How to Use a Matte Lip Liner

When it comes to lip makeup, we all know and love our lip stains and lipsticks, but lip liner is often totally glossed over. Of course, that shouldn’t be the case. Lip liner deserves a place of pride in your makeup bag. Lip liner has quite a few uses: It can help prevent lipstick from feathering outside the lines, define the shape of your lips, ensure your lipstick stays put, and make applying lipstick easier. Too good to pass up on, right? Of course, just like lipstick, not all lip liners are the same. Lip liner can come in different colors and finishes—even matte. Matte lips are all the rage right now, and with good reason. The striking finish of matte makeup is perfect for creating a statement makeup look. Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know about how to use matte lip liner.

OUR BEST LIP LINER WITH A MATTE FINISH

Ready to add a matte lip liner to your makeup routine? We’ve got one for you! The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner is a sharpenable lip pencil that has a silky texture, matte finish, and comfortable wear. Available in eight colors ranging from neutral to bold, there’s something for everyone. Select your favorite shade, then keep reading to learn exactly how to work it into your beauty routine.

HOW TO USE MATTE LIP LINER

Now that you know which matte lip liner to use, follow these steps to creating a gorgeous, matte lip look.

Step #1: Start with a clean canvas

Just as with any type of makeup application, it’s a good idea to start with a fresh face. Before whipping out your matte lip liner and other makeup products, you should cleanse your skin. Saturate a cotton pad with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Waterproof – All Skin Types and sweep the pad across your face, eyes, and lips.

Step #2: Reach for a lip scrub

As gorgeous as matte lips can look, the flat finish of matte makeup can call attention to dry patches. When you’re planning to apply matte lip liner and matte lipstick, use a lip scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of your lips first. Take your pick from the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Kiwi Scrub.

Step #3: Smooth on a balm

After exfoliating, you should always follow up with a moisturizer—this rule applies whether you just exfoliated the skin on your body, face, or lips. Use a lip balm to nourish your lips pre-lip liner and lipstick application.

Step #4: Prep with primer

There are primers for just about every part of your face, including your lips. Dab on a lip primer to help create a smooth base for your matte lip liner.

Step #5: Line your lips

It’s finally time for the main event. Take your matte lip liner in the color of your choice and line around the edges of your lips (or color slightly outside the lines to fake the appearance of a plumper pout). After lining, fill in your lips the rest of the way.

Editor’s note: Need the full scoop on that little tip about getting fuller-looking lips? Here’s How to Make Your Lips Look Bigger.

Step #6: Apply lipstick

What’s a lip look without lipstick? Layering lipstick and lip liner can make for a more intense makeup look. Choose a coordinating shade of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick and apply starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to outer edges, following the contour of your mouth. (Here’s How to Pair a Matte Lipstick with a Matte Lip Liner.)

Step #7: Use concealer to touch up

Don’t let minor makeup mistakes become a major mishap. If your lip liner or lipstick application has left something to be desired, you don’t have to start over from scratch. Go over any problem areas with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage and your makeup goofs will be history.

Step #8: Add a bit of glow

Just because you're rocking matte lips doesn’t mean the rest of your face has to follow suit. Your matte lip color will really pop if you complete your makeup look with a touch of illuminating highlighter. Place a small amount of the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops in the center of your cupid’s bow and blend out for a radiant finishing touch.

You’re officially an expert on matte lip liner, but what’s next? Check out 13 Lip Liner Hacks That Will Make Applying Lipstick Easier.