Goodbye, Lipliner

February 1, 2010

Lipliner is one product that is love-able and hate-able. It helps correct the asymmetries in everyone’s lips. Lipstick lasts longer and doesn’t move around as much.

The problem is that it is too visible, even in a flesh-toned formulation. Lipstick always wears off at some point and the line feels obvious, no matter how well it matched the lip colour to begin with.

It also sucks up even more of my time fussing about finding the right colour.

Since discovering the Estee Lauder Double Wear lipsticks, I don’t go a work day without them, usually as a base layer. These really will last hours. Since the colours are bright and matte, I apply a browner gloss to mute the colour down and give some shine. Still lasts hours.

A line around the lips first seems like overkill. It’s too much paint and too much time. What if you could apply a transparent sealant around the lipline that sets a shape for everything to come, and didn’t let it smear?

Yes, you could use regular lipliner applied faintly, or angle the pencil, but I don’t have time for makeup shenanigans. This isn’t astrophysics here. Smear it on in 10 seconds or less, thick enough to last till lunch. Get on with the day.

This lipliner, the Long- Lasting Anti-Feather Lipliner at Paula’s Choice in Clear, places a layer of something waxy around the edge of the lip.

It defines the border so I can smear on the EL and a gloss, and everything takes on the right outline. If the lip colour wears off, there’s nothing to be seen.

I love the Clinique Butter Shine lip gloss sticks for casual wear. But they’re gooey and tend to wander around. This way, I set the outline, apply lots of Butter Shine, it takes the right shape, and stays there.

The liner will last through 2-3 lip colour re-applications.

How often does something actually work as well as you were hoping?

Posted by Christine Scaman | Filed Under Makeup, Paula's Choice

Comments

8 Responses to “Goodbye, Lipliner”

Michelle on February 1st, 2010 9:22 pm

I have never like lipliner. I’ve never had the patience to apply it and don’t like that leftover line look. Formulas along the lines of buttershines are better for me too. When you are choosing a shade of sheer/moderate lipstick, how important is it to closely match your natural lip color? Is your natural lip color a good indication of your season?
Amy on February 1st, 2010 11:16 pm

I’ve never used lip liner. If anyone else recommended this, I’d think “Clear lip liner. What’s the point?” But I’ll order some the next time I place an order. I’ve gotten the best makeup tips from your site.
Janice Stoodley on February 5th, 2010 4:50 pm

I have a question about something that appeared several months ago on your website. You showed a purse/handbag that you liked; I even put the pic into my pictures folder, but I cannot read what name is on the front of the purse. It has yellowish tan/green/white stripes on it, a long handle that holds a cell phone, and a shorter handle, and a black zipper.
Would you be able to tell me the name of the purse? I will be travelling soon, and it looks like it would “fit the bill” for what I need. Thanks in advance!
sonja on February 9th, 2010 8:50 pm

Love your new youtube! It’s very cool. You can really see the effect on her skin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSxaEBzMYbQ
Christine Scaman on February 10th, 2010 8:37 pm

Janice,
If I remember it right, I think it came from the gift suggestions articles for 2008. The company that made it is Title Nine. They’re on line. Fabulous clothes. I hope you find it but it may have been too long ago.
Christine Scaman on February 10th, 2010 8:43 pm

Michelle,

Your skin reactions to colour is the only indication of Season. No way lip colour can be precise enough, though the lip colour does change in response to the drapes.
I far prefer coloured lipliner to match the lip instead of the lipstick but it need not be that precise. It will blend with the lipstick anyhow.

Amy,

I think you’ll like it. I’ve been really pleased.
Janice Stoodley on February 11th, 2010 10:51 pm

Thank you Christine. I did check their website and yes you are right, that particular purse is not on their website any longer. But it was very interesting to see the lovely clothes & other items they have. Always enjoy reading your website!
Amy on May 18th, 2010 8:59 pm

Christie,

I’ve been using clear lip liner from Paula’s Choice for a couple of months now, and I really, really like it. Thank you for yet another helpful recommendation.