Lined lips are trending now. How to choose lip liners for everyday use

When you think of the '90s, you think of crop top, platform shoes, antenna fringes and... lip liners. We don't mean outlining your lips so your lipstick doesn't feather like we all do now, but a harsh, drawn-on line that is extra obvious in photos.

Well, lined lips are back. But the good news is, the harsh line has given way to a blended, diffused line. The new lip liners, too, are creamy and glide on gently – and essential for defining lips.

So how do you choose a lip liner shade?

Makeup artist Larry Yeo says you don’t need a matching liner for every lipstick shade, just three:

1. a nude matching your lip tone, for sheer lipstick
2. a brown-pink slightly darker than your lips, to sculpt
3. a red to better define a red lip.

“If you don’t use red, a brown-red can give shape to the lips. You can even match it to richer or brilliant colours,” says Larry.

Scroll the gallery to see our fave picks.

Wander Beauty Lipsetter Dual Lipstick and Liner, $43

1/6

A matching lippie and liner that give a creamy, demi-matte and highly pigmented finish. Available in two shades.

Marc Jacobs (P)outliner Longwear Lip Liner Pencil, $37

2/6

The pencil glides on silkily, deposits consistent colour, and sets fast. Available in nine shades.

Shiseido Makeup Lipliner Inkduo, $40

3/6

A lip primer and pencil in one, the rounded tips make it easier to apply. Lasts eight hours, with a matte finish. In 12 shades, at www.lazada.sg

Rouge Hermes Universal Lip Pencil, $57

4/6

A colourless liner is good for unsteady hands, as any unevenness in application can’t be seen. This also works as a primer, giving a smooth base for lipstick. Available from August.

Hera Lip Designer Pencil, $25

5/6

You can do a full-on or gradient lip with this creamy, hydrating liner that gives intense colour. Available in eight shades.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner, $37

6/6

A pigment-packed, velvety and waterproof formula that helps lippie stay up to six hours without smudging. Available in 10 shades.