Last updated: March 2026
What Is Overlining?
Overlining is the technique of drawing lip liner just outside your natural lip line to create the illusion of fuller, larger lips.
Lip overlining became a mainstream beauty trend largely through celebrities and social media in the 2010s, though makeup artists have used subtle overlining for decades in film and editorial work. The technique works by drawing lip liner slightly outside the natural vermilion border (the edge where lip meets skin), then filling in with lipstick or gloss. Done well, it creates a believably fuller lip. Done poorly, it's obvious and unflattering. The key is restraint—overlining by 1–2mm outside the natural line is convincing; anything more starts to look like visible liner. Nude and MLBB shades are the most forgiving for overlining because there's less contrast between the lip color and surrounding skin.
Tips
- Overline by 1–2mm maximum—any more and the line between liner and skin becomes visible.
- Use a shade close to your natural lip color for the most believable result.
- Focus overlining on the cupid's bow and center of the lower lip where fullness looks most natural.
- Set overlined lips with a light dusting of translucent powder for a longer-lasting illusion.
See it in action
Tutorials that use or demonstrate this technique: