishing Ingredients:Milani Anti-Feathering Lipliner
For a pout that doesn’t bleed or feather, you need to get your hands on the Milani Anti-Feathering Lipliner. True to its name, this hydrating lip pencil keeps your lipstick safe within the lines with no feathering and bleeding, giving you well-defined lips. The translucent shade helps to keep your lip color from spilling out and smudging. And what’s better is that you can even use it as a primer before applying your lipstick or lip gloss— saving both time and money! Your lips are going to feel soft due to its cocktail of vitamins and other hydrators that are set to moisturize and nourish. No parabens and it’s also cruelty-free. Need we say more?
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Doubles as a lip primer
- Nourishing ingredients
- paraben-free
Cons
- Tip is a little too soft and might break easily.
Quick Tip5. Best Waterproof Formula:Smashbox Always Sharp Clear Lip Liner
The Smashbox Always Sharp Clear Lip Liner is a top-notch option for those who don’t have time to waste sharpening their lip pencils. Say goodbye to all your feathering woes with this waterproof and smudge-resistant formula that can complement any lip color and offer exceptional results. The precision tip allows for the perfect lining to give the illusion of fullness and accentuate your lips. We love a multitasking product and the Smashbox Always Sharp Clear Lip Liner also readies your lips for color or gloss by acting as a primer. As a plus, this smashing daywear product is also vegan and cruelty-free so you can shop it without guilt! Formulated without any parabens, sulfates, silicone, phthalates, oils, or fragrances, this is the best oil-free lip liner to give your lips some lovin’. A cool feature of the sharpener is built right into the cap! To get the perfect point, just twist the cap down to close. When you twist the cap back up to open, the twist-up lip liner will be sharpened and ready to go. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this silicone-free lip liner.
Pros
- Prevents feathering
- Water-resistant
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
- Self-sharpening
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May be a little drying
6. Best Smudge-Resistance:Golden Rose Lip Barrier Transparent Lip Pencil
As the name suggests, the Golden Rose Lip Barrier Transparent Lip Pencil shields your lipstick or lip gloss from feathering and getting on to your skin. The formula is transparent and smooth, ensuring that the pencil glides on smoothly without messing up the definition you worked so hard to create. It not only pairs well with all lip colors, but gives staying power to all lipstick types from glossy to matte. It is also enriched with vitamin E to keep your lips soft and hydrated. Being transparent, you don’t have to worry about staining the skin around your lips. It’s also cruelty-free so that means we have a winner, right?
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-resistant
- Hydrating formula
- Vitamin E nourishes skin
- Prevents feathering and bleeding
- Works well on all types of lipsticks
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to sharpen
7. Best Matte Finish:Grande StayPut Invisible Lip Liner
If you seek to define your lips with precision and sculpt the cupid’s bow, the Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS StayPut Lip Liner works wonders. With a creamy texture, the precision lip liner has a formula that glides smoothly to ensure your statement-making lip color or lip gloss stays put the entire day. Since it is invisible, it won’t transfer onto your skin while also keeping your precious lip product from bleeding or feathering away. Call it the Tinder of lip liners, since it will match any lipstick or lip gloss color you own!
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Doesn’t bleed or feather
- Works with matte lipsticks
- Works with all colors of lipstick and lip gloss
Cons
- Slightly expensive
8. Best Anti-Allergy:Mary Kay Lip Liner
The Mary Kay Lip Liner is an invisible pencil which has a long-lasting formula to give your lipstick a full-day wear. Your lipstick feathering horror stories can be a thing of the past now. It is a great choice if your skin gets easily irritated, as it is clinically tested for safety and allergies. With a smooth application tip, this allergy-friendly lip liner ensures perfect definition along your lip line and cupid’s bow, minus tugging! What takes the cake is that the hypoallergenic, retractable lip pencil doesn’t need to be sharpened. Dare we say this dermatologist-tested invisible lip liner is a dream come true?
Pros
- Prevents feathering
- Sharpening-free pencil
- Smooth tip
- Smudge-resistant
- Tested for allergies
Cons
- May dry out lips for some
9. Best For Moisturization:L’Oréal Paris Crayon Petite Automatic Lip Liner
This ultimate clear lip liner by L’Oréal Paris is a stand-out perfect size product with its transparent formula. The chubby crayon stick glides on smoothly without any tugging whatsoever to give you a clean and defined outline for your lips. And to make your lips extra soft, this moisturizing formula is infused with aloe and castor seed oil which also ensure that your lips don’t look cakey. With a long staying-power and smudge-resistant formula, your lipstick will now stay where it’s supposed to! No more worries about feathering or bleeding as you go about your day!
Pros
- Smudge-proof
- Long staying-power
- Has moisturizing properties
- Prevents feathering and bleeding
- Can be used with lipstick of any color
Cons
- Some may not like the smell of the product.
10. Best Transfer-Proof:Jolie Waterproof Gel Lip Liner – Invisible
Jolie’s Waterproof Gel Lip Liner has an ultra-creamy texture that gives the smoothest application. Being invisible, it doesn’t transfer or feather and your lips will look put-together for long hours. You can blend it in without a hassle and it lasts for up to 7 hours without the need for retouching. Made without any parabens, this gel-based clear, waterproof lip liner allows you to maintain your perfect pout by locking in the color of your lipstick or lip gloss. It will work with any color of lipstick you choose to put on, and keep it looking fresh!
