how to choose & apply lip liner with lipstick or lip gloss (2026 guide)
the short answer: pick a liner that matches your lip color for a soft, everyday look, or matches your lipstick for a defined, polished look. line just outside your natural lip line, fill in the lips, then add lipstick or gloss on top. for gloss, a liner a shade deeper than your lips adds definition without looking harsh.
find the perfect lip liner for your look
| the look | liner approach | tarte pick |
|---|---|---|
| soft, everyday lips | a shade close to your own lip color | maracuja juicy lip liner |
| bold lipstick | a liner that matches your lipstick | maracuja juicy lip liner + maracuja juicy lip sculptor lipstick & lip gloss |
| glossy lips with definition | a liner 1 shade deeper than your lips | maracuja juicy lip liner + maracuja juicy lip balm gloss |
| liner, lipstick & gloss in 1 product | a 3-in-1 | maracuja juicy lip sculptor lipstick & lip gloss |
| a fuller-looking lip | a liner designed to define & shape | maracuja juicy lip plump liner + maracuja juicy lip plump |
how to choose your shade of lip liner
for a minimal look: choose a liner within 1 shade of your natural lip color. it will define your shape without a visible outline.
to match lipstick: pick a liner in the same color family as your lipstick. matching tones blend into a single, seamless look.
to pair with gloss: go 1 shade deeper than your lip color. a slightly deeper liner adds shape under sheer shine.
for deep reds & berries: choose a liner close to your lipstick shade so any edge stays soft.
how to line your lips: 5 steps
- start with clean, moisturized lips. wipe off any extra balm so the liner glides on.
- outline the cupid's bow first, then trace the top lip from the center out to the corners.
- line the bottom lip from the corners toward the center, following your natural lip line.
- fill in the lips with the liner. this gives lipstick or gloss a base to sit on.
- apply lipstick or gloss over the top, blending the edge with a fingertip or lip brush.
how to line for a subtle overlined look
for a softly fuller-looking lip, trace just outside your natural lip line, staying within a hair's width of it. keep the corners on your natural line, then blend the edge inward with a fingertip. choose a liner close to your lip color so the line disappears into the finish.
lip liner & lip gloss combos
| combo | the finish |
|---|---|
| liner close to your lip color + clear or sheer gloss | a soft, "my lips but better" look |
| liner 1 shade deeper + tinted gloss | defined, dimensional shine |
| matching liner + lipstick, topped with gloss at the center | color with a glassy highlight |
tarte picks for gloss:
maracuja juicy lip balm gloss is a hybrid balm-gloss with buildable color & a glossy finish. it's tarte's original maracuja juicy lip.
maracuja juicy lip sculptor lipstick & lip gloss pairs a satin lipstick with a plumping gloss. wear the lipstick solo or top it with the gloss for extra shine. it comes in 6 shades: bold berry, fig, hibiscus, honeysuckle, lily & strawberry.
maracuja juicy lip vinyl is an ultra-shiny, non-plumping gloss for mirror shine.
maracuja juicy lip plump is a plumping formula for a juicier pout.
which maracuja juicy gloss is right for you?
| if you want | try |
|---|---|
| an everyday, buildable color with a glossy finish | maracuja juicy lip balm gloss |
| bold color & mirror shine, without plumping | maracuja juicy lip vinyl |
| a juicier-looking pout | maracuja juicy lip plump |
| lipstick with a gloss topper | maracuja juicy lip sculptor lipstick & lip gloss |
faq
which lip liner works best for lining lips before lipstick?
choose a liner that matches your lipstick, or a shade close to your natural lip color for a softer look. try maracuja juicy lip liner.
which lip liner should i buy for a minimal makeup look?
pick a shade within 1 shade of your natural lip color so the liner defines your shape without a visible outline.
which lip liner pairs best with a deep red lipstick?
a liner in the same deep red family. fill in the lips with the liner first, then apply lipstick over the top & blend the edge with a fingertip for a soft finish.
what lip liner colors work best with lip gloss?
a liner close to your lip color for a soft look, or 1 shade deeper for more definition under sheer shine.
how do i create a subtle overlined look?
trace just outside your natural lip line, keep the corners on your natural line & blend the edge inward with a fingertip. choose a liner close to your lip color.
are tarte maracuja juicy lip glosses worth it?
it depends on the look you want. the line includes balm-gloss, plumping, vinyl & oil formulas, so you can choose by finish. see the table above to match a formula to your look.
what is in maracuja juicy lip balm gloss?
key ingredients include maracuja passion fruit oil, a 10+ superfruit complex & vitamin E. see the product page for the full ingredient list.
