How to Apply Lipstick Without Liner

Co-authored by JoAnn Solomon

Last Updated: October 12, 2020 References

If you have lost or forgotten your tried-and-true lip liner, fret not! You can still apply your lipstick without your liner. Try using your lipstick as your liner by drawing a careful line with a brush, cotton swab, or the lipstick itself. You could also use your foundation as a substitute for lip liner. You’ll be able to easily create beautiful lips no matter what product you use.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Tracing a Line with a Brush or Lipstick

1
Select a brush to apply your lip color with, if you have one. It will be easier to apply your lip color if you have a brush. Typically, long brushes with a pointed tip work well for lip color application.^{[1]
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- With a brush, you have a lot of control over the line you draw. You can draw cleaner, straighter lines with a brush as opposed to a lip liner.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
- Lip brushes are especially handy with red lipsticks, where you might want to avoid using a lip liner.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
- If you don’t have a brush, you could use a cotton swab.
2
Drag your brush or cotton swab across the tip of your lip color. You want to get a small, even amount of color on your brush or cotton swab. Avoid putting too much lipstick on it, as it could look messy.^{[4]
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- If you are using liquid lipstick, dip the brush or cotton swab into the tube.
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3
Use the lipstick itself if you don't have a brush. The pointed end of the lipstick can work well for outlining your lips.
- If your lipstick is flat and no longer has a pointed end, you’re better off using a brush or cotton swab.
4
Draw your lip line in a shape that pleases you, starting with your top lip. Using your brush or your finger, apply your lipstick like you would lip liner. Start at the center, and trace the outline of your top and bottom lips. Follow your lip’s natural shape or slightly exaggerate the lines.^{[5]
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- Press lightly and use short, even strokes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Two Shades of Lipcolor

1
Use a darker shade of lipstick as your lip liner for contrast. Instead of using a lip liner pencil, you can use your lipstick as your liner. Select the another color than your lipstick, like a darker color for contrast.
2
Use a light lipstick shade to highlight the rim of your mouth. This will still give your lips a barrier to apply lipstick but with a lighter contrasting shade, like pink or nude.
3
Trace around your lips with the thin, pointy edge of the lipstick or brush. Follow the natural edge of your lips, and draw a line around the outside.
4
Color in your lips with your lipstick. Using your brush or finger, blend in both colors as you reach the red outer line. This is a fun way to add more dimension to your lips.^{[6]
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- You can choose a dark red lipstick to line your lips, and then use a bright pink lipstick for your lip color.
- Just be sure to blend the 2 colors well as a visible dark outline can look dated.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Substituting Foundation for Your Liner

1
Apply your foundation as normal. Using a powder or liquid foundation, cover your face with foundation to even out your skin tone and prepare for your lipstick.
2
Apply a light, even coat of foundation around the edges of your lips. Go around the top and bottom edge of your lips, blending foundation into your skin. This will act as your lip liner. You can apply your foundation to the edges of your lips with your fingers or with a lip brush.^{[7]
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- Your lipstick needs something to stick to, and foundation—or concealer! —works well as a substitute for liner.
- Note that this technique may make your lipstick appear lighter.
3
Apply your lipstick, starting with the center of your upper lip. Rub the stick over your lips to apply your lip color. Follow the natural line of your lip rather than following the line you would typically draw with a lip liner.^{[8]
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- Be careful not to ingest your foundation. You are applying it only to the outer edge of your lips.
4
Blot your lipstick, then reapply it. Put a piece of tissue between your lips and lightly press them together. Then, reapply your lipstick using the same technique as before. This will help you build up pigment without creating a thick layer that will bleed.
5
Touch up your lip line with your lipstick, lip brush, or foundation. Your line may already be smooth and crisp, though if you need a touch up, use the edge of the lipstick or use a lip brush and smooth over the edge of your lips.^{[9]
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- You can also apply another light, even coat of foundation around your mouth to correct any mistakes.

Expert Q&A

Question

What can I use if I don't have lip liner?

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Use a lipstick brush to create precise lines. A lip brush is also highly suggested when using red lipstick. Then, I would typically avoid using a lip liner anyways.