Drugstore lip liners that make overlining effortless

An overline can make lips look fuller without looking pasted on. The trick is to extend the natural line just beyond the corner and lower border, not to redraw an entirely new shape. A good liner gives you enough control to make that small adjustment and enough slip to move with the lip instead of drying into a stiff outline. It should also work with lipstick rather than compete with it.

After repeated wear tests, these are my top five drugstore lip liners for overlining lips, chosen for precision, comfort and realistic longevity. Down Under, they are easy to find at Priceline or Chemist Warehouse, while selected shades may also appear in Coles and Woolworths beauty aisles. Stock varies between stores and seasons, but all five offer the kind of performance that makes beauty on a budget feel genuinely clever.

What a good overlining pencil needs

Overlining rewards precision, which means the product should be easy to control before colour and staying power even enter the picture. A fine point helps with the corners, where most overlining goes wrong, while a slightly flexible formula is useful across the cupid’s bow. The formula should also glide over dry areas without repeatedly catching and skipping.

I tested each liner on bare lips and underneath lipstick, then checked the results in daylight after meals, drinks and several hours of wear. I paid particular attention to feathering, whether the colour stayed even and whether the line began to fade from the centre or the edges. These are personal wear-time observations rather than guaranteed results, because lip texture, balm and lipstick can change performance.

For full transparency, my editorial disclaimer explains how products are selected, sourced and evaluated. Prices in this guide are approximate Australian dollar amounts based on typical Priceline and Chemist Warehouse pricing, so it is worth checking the current shelf tag before heading to the counter.

Pencil formulas that earn regular use

Rimmel London Lasting Fix Lip Liner is the dependable all-rounder in this group. Its slim pencil creates a clean line without requiring heavy pressure, and the colour has enough depth to define the edge without looking like a separate border. It was not the longest-wearing formula on my lips, but it stayed comfortable and developed a subtle softness rather than flaking.

The essence I love stage lip liner is the budget-friendly option with a noticeably creamier feel. It is easiest to use after sharpening, and the slightly satin finish gives a softer effect than a harsh, fully matte outline. Wear was more modest than Rimmel’s, especially after eating, but it did not leave an obvious ring once the colour was blended with lipstick.

Catrice Ultimate Colour Intense Lip Liner sits between those two formulas. It delivers stronger colour with a fine point and maintains a tidy line for most of the day. I preferred it when the goal was noticeable but natural fullness rather than a barely-there definition. It also performed well on the lower border, where some pencils become patchy after lipstick is added.

Between the three, Rimmel offers the best balance for regular use, essence is the easiest choice for soft edges and Catrice is the pick for stronger pigment. Applying lipstick after lining rather than outlining over an already slick lip reduces the chance of an obvious border.

Crayon and liquid options for precision

Maybelline Color Sensational Liner Crayon brings something different to the routine: a retractable crayon with a small spoolie. The rounded tip can create a broader, diffused line, while the brush makes it easy to soften an edge without losing all definition. It wore evenly underneath lipstick and was forgiving when I needed to adjust a slightly uneven corner.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Lip Liner is the most precise option. Its narrow applicator is excellent for extending only the outer corner and tracing the lower border with a fine line. The colour set quickly and resisted transferring, although the finish looked more defined than the pencils. A tiny amount goes a long way, and applying too much can create the appearance of a drawn border.

Neither crayon nor liquid should replace a pencil completely, but each solves a particular problem. The Maybelline crayon is useful for blending and subtle reshaping, while the Revlon liquid is ideal for controlled, sharp edges. Applying the liquid in short sections gives better control than trying to outline an entire lip in one pass.

How the five liners compare

Each formula offers a distinct balance of precision, softness and staying power. The following comparison uses the results from my testing, with typical prices and wear times varying according to formula and application.

Liner	Format	Typical AUD price	Finish and feel	Average wear	Best overline use
Rimmel Lasting Fix	Fine pencil	$7–10	Firm, satin, controlled	6–8 hours	Balanced definition and flexible wear
essence I love stage	Sharpenable pencil	$4–7	Creamy, lightly satin	4–6 hours	Soft, diffused edges
Catrice Ultimate Colour Intense	Fine pencil	$5–9	Dense pigment, satin	5–7 hours	Strong colour without heaviness
Maybelline Color Sensational Crayon	Crayon with spoolie	$6–10	Soft satin, forgiving	5–7 hours	Blending and subtle reshaping
Revlon ColorStay Liquid	Liquid pen	$8–12	Precise, matte-to-satin	6–8 hours	Sharp corners and small corrections

Rimmel is the strongest overall choice because it handles most lip shapes without demanding a specific technique. Revlon lasted slightly longer but required more restraint, while essence was the least demanding on the lips. Catrice and Maybelline occupy the useful middle ground between barely-there definition and a graphic outline.

Finding the right shade and preparing lips

Nude is not one universal colour, and choosing a liner that is too pale can create a grey or chalky edge. Warm rose-brown flatters many medium and deep lip tones, while a soft taupe suits cooler colouring. Plum, berry and cocoa work well when the lipstick has deeper warmth, but the liner should still resemble the natural lip colour rather than sit dramatically outside it.

Weather matters in Australia too. Humidity in Sydney and Brisbane can encourage creamier pencils to soften, whereas dry air and indoor heating in Melbourne or Adelaide can make a fresh line feel tight. During an Aussie summer, I prefer Rimmel or Catrice for more reliable control, then use a small amount of translucent powder over the line to reduce movement.

Preparation also affects the final result. Australia’s daily sunscreen habit makes bare, unprotected lips especially noticeable, but none of these liners provides sun protection, so an SPF lip balm is still worthwhile. Exfoliating gently, applying a light balm and allowing it to settle gives the liner a smoother base. For very dry lips, the creamy essence formula is more comfortable, whereas the Revlon liquid needs carefully hydrated skin to avoid collecting in fine lines.

Six rules for a polished overline

The most important step happens before colour is added. I trace the natural edge of the lip, mark the outer corner lightly and check the shape in a mirror before committing. This makes the technique less about creating a dramatic new outline and more about extending the existing one with control.

Keep the pencil and lipstick within the same colour family, and resist outlining the entire upper lip. A small extension at the corner and a subtle line beneath the lower lip usually create the effect of fullness. I also sharpen pencil liners when necessary, use the liquid liner sparingly and check the result in natural light rather than relying on a magnified bathroom mirror.

• Extend only the outer corner, keeping the line close to the natural edge.
• Avoid outlining the full upper lip, which can shorten the appearance of the mouth.
• Choose a liner that matches the lipstick or natural lip colour within one shade.
• Sharpen pencil formulas to keep the tip precise and prevent rough edges.
• Apply light pressure and use short strokes rather than one heavy line.
• Blot with tissue after lipstick, then carry the liner for small touch-ups.

My easiest recommendation for a first attempt is the Rimmel Lasting Fix because it is forgiving, versatile and unlikely to look overworked. The Catrice pencil suits those wanting more visible colour, while the Maybelline crayon is the better option for softly reshaping rather than outlining.

To nominate a favourite for a future update, send Joyce your pick, wear-time notes and an optional swatch photo through the contact page. A crisp edge, comfortable colour and no unnecessary spending is the whole point of a good drugstore overline.