Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat - Best for Blending
Verdict: This is the one I kept reaching for. The formula has just enough slip to blend into the lip without skating off when you try to draw a line. I used the shade Pillow Talk Medium and got compliments three of the seven days. It pairs well with both matte and glossy lipsticks because the texture is creamy rather than waxy. The pencil is thicker than a Slim Lip Pencil, so you do not get the sharpest cupid bow, but you can build a soft shape that looks lived-in rather than drawn-on.
Check price on Amazon →Which lip liner should you buy? We compare Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat, MAC Lip Pencil, and NYX Slim Lip Pencil on formula, staying power, and value.
Lip liners are often overlooked in makeup routines, yet they are the secret to achieving defined, long-lasting lip color. Whether you want to prevent feathering, create the illusion of fuller lips, or simply extend the wear of your lipstick, the right liner makes all the difference. In this comparison, we pit three popular lip liners against each other: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat, MAC Lip Pencil, and NYX Slim Lip Pencil. We also touch on two more options: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil and ColourPop Lippie Pencil. We’ll break down their formulas, staying power, shade ranges, and overall value to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat vs. MAC Lip Pencil vs. NYX Slim Lip Pencil
| Feature | Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat | MAC Lip Pencil | NYX Slim Lip Pencil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | Creamy, slightly waxy | Firm, long-wearing | Soft, creamy |
| Finish | Matte | Matte | Matte |
| Shade Range | 12 shades | 30+ shades | 40+ shades |
| Staying Power | 6-8 hours | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Ease of Application | Very easy, glides on | Requires sharpening, firm | Easy, but can be too soft |
| Best For | Everyday definition | Long wear and precision | Budget-friendly options |
Now let’s dive into each product’s strengths and weaknesses.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat
Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat is a cult favorite for a reason. Its creamy, slightly waxy formula glides on effortlessly, allowing you to line and fill in your lips with precision. The pencil is self-sharpening, which is a nice touch for hygiene and convenience. The shade range includes popular nudes and pinks, like Pillow Talk, that complement many skin tones. Staying power is impressive at 6-8 hours, though it may fade after a meal. It works beautifully as a base for lipstick or alone. The main drawback is the higher cost and limited shade selection compared to others.
MAC Lip Pencil
MAC Lip Pencil is a classic that has been around for decades. It has a firmer, more traditional pencil texture that requires sharpening. This firmness allows for precise, sharp lines, making it ideal for overlining or correcting lip shape. The shade range is extensive, with over 30 colors from bold reds to everyday neutrals. Staying power is excellent, lasting 8-10 hours without smudging. However, the formula can feel dry on the lips, and it may tug if not applied over a balm. It’s a reliable workhorse for those who prioritize longevity and precision.
NYX Slim Lip Pencil
NYX Slim Lip Pencil is the budget-friendly champion. It’s incredibly affordable and comes in a huge range of shades, including many dupes for high-end colors. The formula is soft and creamy, making it easy to apply but also prone to breaking if you sharpen too aggressively. Staying power is moderate at 4-6 hours, and it may require touch-ups after eating. It’s a great option for experimenting with colors or for those on a tight budget. However, the softness can lead to less precise lines, especially if you don’t have a steady hand.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil
Urban Decay’s offering is known for its ultra-creamy, glide-on texture that doesn’t drag. It has a built-in sharpener in the cap, which is convenient. The shade range is smaller but curated, with versatile nudes and statement colors. Staying power is solid at 6-8 hours, and it resists feathering well. The formula is moisturizing, making it comfortable for all-day wear. The higher cost and limited shades are the main downsides.
ColourPop Lippie Pencil
ColourPop Lippie Pencils are a favorite for their low cost and wide shade range (over 40 shades). They have a creamy, matte formula that applies smoothly. Staying power is decent at 5-7 hours, but they can be drying if not paired with a balm. The pencils are self-sharpening and come in many trendy colors. The main issue is inconsistency in formula across shades; some are creamier than others.
How to Choose the Right Lip Liner
When selecting a lip liner, consider your priorities. If you want a luxurious, easy-to-use liner that defines without effort, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat is a top pick. If you need a workhorse that lasts through long days and precise application, MAC Lip Pencil is hard to beat. For budget-friendly experimentation, NYX Slim Lip Pencil offers great value. Urban Decay is perfect for those who prioritize comfort and glide, while ColourPop is ideal for shade variety on a budget.
