16 Dark Lip Liners to Nail the ’90s Comeback Trend

From runways to For You Pages, it’s clear dark lip liner is taking over. Whether outlining the lips à la Y2K or used for all-over color, these moody hues are dominating this season.

Dark lip liners are versatile powerhouses, perfect for creating that coveted “your lips but better” look or diving into full-on vampy glamour. They’re the unsung heroes of many iconic looks, from the classic “supermodel lip” to today’s trendy “latte makeup.”

Whether you’re after a subtle definition or full-on drama, trying out the trend or are all in, these dark lip liner picks have got you covered.

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Half Magic Sculptitude 2-in-1 Lip Liner ($17.50)

This dual-ended lip liner houses two complimentary shades to easily create that ombre look without a million products. We’re partial to shade More Haze/Seize the Slay, which combines a warm nude and deep brown in one pigmented liner.

• BUY NOW – $17.50

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Haus Labs Le Monster Lip Crayon ($24)

All 15+ shades of this jumbo liner-meets-crayon feature mango seed oil, peptides and more to keep lips comfortable. As temps dip, we’re reaching for Mahogany Matte, a cool-toned plum brown shade that works as a liner or all-over color.

• BUY NOW – $24

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Ami Cole Soft Shape Lip Liner ($18)

This clean liner comes in five beautiful shades designed to enhance deep skin tones. Its creamy formula is thanks to marula oil and shea butter but is also impressively waterproof. You can’t go wrong with any of the offered shades, but we’re obsessed with Café Touba’s hickory brown hue.

• BUY NOW – $18

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Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil ($24)

Full coverage but never drying or tight, this lip pencil is made for precise lining but is also outfitted with a brush on the opposite end to create a softer look. Dark Chocolate is a deep cocoa brown with a hint of brick tones for the ultimate fall-winter lip.

• BUY NOW – $24

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Saie Lip Liner 101 ($20)

We’re a fan of all of these nourishing liners (they’re formulated with ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil to keep things hydrated) but are partial to Tease, a plum brown nude that does the most when it comes to creating a versatile yet moody look.

• BUY NOW – $20

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r.e.m. beauty At the Borderline Lip Liner Pencil ($18)

Bounce is a deep violet-meets-burgundy shade that delivers an instant sultry vibe to any look. Bonus points for its built-in sharpener that keeps things neat.

• BUY NOW – $18

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Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lip Liner ($15)

Available in 11 shades, each of these liners deliver highly pigmented and precise color. Our pick this season: Gifted, a beautiful rich dusty plum shade that works for everyone.

• BUY NOW – $15

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Jones Road The Lip Pencil ($22)

A rich red-brown hue is a year-round must, but especially during the fall and winter months. Shade Cognac is creamy but not too pigmented, delivering bold color payoff without looking overly “done.”

• BUY NOW – $22

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REFY Lip Sculpt ($26)

This two-in-one liner houses a traditional liner and a “lip setter” to lock your liner in place and create a long-lasting matte finish. As for shades, Sepia is the perfect true cool-toned brown liner that belongs in any lip kit.

• BUY NOW – $26

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Tower 28 OneLiner Lip Liner ($15)

Suitable for the lips, eyes and cheeks, this does-it-all liner is the backbone of any makeup bag. Try Color Me Fine for a taupe-meets-grey shade you can use everywhere for a monochromatic statement.

• BUY NOW – $15

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WYN Beauty Startling Line ($19)

Infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid, dry lips aren’t a concern with this liner. All eight shades last up to an impressive 18 hours, but we’re reaching for Confidence, a rich deep brown that never goes out of style.

• BUY NOW – $19

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Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer ($30)

For a super-precise application, this liner is unmatched. From a pinky rose to a true red, there’s no wrong answer when choosing a shade, but when you can’t decide between crimson and chocolate, opt for No. 05, the perfect marriage of both.

• BUY NOW – $30

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Patrick Ta Beauty Precision Lip Crayon ($26)

If you’re just dipping your toe in the dark liner pond, try shade She’s Proud, a neutral pink-brown hue. Pair it with a darker lipstick to deepen the look or fill in the lips for a lighter monochromatic moment.

• BUY NOW – $26

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SIMIHAZEBEAUTY Lip Trace Lip Liner ($24)

Dubbed “the smoothest lip liner ever created,” each application is a breeze thanks to jojoba oil. Our go-to shade this season: Monsoon, a plummy brown hue perfect for every occasion.

• BUY NOW – $24

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DIBS No Pressure Lip Liner ($16)

Designed to be paired with the brand’s Lip Definer for a contoured-looking lip, shade Last Word is a deep raspberry color that just screams holiday and works on all skin tones.

• BUY NOW – $16

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SHEGLAM SO Lip Liner ($3)

Aside from a price you can’t beat, this liner offers a smooth, never-drying, mousse-like finish to the lips. The brand offers 14 color options, but we love But First, Coffee—a rich chestnut brown—for the cooler months.

• BUY NOW – $3