Once you find your perfect lip combo, it’s hard to go without it. But building that go-to pairing takes time, plenty of trial and error, and often a surprisingly big budget. Luxury lip liners, oils, and stains can easily cost more than $30 each.
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve the perfect pout. The drugstore is packed with affordable options, but figuring out which ones actually perform — and last — isn’t always easy. That’s where we come in. We love testing products, digging through reviews, and separating the standouts from the disappointments.
I’ve sung the praises of the Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner in 90’s Nude before, and I’m back at it again this summer. To quote myself:
“I discovered it after losing my previous go-to, Rare Beauty’s Kind Words Lip Liner in Humble — a rose mauve shade that I have since repurchased and still wear now and again. Both have a nude “my lips but better” look, allowing me to overline to my heart’s content. The Rare Beauty formula is on the creamier side, but both formulas last for hours without budging. What really stands out to me is the price difference: the Rare Beauty liner costs $21 (which is still relatively affordable in terms of Sephora products), and the Rimmel lip liner rings in under $10 (that’s basically a dressed-up Grande coffee at Starbucks).
The Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lip Liner is, as the name suggests, long-wearing (it has seen me through many a night out). It has a soft, creamy texture that makes application a breeze, and it doesn’t bleed or feather. It’s also certified cruelty-free, which is always a major win in my book.”
Yes, I really do love it, and it really does last. But what should you pair it with?
For summer, I’d swap a heavy lipstick for a tinted balm to achieve a glossier finish with a boost of hydration — namely the Rimmel London Oh My Gloss! Butter Me Up Lip Butter Balm.
Buttery and nourishing, this treatment helps restore and replenish dry lips while delivering an impressive wash of colour. Formulated with 5% squalane, it smooths and hydrates as it melts onto your lips, leaving behind a sweet vanilla scent. Whether you gravitate toward bold, vibrant shades or soft, everyday neutrals, there’s a colour to suit your style.
I love pairing a balmy formula like this with lip liner feathered into the corners for a softly shaded pout. Of course, if you’re after more intense colour, you can always layer a lipstick underneath — but I don’t think it’s 100% necessary.
