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Lip liner is a firm favourite in my make-up bag, and has been for many years.
Traditionally a lip liner is a pigmented colour, no matter the shade, texture or formulation. Some wear a lip liner on their own and buff into their lips, others layer it under a lipstick. Many try to colour match their lip liner to their lipstick, or gloss, others may opt for an ombre tonal make-up look. But a clear lip liner shakes up the status quo and how we use lip liners.
Some may question what the point of a clear lip liner is considering you can’t see it. But it is more functional than some assume. Yes, it may not add a colour to your lips, but it works to line the lips and prevent any products applied on top from bleeding outside. Lip liner is also useful to extend the wear of the lipstick too, and the same goes for clear lip liner too.
Clear lip liners occasionally have a different texture to the usual pencil coloured lip liners, and can offer a waxy or gel-like texture to hold the lipstick layered on top in place.
Just like the other lip liners I own, a clear design can come in a pencil form that needs to be sharpened, a roll up design, or fitted with a brush on the end.
The best part about a clear lip liner is it will never go out of fashion, it is universal to suit all skin and lip tones, and if it is drawn outside of the lips it doesn’t matter as it’s clear so nobody will see.
Just to hone the point even further, a clear lip liner will complement any lip look, and is a great starting point for beginner beauty buffs looking to use the product, as well as all ages too.
Some brands title the product a clear lip liner, others invisible liner, anti-feathering pencil, or primer, so keep your eyes peeled for the various titles when shopping the trending product.
Not sure where to look? You’ll be surprised how many beauty brands stock clear lip liners. From Byredo and Chanel to Urban Decay, No7 and Sephora’s own brand, here are our favourite clear lip liners.
Shop the best clear lip liner

Kiko Milano Invisible Lip Liner
This invisible lip liner from Kiko Milano boasts a soft, wax-based formula, which glides effortlessly on the lips.It leaves a clear finish, but creates an invisible boundary to prevent lipstick from feathering or bleeding outside of the lips, without altering the natural lip tone. The 1.2g pencil is perfect for on-the-go use, and super affordable too

Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil
Urban Decay’s Ultimate Ozone Primer Pencil is a versatile, multi-use clear lip liner. The creamy, translucent formula can be applied to the lips or around the edges to define the lip line. This ultra hydrating formula has been made from nourishing jojoba oil. While it is more expensive than Kiko’s version, this 3.5g pencil offers more product to justify the price tag.

BYREDO Lip Liner in Invisible
The BYREDO Invisible Lip Liner is a luxury, high-performance liner that offers a clear liner.This product is lightweight on the lips and offers a smooth application. The 2.1g vegan and gluten-free pencil prevents lipstick from feathering, while also defining the lips without adding colour to your lips. The fine point helps to achieve precision.

Givenchy Lip Liner No.11 Universal Transparent
Givenchy’s No.11 Universal Transparent Lip Liner is exactly that – a universal lip product to suit all skin tones, natural lip colours and make-up looks. This premium liner offers a high-performance, long-lasting formula in a sleek pencil design. The 14g pencil has been formulated with skin-loving ingredients, including vitamin E, ceramides, carnauba and candelilla waxes for ultra soft application and extra nourishment.

Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres
Chanel’s products are the epitome of luxury, and the same is applied to its lip liner. This long-wear pencil in clear is enriched with nourishing ingredients, including cotton seed and jojoba seed oil, which helps the pencil glide on the lips, while simultaneously moisturising the pout too. This double ended pencil helps with the application too.Line with the sharp pencil, and buff into the lips with the delicate brush end.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Beauty Amplifier Universal Lip Liner
Shoppers have hailed the Beauty Amplifier the ‘best lip liner ever’. The Beauty Amplifier Universal Lip Liner 1.5g helps your lipstick stay in place, plus it is waterproof for a fully budge-proof lip product. This clear pencil is easy to apply, thanks to the nourishing blend of cottonseed oil and jojoba seed oil. Its 1.5g size makes it compact enough to slip in your clutch bag to take on the go.
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