Using Eyeliner on Your Lips? The Unexpected Makeup Trend Turning Heads!

The world of makeup and beauty is where boundaries are constantly redrawn, finding new avenues to create stunning looks. While these styles and trends evolve, the basics of makeup remain the same… Or do they? In a recent trend, we’ve witnessed an increasing number of celebrities, makeup gurus, and influencers hyping a new wave. Have you ever wondered, “Can you use eyeliner as lip liner?” Both of them are just pigmented pencils, right?

While it may sound perplexing to those who have been swearing by the traditional use of products, this move comes as an exciting new phase of affordable makeup hacks to many. Your answer is yes; But the question we need to answer is, how solid of a claim is using eye makeup on the lips? In this article, let’s try to decode the do’s, don’ts, and drama of this bold beauty move.

Understanding Eyeliner And Lip Liner

Eyeliner and lip liner are both quintessential tools in a makeup enthusiast’s arsenal, each designed specifically for the unique needs of different facial features. At first glance, they might seem interchangeable due to their similar pencil or pen-like formats, but let’s take a look at their differences.

Eyeliners

Eyeliner, used to define and accentuate the eyes, comes in a variety of forms – gel, liquid, pencil, and even powder. Its primary objective is to create a defined line along the lash line, making the eyes pop and appear more awake. The ingredients used in eyeliners are crafted to be long-lasting, smudge-proof, and able to withstand the eyelid’s natural oils.

Lip Liners

Lip liners, on the other hand, are created to outline the lips, ensuring that lipstick doesn’t bleed and stays within its designated boundaries. They often have a waxy composition, allowing them to glide on smoothly and adhere to the lips. This waxy base also makes them slightly moisturizing, considering the delicate nature of the lips.

Our Take On Using Eyeliner AS Lip Liner

While both tools emphasize and enhance, it’s crucial to recognize their individual compositions and primary purposes. Using them interchangeably might seem like a creative hack, but understanding their inherent differences ensures a more informed and safe approach to makeup.

Can You Use Eyeliner As Lip Liner?

The art of makeup has a rich history of adaptability and innovation. In ancient times, limited resources meant that many cosmetics had to serve multiple purposes. Cleopatra, for instance, is believed to have used crushed gemstones and minerals not only for her iconic eyeliner but also to color her lips.

Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, makeup enthusiasts, driven by edgy fashion trends, began experimenting with eyeliners for lip detailing, especially during the Goth subculture’s peak. The sharp precision of eyeliners made them a suitable tool to achieve the bold and unconventional lip looks that defined the era. 

Today finding dramatic shades in eyeliners is easier due to their impressive variety. Blue, deep purple, or peppy bright hues in eyeliners are particularly popular for crafting dramatic lip outlines.

While it might seem tempting to repurpose eyeliners as lip liners given this history, it’s essential to consider modern formulations and the implications for skin health. This is where trusting reputed brands comes in. Eyeliners infused with moisturizing oils and a creamy formula can double up as reliable lip liners that can contour your lips, adding more dimension. Is It Safe To Use Eyeliner As Lip Liner? Since your lips are more sensitive than eyelids, using a hydrating lip mask before your routine will help keep them supple. 

Pros Of Using Eyeliner As Lip Liner

• Expanding the Color Palette: Eyeliners come in a diverse array of colors, far beyond the usual spectrum of lip liners. This range offers enthusiasts the chance to play with unconventional lip shades. Whether it’s a metallic blue or a striking neon, eyeliners can bring a unique flair to lip artistry.
• Durability and Longevity: Many eyeliners are designed to be waterproof, ensuring they withstand sweat, tears, and humidity. When used as a lip liner, this can translate to a more extended wear time for lip color, resisting smudging and fading throughout the day.
• Economic Efficiency: For those on a budget, multitasking makeup products are a blessing. Instead of splurging on a collection of lip liners, one can use eyeliners to serve dual purposes. Not only does this reduce the number of products to purchase, but it also minimizes clutter in the makeup kit.

