Which Lipsticks Will Stay Without Lip Liner?

Generally speaking, you pretty much never need to use a lip liner with more neutral shades. Even if there is some minor bleeding, smudging, or fading, it will go unnoticed in colors that more closely match your skintone. But we usually don't worry as much rocking a nude lip. It's those dark lippies that can be stress inducing. Because let's be real, we don't usually want red or purple lines descending from our lips. But there ways to prevent lipstick bleeding besides having to find the perfect liner to match every lipstick shade in your collection.

Lipstick bleeding is dependent on two main factors. The first is the formula. Formulas with thinner consistencies are more likely to travel outside of the bounds of your lips. That means, if you're skipping the liner, you might also want to skip glossy or creamy formulas. The second factor is the skin that surrounds your lips. If this skin is particularly dry, it is easier for lipstick to feather into the lines. To prevent this, make sure to keep your skin moisturized. It is also helpful to apply a balm, skin primer, or foundation before your lipstick. These products will help fill in some of the lines around your lips, making it harder for lipstick to migrate.

And while for some, finding a lipstick that will stay on without liner is as simple as staying moisturized and using a tube that is marketed as "long-wearing," it's not always as easy as that. If you find your lipstick is still not behaving, try these formulas and techniques to keep it in its place.

1. Use Matte Lipstick

A matte lipstick, though a little more difficult to apply, will not budge. Since the formula tends to be drier, it will not slide or move where it should not, but stay exactly where you put it. (Try: Pure Matte Lipstick, $26, narscosmetics.com)

2. Or Try Liquid Lipstick

If you want something that can be a little easier to apply than a matte lipstick, look for a liquid or cream lipstick that dries to a demi-matte or matte finish. These will glide on easily, but since the formula dries instead of staying wet like a gloss, it's not going anywhere once it sets. (Try: Soft Matte Lip Cream, $6, nyxcosmetics.com)

3. Use a Line-Filler

If a general primer is not enough, apply a pore and line filler like this around the border of your lips before applying your lipstick. This will help prevent feathering. Bonus? Since this is not specifically a lip liner, it can also be used on the rest of your face to help reduce the appearance of fine lines as well. (Try: NARS Instant Line & Pore Perfector, $28, nordstrom.com)

4. Apply with a Brush

Instead of swiping your color on from the bullet, apply with a brush to keep it from feathering. Start with a thin layer, and build up the layers until you have your desired color intensity. Just remember to blot between layers to really seal the color into your lips. (Try: Bite Beauty Lip Brush, $20, sephora.com)

Images: Courtesy Brands