Meet the lip liner taking over TikTok (and our beauty editor's makeup bag)

New York Post

a day ago

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There are beauty products that go viral, and then there are beauty products that go viral and actually earn their place in your everyday routine. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner? It's both.
With more than 1,600 glowing reviews and a growing number of celebrity makeup artists, beauty editors (ahem, moi) and TikTok creators singing its praises, this humble pencil is proving one thing: the best tools don't need bells and whistles. They simply need to work— and work well.
Listen, I've tried dozens of glossy balms, defining sticks and stains and soft-focus lip formulas, and ABH's Lip Liner is a throwback in the best way possible. It brings back crisp definition and precision, the kind that turns your lip look from 'meh' to 'wow' in 30 seconds flat. This pencil is here to remind you why using a lip liner is a step you shouldn't ignore.
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Anastasia Beverly Hills
The formula is magic, and one of my favorites to use. It's creamy enough to glide across your lips without tugging or skipping, but matte and structured enough to stay put. Seriously, it doesn't fade, bleed or smudge, even after my second coffee. It holds that elusive just-right texture that somehow feels effortless and high-performance all at once.
This isn't your average twist-up liner. It's a classic wooden pencil that's the unsung hero of my makeup bag. The square-shaped barrel helps keep the pencil from rolling off my vanity and onto the floor (you know it's happened). Plus, it can be sharpened to a razor-fine point, which means I get clean, exact lines when I'm over-lining, contouring or adding to the shape.
And, let's talk wearability. This liner locks in. It'll give your lipstick a boundary to hold on to, or it can fly solo for a softly defined, matte lip that still looks put-together. Basically, it's your lip's new best friend. Not to mention, I've tried nearly all of ABH's products and this is one of my go-to picks.
Let's be real: not all lip liners are created equal when it comes to shade range. But, ABH understood the assignment. The line includes 22 versatile, real-world shades that include everything from barely-there neutrals to rich berries and bold browns. One of the top fan-favorites is 'Baby Rose,' a light rosy pink that screams, 'your lips, but better.'
Impressively, the shades were crafted with undertones in mind. That means there's something flattering for everyone, whether you're fair, deep, warm, cool or somewhere in between. No guessing games, here; just good, honest color that works with your natural beauty, not against it.
There's something quietly powerful about a product that doesn't scream for attention, but earns it anyway. ABH's Lip Liner is just that. It's not flashy. It doesn't come with LED lights or scented caps. But it delivers. It's a quiet luxury item that shows up and performs without needing a spotlight.
The feel-good factor is very much present, too. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and it's made without parabens, sulfates or mineral oil. So, while you're creating the perfect pout, you're also making a clean choice that aligns with modern beauty values.
About the brand
Behind every great product is a brand that knows what it's doing, and Anastasia Beverly Hills is that brand. Founded by the iconic Anastasia Soare, ABH has been shaping the beauty world (and our brows) for over 25 years.
You've seen their magic on some of the most famous faces in the world, including JLo, the Kardashians, Hailey Bieber, and Michelle Obama — and now that same high-level performance is in the palm of your hand, disguised as a simple, square-shaped pencil.
I had the opportunity of meeting the lovely Soare and, let me tell you, her makeup was a-glowing. The entire ethos of her brand is providing Hollywood glam at an accessible price point, but without all the fluff. Her products are long-wearing and skin-enhancing, while dabbling in sparkle and fun color every now and then.
How I use the lip liner
The best part? You don't need to be a makeup artist to use this lip pencil. It's designed to deliver pro-level results even if you're just swiping it on in your car mirror before a coffee run. It sharpens easily, applies smoothly, and lets you control the shape and depth of your lip look with ease.
I love over-lining a bit for extra volume to define my cupid's bow. You can also fill in your entire lip region for a soft matte lip. Or, just use it to make your go-to gloss pop. However you wear it, this liner gives you options without overwhelm.
At this point, it's not just a product — it's a movement. From Instagram reels to beauty podcasts, the buzz around this pencil is only growing. But the hype isn't based on trends or gimmicks. It's based on consistent, reliable performance. A product that shows up, shows out, and slots effortlessly into every routine.
If you've been looking for your 'forever' lip liner — the one you'll rebuy and recommend.
The bottom line
Anastasia Beverly Hills
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner is one of those rare products that's gone viral for all the right reasons. It's smart, stylish, and functional. It feels luxe, wears like a dream, and pairs beautifully with literally everything in your collection.
It's a lip addict's staple. If it's not already in your bag, on your vanity or your lips, it's time to change that.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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