Lip pencils are making a comeback in lip makeup, which used to be completed with just a tint or lipstick.
In the past, lip pencils were mainly used to define the edges of the lips. These days, they are used to slightly extend the natural lip line for added volume, even out the color around the lips, and soften the border to refine the overall shape.
There are many ways to use them, from softly blurred overlining like Rosé’s to a glossy lip that first enlarges the lips and then adds shine, like Natty of KISS OF LIFE.
Even with the same lip pencil, the overall mood can change considerably depending on where and how it is applied. Let’s take a look at how lip pencils are being used these days.
First, softly blurred overlining with diffused edges like Rosé’s
The first thing that stands out in Rosé’s lip makeup is the soft, naturally diffused border of her lips rather than a sharply defined outline.
Overlining does not mean drawing a clear line outside the lips. Extend the line only about 1–2 mm beyond the natural lip line, then gently soften the pencil’s edge with a finger or lip brush. Choosing a rose or nude lip pencil that does not contrast too strongly with your lip color can prevent the outline from looking detached from the rest of the makeup.
Rather than enlarging the entire lip, you can draw slightly beyond the natural line in areas that need more volume, such as the cupid’s bow and the center of the lower lip. Keep the corners of the mouth close to their natural lines so the result does not look excessively overlined.
When the edges are softened sufficiently, as with Rosé’s look, the line becomes almost invisible. A subtle shadow remains around the lips, however, making their shape appear more defined than before.
If you want an effortless lip look like Rosé’s, first shape the lips with a pencil, then lightly layer on a lip color in a similar tone.
Second, add gloss to defined overlining like Natty for a volume boost
While Rosé’s look focuses on softening the edges of the lip pencil, Natty’s lip makeup more actively highlights lip size and shine.
The line is drawn outside the natural lip line to slightly enlarge the overall shape, with particular emphasis on the fullness of the cupid’s bow and the center of the lower lip.
Adding gloss creates a completely different mood. The key is not to apply a thick layer over the entire lips, but to concentrate the shine on areas that look fuller when they catch the light, such as the cupid’s bow and the center of the lower lip.
Using a lip color such as nude pink or rose that blends naturally with the original lip line will make the boundary between the lip pencil and the main color less noticeable.
The recent glossy-lip trend is also moving away from fully coating the lips in gloss. Instead, it emphasizes the texture and volume of the lips with a transparent sheen.
If you want a statement lip like Natty’s, first define the outer edges with a lip pencil and fill in the color. Finish by applying gloss only to the center.
Lip pencils are not used only for overlining. They can also help when lip discoloration is a concern.
If the edges of the lips are relatively dark or the natural lip color is strong, you can first even out the border with a pencil close to your skin tone or lip color before applying your lip product.
Of course, a lip pencil does not actually eliminate lip discoloration. It covers the areas that appear darker with makeup and creates a more even overall lip color.
There is no need to significantly enlarge the lip line here, either. Lightly tidy up only the darker areas or blurred edges, then add lip color or shine to the center. This can make the shape of the lips look much neater.
Lip pencils now appear to be evolving beyond simple tools for outlining the lips into tools that help shape the lips you want. Soften the line for a gentle, overlined look like Rosé’s, or define it a little more and add gloss for a fuller lip like Natty’s. Why not try a look that suits you and reflects the effect you want?
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
