The Best Way to Apply Lip Liner for Fuller-Looking Lips

By Victoria Benitez


Ready to turn up the volume on your lip game? Kiss dry, chapped lips goodbye and unlock the secret to fuller, hydrated, and defined lips with our step-by-step guide on the best way to apply lip liner. You don’t need to be a seasoned pro to master this technique! We’ll walk you through all the steps, from selecting the correct complementary shade to precisely defining and blending any lip liner for a natural, fuller appearance.


Ready, set, swipe, and let your lips do the talking!

Prep Your Lips

If you’re looking for a perfect pout, your lip prep is a step you don’t want to skip! Before applying any products, we must prep the lips to achieve a softer, smoother pout. We love reaching for our sugar Lip Exfoliator that gently removes dry, dead skin. With seven yummy scents to choose from, this moisturizing lip scrub will leave your lips smooth, nourished, and prepped for any lip product. First, apply and rub the lip exfoliator over the lips in small, circular motions to buff and smooth the skin. Simply wipe off any residue from the scrub with a makeup remover and follow with a hydrating balm like our Squeeze Me Lip Balm to lock in moisture.

Close-up Application of Lip Exfoliator

Assess Your Lip Shape

A little bit of love for our lips begins here! When exploring lip liners, first it’s essential to understand the shape of our lips to learn how to enhance or accentuate our natural features properly. Lip liners are a great way to enhance the shape of your lips, whether you have fuller or thinner lips. Everyone has a unique shape to their lips, whether full, thin, asymmetrical, or somewhere in between. Once you’ve determined your shape, you can now further access how you can apply your lip liner to best enhance your natural features. If you have fuller lips, look to define the natural edges to accentuate your shape. In comparison, consider overlining just outside the natural lip slightly for a fuller appearance for thinner lips. By using a lip liner, you can tailor and customize your lip shape to enhance your features with a few quick swipes.

Close-up Application of Liner Liner on Model

How to Choose a Lip Liner Shade

Pucker up! Let’s find your right lip liner shade. Having a correct lip liner shade is an essential foundational step for any makeup look. For our more natural beauty lovers, opt for a shade that is slightly darker than your natural lip color – with this technique, you can wear it for an everyday look as it will subtly contrast the lips for a polished and put-together look.


If you’re looking for a little added dimension, match your lip liner with your lipstick or also opt for a darker shade to create some depth. We encourage you to experiment and have fun with liners to find personal shade. From light brown lip liner, nude lip liner, or peachy nude, you're sure to find your perfect match. Get your hands on one of our Cream Glide Lip Liners that come in eight easy-to-wear and blendable shades that will instantly define and sculpt your lips (with no tugging!)

e.l.f Lip Liner along with Sharpener

Start to Line Your Lips

Your lip base routine is truly as easy as three simple steps. First, cleanse and buff away any dead skin with our Lip Exfoliator for a clean base. Next, grab your preferred neutral or defining lip liner and start on your top lip and apply the liner from the center of your lips, moving towards the outer corners. Pro-tip: draw an β€œX” shape at the Cupid’s bow to help guide, shape, and define the peak of your upper lip. Use short, light strokes for a smooth and even application when outlining your natural lip line. Trust us; this lip liner doesn’t fall short, and it checks all the right boxes!

Model Applying Lip Liner

Add Lipstick and Lip Gloss

Now that you’ve learned how to line your lips and your lip liner is applied, it’s time for the finishing touches! Start by choosing a complimentary shade and then add your lipstick of choice. Some e.l.f. community favorites include the O FACE Satin Lipstick, Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen, and Glow Reviver Slipstick. These three products have buildable pigment, making them perfect for a lip combo!


The most important step to this is blending the lipstick into the lip liner to ensure a seamless transition and to avoid a harsh visible line. If you’re looking to enhance the lip look, you can apply a lip plumper like Glow Reviver Plumping Lip Oil for a boost of shine and a fuller-looking lip. If you're looking for a more natural lip, you can always just stick to lip liner paired with a lip gloss or lip oil!

Group Shot of Glow Reviver Lip Oil Stick and Cream Glide Lip Liner

Lip Liner and Lipstick FAQs