We’re Back In The Era Of The Lip Liner

Charting its journey from our mother’s makeup bags to viral beautygram fame

The ‘90s-inspired lip liner and clear gloss combo is trending on our FYPs. And the multi-purpose brown pencil is being touted as the only makeup item a girl needs. Some can’t get enough of it ever since Kylie Jenner revealed it as the secret behind her plump, defined pout. And after American gymnast Simone Biles’ makeup touch-up moment went viral at the 2024 Olympics, every beauty publication has promptly reported on their readers’ most-asked question – what’s her go-to lip pencil? 

But between ‘lip liner pencil’ being a breakout search on Google Trends and the internet’s renewed obsession with the product, we must ask ourselves – did this trend ever really go away? 

Think back to the hazy memories of your mother who never wore lipstick without swiping on her trusty brown lip liner first. Or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s effortlessly defined lips in the noughties that made every Indian girl reach for a pencil to perfect their own pout. The internet has always loved this product too – deep skin-approved lip liner recommendation threads online have made finding Wet N Wild’s Color Icon Lipliner Pencil in Chestnut as rare as a unicorn sighting.  

Whether it’s making a light nude shade work for two-toned lips or channeling ‘90s supermodel energy, it’s safe to say that we never really stopped appreciating the humble lip liner for all it delivers. After all, the possibilities are truly endless: 

Plump: Want a faux filler effect? Use a precise lip pencil that’s one shade deeper than your natural lip colour or lipstick to create dimension. Trace the outline of your lips, going slightly above your natural lip line in the centre of your pout.  

Perfect: Got an uneven lip line? Pick a pencil that matches the colour of your lips, or a deeper one if you’ve got two-toned lips. Use the fuller side as a guide to even out your pout. Sharpen the shape with a concealer that matches your skin tone.  

Play: Bright lip colours washing you out? Outline and fill your lips halfway in with a brown lip liner. Use your finger to gently tap the lighter colour onto the centre for a gradient effect.