Pros
- Smooth tip
- Transfer-proof
- Easy application
- Smooth texture
- Works well with all lipstick colors
- Prevents feathering and bleeding
Cons
- May not be water-resistant
Now that we have looked at the best clear lip liners on the market, read on to find out how to choose the best one for yourself.
How To Choose Clear Lip Liner
- Ingredients
Clear lip liners do a fantastic job of lining the lips and there are so many on the market that also come with added nourishing ingredients. Aloe, vitamin E, jojoba oil, cottonseed oil, and castor oil are all ingredients that will provide much-needed nutrients and moisturization to your lips. This will prevent them from becoming chapped and discolored. Look out for these ingredients on the label.
- Packaging
Clear or invisible lip liners can be in a pencil form that is either retractable or not. Those that are not retractable usually need a sharpener to push out a new tip. If sharpening your lip liner is a hassle for you, opt for pencils that are self-sharpening to save time and product. Additionally, look for lip liners with sturdy grip so that you can gain adequate control while lining your lips for enhanced beauty.
- Safety
Our lips are delicate and should be handled with care. It is important to invest in lip liners that are formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or other harsh chemicals that can cause dryness, irritation, or discoloration to the lips. You can also check the packaging for ‘vegan’ and ‘cruelty-free’ claims if you want to make a guilt-free choice.
- Smudge-proof
As with traditional lip liners, opt for clear lip liners that are smudge-proof so that they help lock the lipstick or lip gloss color securely without any feathering and bleeding.
- Compatibility with lipsticks
The reason we choose a clear lip liner is so that we can easily match it with any lipstick shade we own rather than purchasing a liner for every color. It’s a good idea to check beforehand whether a clear lip liner goes well with lipsticks or lip glosses of all shades. A good, high-end lip liner must also be able to sit well with matte or glossy lipsticks.
After you’ve chosen the right clear lip liner, the next step is to apply it! Read on to find out how to apply clear lip liner for a pout that will impress.
How To Use Clear Lip Liner
Step 1:
Apply some clear lip balm or lip oil to your lips to prep them and keep them soft. You can also exfoliate beforehand for better results.
Step 2: Sharpen your clear lip liner if it needs to be sharpened, as a pointy tip helps draw precise lines.
Step 3: You can warm the clear lip pencil tip by drawing a small stroke on the back of your hand, or rubbing it with your index finger and thumb.
Step 4: Start by drawing an ‘X’ on your cupid’s bow (the ‘V’ in the middle of your top lip).
Step 5: Line your upper lip with a free hand, with small strokes. Repeat until you have traced the outline of your lower lip as well.
Step 6: Apply lipstick, or just fill in the lines if you prefer a natural lip color.
Infographic: Clear Lip Liner Hacks For Flawless Makeup
A clear lip liner does so much more than just plumping and defining your lips. The whole point of this transparent lip product is to prevent your lipstick from budging. However, you must know how to apply it the right way to achieve flawless lip makeup without feathering. Check out the infographic below for some easy hacks.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Clear lipliners can help you achieve the perfect pout! These lip liners prevent smudging, while also offering a moisturizing barrier and nourishing your lips. These liners are mostly made with natural ingredients like essential oils or vitamins that effortlessly hydrate your lips. The Maybelline New York ColorSensational Shaping Lip Liner is a popular choice for its creamy texture, effortless gliding, and precise lip contouring. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Line Loud Lip Line is perfect for wearing for long hours. The transparent shade of the Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lipliner allows you to line and prime your lips to accentuate them. For extra protection, you can also wear these lip liners above your gel or matte lipsticks. These also work well if you are willing to achieve fuller and well-defined lips for longer hours. However, you should choose lip liners with good tips that will not break after the first few uses.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
To help you achieve the perfect pout, our skincare enthusiast and seasoned writer, Srijita De, has compiled a list of the best clear lip liners. After extensive research, Chaitra has included the best-rated ones and has considered factors such as formula, shade, and textures before handpicking each one. These products are explained in detail along with their pros and cons to help readers pick the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear lip liners good?
Yes. Since they are transparent, clear lip liners can match any lipstick color and seal in your lipstick to prevent smudging. They provide proper definition to your lips without being visible.
What is a clear lip liner used for?
A clear lip liner is used to accentuate your natural lip line. It fills the fine lines around your mouth without being too harsh on your skin.
Should my lip liner match my lipstick or my lip?
Your lip liner can match either your lipstick or lip color. However, more commonly, people use a lip liner from the same color family as their lipstick. You can also use transparent lip liners if you cannot find the right lip liner shade that matches your lipstick color or your lips.
Can I use a white pencil eyeliner as an invisible lip liner?
Yes, you can do so. But you may not get the desired result. Pencil white eyeliner may also have a harder formula that is not suitable for your lips. This can lead to unwanted bleeding and feathering around your mouth.
Best Drugstore Lip LinersBest Long-Lasting Lip LinersBest Nude Lip Liners For Well-Defined, Fuller LipsBest Waterproof Lip Liners For Picture-Perfect LipsBest Budget-Friendly Clear Lip Glosses
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