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Image: Getty ImagesLip liner has made a major comeback in recent times. Once deemed outdated and often overlooked, it’s now enjoying a resurgence. Whether you're using it to create fuller lips, make your lipstick last longer, or even try out the trending double lip line from TikTok, it’s a must-have. Keep reading to learn more about this technique and how to try it at home.
What is a Double Lip Line?
“A double lip line refers to the visible natural outer edge of your lips, along with a second line around the lips,” explains celebrity makeup artist Mila Thomas. Officially called the vermillion border, this second line marks the boundary between the lips and the surrounding skin. Emphasizing both of these borders creates what is known as a double lip line.
(It’s worth noting that some individuals naturally have a more defined vermillion border, which means they already have a noticeable double lip line. This is particularly common in the Black community.)
Who Should Try a Double Lip Line?
If you don’t already have a natural double lip line, creating one can help make your lips appear fuller, says Thomas. This technique is especially beneficial for those whose lips closely match the color of their skin, causing them to blend in more.
Even if you don’t have thin lips, you might want to define them more. The double lip line can enhance the shape and structure of your lips, providing a more sculpted look with added volume and dimension.
How to Create a Double Lip Line
Creating a double lip line is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to give it a try. Thomas recommends starting by lining your lips within their natural outline using a liner that’s one to two shades darker than your natural lip color. Then, just above the first line, use a liner that matches your skin tone to draw a line that defines the vermillion border.
"When applying the double lip line, use light, steady strokes with a precise tool," advises Hollie Town, CEO and founder of Aqua Body Lab. "This technique mirrors the care I take when performing delicate procedures like PDO threading, ensuring each movement follows the natural contours of the face for smooth, balanced results."
A key aspect here is choosing a lip liner that’s smudge-resistant: "If the lines bleed or smudge, you’ll lose the definition of the double lip line," Thomas warns. The goal is to achieve two distinct, aligned lines. Her recommended choice is Younique Moodstruck Precision Lip Liner, which she praises for its long-lasting ability and wide color range.
What sets this apart from many other lip looks is that you don’t necessarily have to apply lipstick afterward. If you prefer, you can; just make sure to keep it inside the borders of your lips (i.e., within both lines) and choose a tone that closely matches one of the two liner colors. "You don’t want to add a third shade," Thomas advises. Beyond that, the formula and finish you select are entirely up to you.
Other options: You can top off your lips with gloss or just apply a bit of balm for a hydrated, healthy look, and call it a day. The key here is focusing on the liner and the area outside the natural borders of your lips, rather than on the lips themselves.
"Quality products are essential for achieving the right visual balance and style," says Mark Anton, MD, FACS, an aesthetic surgeon. "I trust in using premium tools like the NARS pencil to mirror the precise results we create through surgical techniques. Its deep pigmentation and smooth texture make blending effortless, delivering a bold double-line effect."
