The full review

LipSense Lip Liner review: my honest take

ReviewRoutineIngredientsSetsTipsFAQs

*As stated by SeneGence.

The LipSense Long-Lasting Lip Liner Pencil is the optional first step in a LipSense look, and it’s the one that makes bold shades look sharp. It’s a retractable pencil with a built-in sharpener, and SeneGence says it’s waterproof and smudge-resistant, with peptides in the formula. There are 8 shades, from Nude and Neutral Rose to Cherry Blaze and Rich Umber.

Liner is optional with nudes. With a red, it's the difference between neat and smudgy.

You don’t need a liner for everyday nudes with LipSense. Where it earns its place is with reds, berries and darker shades, where a clean edge really shows. Match the liner to your color, or pick one close to your natural lip so it works under several colors. Lining and lightly filling in also gives you an even base under LipSense Cream or classic LipSense.

At $30, it’s priced the same as the EyeSense and BrowSense pencils. If you only buy one, choose a neutral like Nude or Neutral Rose that works under most shades. If you mostly wear sheer oils or glosses, you can probably skip it. Those finishes are meant to look soft, so a crisp line isn’t the point.

Where it fits in your lip routine

1Lip Lineryou are here2Liquid Lip Colorthree thin layers3Moisturizing Glossseal it4Ooops! Removerat night

Liner goes on first, before any color. Outline, then lightly fill in if you like. Follow with three thin layers of LipSense and a gloss, or one coat of LipSense Cream. Take your lip color off at night with Ooops!.

What’s in it, in plain words

• Peptides: SeneGence describes peptides as supporting skin and collagen; here they’re part of the liner formula.
• Retractable with built-in sharpener: a twist-up pencil with its own sharpener, so you’re not hunting for one.
• Waterproof, smudge-resistant: SeneGence’s claims for the formula, which is what you want under long-wear color.

Sets that include LipSense Lip Liner

• The Cozy Romance Look: free Pink Petal liner with plumping gloss, blush and shadow stick, $102

My tips

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LipSense Lip Liner FAQs

Do I need lip liner with LipSense?

No, it’s optional. It helps most with bold or dark shades, where a clean edge shows. With everyday nudes, plenty of people skip it and nobody can tell.

Is the LipSense lip liner waterproof?

SeneGence says it’s waterproof and smudge-resistant. At night, an oil-based remover like Ooops! is the gentle way to take lip products off.

How many shades does LipSense lip liner come in?

Eight: Cherry Blaze, Dusty Plum, Mauve Blush, Neutral Rose, Nude, Pink Petal, Rich Umber and Rustic Maple. Neutral Rose or Nude is the easiest first pick.

Does the LipSense liner need sharpening?

It’s retractable and has a sharpener built in, so you don’t need a separate sharpener. Twist it up, and sharpen when the tip gets blunt.