When it comes to creating the perfect pout, there’s no shortage of advice—and confusion—online. One of the most debated beauty questions is: Should you apply lipstick first or lip liner? Myths, conflicting techniques, and personal preferences surround this common query. With so many makeup tutorials and influencers showcasing different steps, it’s no wonder people turn to the internet for answers.
This blog will dive into the most googled lip makeup myths and reveal what works. Plus, if you enjoy lip liner online shopping or love experimenting with lipstick, you’ll find expert tips on perfecting your look with the correct order of application.
Table of Contents
Myth #1: Lip Liner Should Always Be Applied After Lipstick
Let’s start with the big one—should you apply lip liner before or after your lipstick?
Truth: Lip liner is ideally applied before lipstick. Doing so helps define the shape of your lips, prevents your lipstick from bleeding or feathering, and creates a base that helps your colour last longer. Applying lip liner first gives you a clean canvas and ensures the colour stays within the lines.
If you purchase lip liner online shopping, opt for a shade that closely matches your lipstick. This will allow you to blend the two products and achieve a natural finish seamlessly.
That said, applying lip liner after lipstick isn’t necessarily wrong—it can be used to touch up or intensify the outer edges for a more dramatic effect. But for everyday wear and longer-lasting results, lip liner should come first.
Myth #2: Lipstick Doesn’t Need a Lip Liner if It’s Long-Lasting
We’ve all seen lipsticks that claim to be smudge-proof, waterproof, and transfer-resistant. This often leads to the assumption that if your lipstick is high-performance, you can skip the lip liner altogether.
Truth: Even long-lasting lipstick benefits from a lip liner’s precision and staying power. No matter how advanced the formula is, having a liner creates a physical barrier that helps keep the pigment from moving into fine lines around your lips. It also enhances the structure and symmetry of your lips.
Especially during lip liner online shopping, look for creamy yet firm formulas. These tend to glide on easily without smudging and can serve as a solid base under your lipstick.
Myth #3: You Should Only Use Lip Liner to Outline the Lips
Many people use lip liner strictly to trace the outer edges of their lips, believing that’s its sole function.
Truth: Lip liner is much more versatile. Besides outlining, it can be used to fill in your lips completely before applying lipstick. This technique adds depth to your lip colour and gives it more staying power. It also prevents uneven fading throughout the day.
Some makeup artists even use lip liner, skipping lipstick entirely. A good liner can double as a matte lip colour when blended well. During lip liner online shopping, you might want to explore pencils labelled as “multi-use” for this purpose.
Myth #4: Dark Lip Liners Are Outdated
There is a misconception that wearing a darker lip liner with a lighter lipstick is a dated 90s trend.
Truth: This style has made a strong comeback but with a modern twist. The key is blending. Today, using a slightly darker liner paired with a complementary lipstick shade can create a fuller, contoured look—similar to what highlighters and contouring products do for the face.
To pull off this look, apply your lip liner first, then dab the lighter lipstick in the centre of your lips and blend outward. You’ll achieve an ombre effect that makes your lips look naturally plumper.
Next time you go lip liner online shopping, look for nude and brown tones that can be paired with your everyday lipstick shades.
Myth #5: All Lipsticks Work the Same Way
From satin to matte, glossy to creamy, the world of lipstick is rich with variety. Yet, some still believe that all lipstick types perform similarly.
Truth: Different lipstick formulas serve different purposes. Matte lipstick tends to have more staying power but can be drying. Creamy lipstick is moisturising but may fade faster. Glossy lipsticks add shine but can bleed without a liner.
This is why choosing your lip liner and lipstick combination is essential based on the look you’re trying to achieve. For example, a hydrating lip liner can balance the dryness if you’re wearing matte lipstick. If you’re using creamy lipstick, a slightly waxy liner can help anchor the pigment in place.
When engaging in lip liner online shopping, consider the formula of your favourite lipsticks to make the right pairing.
Myth #6: Lipstick Colour Looks the Same on Everyone
Have you ever fallen in love with a lipstick shade, only to try it on and find it looks completely different?
Truth: Your natural lip colour, skin tone, and undertone all influence how a lipstick shade appears on you. This is why testing a few colours before settling on one is important. Nude shades, for example, might look pink on one person and beige on another.
To get a more accurate idea of how lipstick will look on you, fill in your lips with a neutral lip liner before applying the lipstick. This evens out your lip tone and allows the actual shade of the lipstick to shine through.
During lip liner online shopping, you can also consider nude shades that match your undertone to create a blank canvas for your lip colour.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pout
Now that we’ve cleared up some common myths, here are a few tips to make your lipstick and lip liner routine even better:
- Exfoliate your lips regularly to remove dead skin. This ensures a smooth application and helps lipstick and lip liner last longer.
- Moisturise your lips before applying any product, especially if you’re using matte lipstick or long-wear liners.
- Use concealer around the edges of your lips after applying your lip liner and lipstick to sharpen the lines and prevent smudging.
- Blend, blend, blend. Blending ensures a seamless finish, whether you’re doing an ombre look or just defining the edges.
Conclusion
So, what’s the final verdict—lipstick first or lip liner? The answer is clear: lip liner first, almost always. It gives structure, boosts longevity, and enhances the overall look. While some prefer applying liner after for artistic reasons, starting with liner gives you the best foundation.
Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a seasoned beauty lover, understanding these lip myths helps you make informed choices. And the next time you dive into lip liner online shopping, you’ll know exactly what to look for to complement your lipstick collection.
Perfecting your pout doesn’t have to be a mystery—just a little technique and the right products can go a long way.