These Top-Rated Korean Lip Liners Will Help You Carve the Perfect Pout

I don’t think I’ve ever tried a Rom&nd product I didn’t like, and that includes this one. As usual, the shades are super flattering on my skin tone, and the formula is a dream to apply. I didn’t even have to be that precise with it, and since it layers so well, I just kept drawing it on my lips until I got the shape and level of pigment I desired. My lips didn’t feel chapped at all, and despite how soft the formula is, it didn’t transfer too easily, either. However, it’s such a shame that the shade range is so limited. I hope the brand will improve so more people can experience the product.

Shades: 6

Size: 0.02 oz.

Yesstyle rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Yesstyle reviewer says: “I’ve tried many over lip liners, but this one has to be my favorite so far. These are so creamy and do not budge once they set. The colors are also so stunning. The brush on the other end is also super helpful to achieve that soft, blurred effect. Would highly recommend!”

This one is popular on social media, and it’s Kim’s favorite, too. “I love the natural pigment and soft, sheer finish of the Heart Percent lip liner,” she says. “The tip size is also larger than most, and it is easy to blend and create a smooth, natural look.

Shades: 20

Size: 0.03 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “My favorite lip liner base. It’s not extremely long-lasting, but it makes up for the longevity with ease of use. No strange smell, doesn’t drag or crumble, and feels comfortable on the lips. This lip liner is really intended for precise application because it is a wide crayon, and it’s better for a blurred, plumping look before you apply your lip tint, lipstick, lip gloss, etc. The Salmon Beige color is a great nude, neutral tone.”

This is one of those classic waxy, wood-encased lip liner pencils that gives you maximum precision and wear time. The great thing about Clio products is that they feel high-end, but you can grab them at drugstore prices (plus, they go on sale all the time). You can smudge it out for a very limited amount of time because this formula sets.

Shades: 4

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I line my lips with this before and sometimes after adding a lip balm or lipstick. It’s a pretty color, and I like the texture. Excellent quality for the money and very easy to use. Smudge resistant and color is my favorite part of the lip pencil.”

As cruelty-free products become more popular in South Korea, vegan brands have started popping up, including Unleasha. The brand’s signature lip liner, another blurring option, comes in a range of nudes, pinks, and berries, along with a neutral almond shade that I think some could use as a nose contour or even an eyeshadow, too.

Shades: 7

Size: 0.03 oz.

Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The color was as described. It has a smooth texture that feels nice going on. The adjustable top makes it easy to apply, too. It doesn’t last exceptionally long, but as a liner, if you’re wearing a lip color over it, it shouldn’t be a problem. It has a matte finish that isn’t sticky. Overall, it does the job, and I’m happy with it for the price!”

Etude is also one of those K-beauty brands that have been around forever. It’s since rebranded from a cutesier, teen-friendly vibe to a more sophisticated one, but through it all, the products have stayed affordable and reliable. The Reborn Maker Over Lip is designed to give you the illusion of a fuller lip, and it’s comfortable enough that you can use it as just a liner and as a full-on lipstick.

Shades: 2

Size: 0.04 oz.

Yesstyle rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Yesstyle reviewer says: “I bought several lip liners from different brands to try, and Etude Reborn Maker Over Lip in Cool Lip was the most natural-looking colour on me. It’s a muted nude mauve colour. It really does work to make the lips look fuller when used on the edge of lips. It has decent lasting power as well.”

There’s something so sensual seeing lines on lips, but if you’d like to smooth those fine lines into oblivion, I’d opt for this product from Holika Holika. The pencil is formulated with hydrating coconut oil, camellia japonica seed oil, and a powder that helps blur any texture on the skin.

Shades: 5

Yesstyle rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Yesstyle reviewer says: “Easily my favourite lip liner formula of the K-beauty liners I’ve tried. So smooth and easy to blend. Never drags along the lips, and the color is so gorgeous (Clay Rose.) I’d say the shade is a muted, neutral-leaning cool and can fit with an array of different lip colours.”

If a lip pencil is too hard and waxy, it’ll drag on the lips, dry the skin out, and be nearly impossible to blend; if it’s too soft and creamy, it’ll slide around and melt away after a few minutes. Missha struck just the right balance with this liner, which can grip onto the lips while also hydrating them with shea butter and avocado oil.

Shades: 8

Yesstyle rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Yesstyle reviewer says: “Amazing lip liner—it fits my lip color perfectly, so whenever I overdraw, it doesn’t look obvious. Good quality, nice pigmentation, will buy again!”

Sculpting your desired lip shape (and size) with makeup is an art form in and of itself, and this pick from Colorgram was created to make it easier. On one end, you have that classic blurring liner in a variety of neutral shades. But on the other side, there’s also a thin contour pencil you can use to exaggerate the shadow under your lower lip as well as sculpt your Cupid’s bow.

Shades: 6

Size: o.02 + 0.01 oz.

Yesstyle rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Yesstyle reviewer says: “These lip pencils are really nice. They’re creamy, and the shades are great as well. What I especially love about these is the contour shade that comes with each pencil. The contour shade is very versatile, as you can use it for nose contouring or aegyo-sal (under-eye bag) shading and even face contouring.”