Listen up, loves. Your rich auntie needs to share some wisdom with you today, and it’s all about one of the most underrated weapons in my beauty arsenal: lip liners. Yes, honey, those little pencils that most people overlook are actually the secret to looking polished, put-together, and absolutely stunning.
Here’s the thing that might surprise you: you do not need to empty your wallet to look like a million bucks. I know, I know—coming from someone who has a healthy collection of luxury beauty products, this might sound contradictory. But stick with me, because I’m about to break down why lip liners are the great equalizer in the beauty world.
The Luxury Loves
Now, I’m not going to pretend I don’t have my favorites from the higher end of the spectrum. I absolutely adore my Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencils. These babies are so versatile. I use them on my lips, yes, but also as blush, eyeshadow, even to contour when I’m feeling creative. The formula just melts into the skin, and the color payoff is absolutely divine. That’s what you’re paying for with luxury—that buttery texture and multi-use versatility.
And let’s be real: I’m an OG Mac Cosmetics girl through and through. Mac has been there for me since day one, and their lip liners hold a special place in my heart. Certain shades, certain formulas—they just hit different. That’s purely my preference, based on colors I’ve fallen in love with over the years and the nostalgia factor.
But Here’s Where It Gets Good
The drugstore, my loves, has absolutely caught up in the lip liner game. I’m talking about NYX Cosmetics, L.A. Girl Cosmetics, L’Oréal—these brands are putting out products that rival anything you’ll find at the department store counter. And in some cases? They’re actually better.
What I love about drugstore lip liners is the precision. If you’re someone who likes that really defined, sharp lip look, these pencils often have a firmer texture that gives you incredible control. No smudging, no bleeding, just crisp, clean lines that make your lips look absolutely perfect. And the color ranges? Extensive. So extensive.
My Neutral Obsession
Let me tell you about my color preferences, because this is where lip liners really shine. I’m all about neutrals—good nudes, rich browns, those beautiful skin-tone shades that enhance rather than overpower. These are the shades I reach for daily because they’re so incredibly versatile.
A nude lip liner can be worn alone for that understated elegance, paired with a gloss for dimension, or used as a base under literally any lipstick to make the color pop and last longer. Brown tones add warmth and sophistication—they make you look expensive without even trying. And those skin-tone shades? Chef’s kiss. They’re perfect for overlining slightly when you want a fuller look, or for creating that blurred, soft-focus effect that’s so on trend right now.
The Real Talk
Here’s what your rich auntie wants you to understand: luxury is about how you feel and how you present yourself, not necessarily about how much you spend. I buy my expensive lip liners because I enjoy them, because certain colors speak to me, because I have the means and it brings me joy. But I also stock my makeup bag with drugstore finds because they perform beautifully and give me options.
The key is knowing what works for you. Maybe you invest in one or two luxury liners in your absolute favorite shades, then fill in the gaps with affordable options. Maybe you go all drugstore and use the money you save for fabulous shoes or a gorgeous handbag. Maybe you mix and match depending on your mood and your budget that month.
The Bottom Line
Lip liners are having their moment, and it’s about time. They define, they enhance, they extend the wear of your lipstick, and they can even be worn alone for a beautiful, natural look. And the best part? You can achieve all of this without spending a fortune.
So go ahead, loves. Experiment with different brands, play with those gorgeous neutral shades, and find what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Because at the end of the day, that’s what real luxury is all about.
Your Rich Auntie
P.S. Don’t forget to sharpen those pencils regularly. A sharp tip is the difference between looking polished and looking like you got ready in the dark.