Cons Of Using Eyeliner As Lip Liner

• Ingredient Composition: Eyeliners and lip liners are formulated for different parts of the face, which means they may contain varied ingredients. Some components in eyeliners might not be deemed safe for lip application, posing risks of irritation or allergic reactions.

• Drying Effect: The skin on our lips is thinner and more delicate than that around our eyes. Eyeliners might contain elements that are too drying for the lips, leading to chapped or dehydrated lips over time.
• Potential for Smudging: While some eyeliners might boast waterproof properties, others can smudge easily. Using such eyeliners on the lips could lead to unintentional smearing, especially after eating or drinking.

Safety Precautions And Alternatives

1. Ingredient Inspection: Always check the ingredient list of the eyeliner. Ensure there are no components harmful when ingested or ones you might be allergic to.
2. Lip-Friendly Alternatives: Instead of eyeliners, consider investing in multi-use makeup sticks or products explicitly designed for both eyes and lips.
3. Patch Tests Are Crucial: Before applying any product in an unconventional manner, conduct a patch test. Apply a small amount on the inner side of your wrist or elbow and wait for 24 hours to observe any reactions. Safety first!

Tips For Applying Eyeliner As Lip Liner

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a flawless and long-lasting application:

1. Lip Preparation is Key: Just as you would for regular lip products, it’s crucial to prime your lips. Start by exfoliating your lips gently to remove any dead skin cells. This will ensure a smooth canvas. Follow up with a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips moisturized. Given that eyeliners may have a drying formula, the added hydration will counteract any potential dryness.
2. Precision Application Techniques: When it comes to application, precision is crucial. Begin by outlining your lips’ natural shape, starting from the center of your upper lip and tracing outwards. For the lower lip, start from one corner and work your way to the other. Remember, since eyeliners are designed for the delicate eye area, they might be a tad firmer. Be gentle to avoid tugging too hard. 
3. Setting the Eyeliner: Use a lip brush for blending and refining the edges. For added perfection, you can apply your choice of lipstick or lip lacquer over the liner, blending for a seamless look. 

Expert Opinions And Recommendations

In a YouTube tutorial with Sephora, Lady Gaga used an eyeliner from her collection of Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner in the shade Deep Cocoa Matte. Explaining the choice, she says, “I like to use this as a lip liner because the formulation is so creamy. It’s perfect for fall!”

Hailey Beiber unveiled a distinctive strawberry-inspired look on Instagram, capturing attention with a lip liner. The comments section revealed an unexpected choice: Hailey opted for a brown eyeliner to define her lips. She elaborated, “I did a lip liner and kind of buffed it out,” expertly utilizing the Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil – 600 Anywhere Caffeine.

Can You Use Eyeliner As Lip Liner: Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Eyeliner pencils, especially kajal or kohl varieties(1), often have lush, blendable textures perfect for achieving that soft, diffused lip liner look. Can you use black eyeliner as a lip liner? For a dramatic look or ombre dark lip, yes!
2. A brown-toned liner can mimic a natural lip shade, making it a versatile pick.
3. If longevity is the goal, zero in on waterproof eyeliner pencils to ensure your lip look remains impeccable.

Can You Use Eyeliner As Lip Liner: Trend Recap

For those repping affordable beauty standards, this is good news. Being able to use one product for multiple purposes is a certain win on your budget. And if it makes you look amazing without harming the skin? Go for it! The biggest makeup artists in the industry will tell you how they mix and match products to get the look they want. Beauty brands, too, have sensed the growing need for budget-friendly decisions, leading to products like lip-and-cheek tints. 

While eyeliners today are infused with all nutrients like jojoba oil and vitamin E to support skin health, they make an excellent means to well-defined lips. So, if it is a nude lip you want to flaunt or an electric bold style, now is your time to shine!

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