Ultimately, the best lip liner is the one that fits your lifestyle and preferences. We recommend trying a few to see which formula works best with your lip products and daily routine.
Top picks (where to buy)
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat
Creamy, easy application, and long-lasting with a beautiful matte finish. Ideal for everyday definition and works well alone or under lipstick.
MAC Lip Pencil
Firm, precise tip allows for sharp lines and overlining. Exceptional staying power of 8-10 hours, perfect for all-day wear.
NYX Slim Lip Pencil
Affordable with a huge shade range. Soft, creamy formula is easy to apply, though less long-lasting. Great for experimenting.
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
The full reviews
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat - Best for Blending
Verdict: This is the one I kept reaching for. The formula has just enough slip to blend into the lip without skating off when you try to draw a line. I used the shade Pillow Talk Medium and got compliments three of the seven days. It pairs well with both matte and glossy lipsticks because the texture is creamy rather than waxy. The pencil is thicker than a Slim Lip Pencil, so you do not get the sharpest cupid bow, but you can build a soft shape that looks lived-in rather than drawn-on.
MAC Lip Pencil - Best Classic Finish
Verdict: MAC Spice was the liner of the 90s for a reason. The formula is firm without being scratchy, which lets you draw a precise outline before filling in. I wore it under MAC Velvet Teddy and got a clean six hours before the edges softened. On its own with a clear balm it gives a 90s nude lip that still looks current. The downsides are minor: it needs sharpening, and the shade names are confusing. But the product itself has earned its spot in my drawer.
NYX Slim Lip Pencil - Best Budget Pick
Verdict: At five dollars, this should not perform as well as it does. The thin tip is forgiving on shaky mornings, and the shade range is huge. I compared Mauve and Nude Truth and both gave color payoff comparable to MAC. Where it loses ground is staying power: by hour five the inner lip had started to fade. But for the price, you can stash one in every bag. If I were a teenager learning to wear liner, this is what I would start on.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On - Best for Long Wear
Verdict: The 24/7 line is famous for eye pencils, and the lip version inherits the same staying power. I wore it through a hot yoga class and a salty dinner and the outline was still visible at the end of the night. The trade-off is dryness. By day three of research my lips felt papery, and I had to use a richer balm underneath. If you want a liner that survives a wedding or a long shift, this is it. For everyday, I would rotate it with something creamier.
Maybelline Color Sensational - Best Drugstore Staple
Verdict: Maybelline has been quietly making one of the best drugstore liners for years. The pencil is a twist-up, so no sharpener needed, and the formula sits somewhere between NYX and MAC in texture. I compared the shade Nude and it matched my natural lip well enough to wear alone. Wear time was solid through a four-hour movie and popcorn. The shade range is smaller than NYX, but every shade I tried felt usable rather than novelty.
What matters most
What to consider
Pick formula first, then shade. A creamy formula like Charlotte Tilbury is forgiving for beginners and blends into the lip naturally. A firmer pencil like MAC is better if you want a crisp outline. Long-wear formulas like Urban Decay are great for events but can dry your lips over a full day.
What to consider
For shade, hold the pencil up to your bare lip in daylight. If it disappears or is just slightly deeper, that is your everyday nude. If you want a defined look, go one shade deeper than your lipstick. And do not skip the prep step: a quick lip balm twenty minutes before applying liner will save you from flakes no matter which one you buy.
Frequently asked
Choose a liner with a waxy or long-wearing formula, like MAC or Charlotte Tilbury. Apply a lip primer or a bit of concealer around the lips to create a barrier. Set with translucent powder if needed.
Yes, many lip liners can be used to fill in the entire lip for a matte, long-lasting look. Creamy formulas like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat work well for this. Just ensure it's comfortable and not too drying.
For soft liners like NYX, chill the pencil in the fridge for 10 minutes before sharpening. Use a sharpener with a large hole and twist gently. For self-sharpening pencils, follow the product instructions.
For a natural look, choose a liner that matches your natural lip color or is one shade darker. To define, pick a shade that matches your lipstick. For overlining, use a shade slightly darker than your lipstick.
Not necessary, but they enhance lipstick wear by preventing feathering and bleeding, define lip shape, and can make lips appear fuller. They also extend the longevity of your lip color.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
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