Lip liner is one of the simplest products in a makeup bag, and one of the most underrated. We asked Greta, founder of GRETA LION, professional makeup artist and hair stylist, how she lines her own lips, how she chooses a shade, and why a lip liner is often all the lip makeup she needs.
Who is sharing these tips
Greta has worked in beauty for more than 13 years. In that time she has done makeup for a great many different women, so she knows what they need and how they think about makeup. Today she creates the GRETA LION products.
"I have always believed that makeup does not have to be complicated," Greta says. That is the GRETA LION philosophy too: easy to use products that let anyone get a professional result.
How MOM was born: a lip liner inspired by a mother
MOM is an ode to Greta's mother. As a child, Greta watched her mom define her lips with a brown pencil in the 90s. Years later, she wanted to recreate exactly that shade in her own cosmetics collection.
"Back then I could never have imagined that such a personal memory would become a product women use in so many countries," Greta says. "It is a special feeling to see a small childhood memory find a place in other women's everyday lives."
MOM has a creamy, easy to blend texture, and its shades adapt beautifully to different natural lip colours. For the full story and what is inside the formula, read The Story Behind Lip Pencil MOM.
Can you get lip liner wrong?
Greta's answer may surprise you: today she sees almost no mistakes in makeup. "We live in a time when beauty is about experimenting, self expression and constant discovery. Even a bold, dark, unblended lip line can become an iconic part of a look."
For everyday makeup, though, she recommends softly blending the line, so the lips look natural but still beautifully defined. "In makeup, the rules matter less than how you feel."
How to line your lips, step by step
1. Look at your natural lip shape
Before she starts, Greta always studies the natural lip line. It tells her where to follow the contour exactly and where she can enhance it a little.
2. Start at the centre of the upper lip
Line the centre of the upper lip first, then the lower lip, and gradually connect the line towards the corners.
3. For fuller looking lips
Greta goes slightly over the natural line only in the centre of the lips, and returns to the natural contour at the corners. The lips look fuller but still natural.
4. Blend the line
Use a brush to softly blend the pencil towards the inside of the lips. This creates a natural shadow and a smooth transition. MOM has a brush on the other end, so you need nothing else.
5. Finish there, or add gloss
Sometimes Greta stops at this point, and sometimes she adds a gloss on top.
For a natural result, she suggests applying the pencil in short strokes. The line comes out soft and natural looking.
How to choose a lip liner shade
The three MOM shades each have their own character, and they work beautifully together.
Cocoa: the everyday favourite
A medium cocoa brown with a neutral, slightly cool undertone. Greta uses it most often as a base. This is the 90s brown that started the MOM story. Shop MOM Cocoa.
Smoke Pink: for natural everyday lips
A soft, muted pink with a cool, ashy undertone. Perfect when you want natural, gentle lip makeup for every day. Shop MOM Smoke Pink.
Cendré: for definition and volume
A deeper, muted greyish brown with a cool undertone. Greta likes it for lining and for creating the look of more volume, especially when she wants to avoid warm, orange tones. Shop MOM Cendré.
Mix and layer
Greta loves mixing and layering the shades, for example Cendré on the line with Cocoa or Smoke Pink in the centre. It is an easy way to create lip makeup that is your own. All three shades come together in the MOM TRIO Set.
How long does lip liner last
When creating MOM, Greta wanted a pencil that is not only pleasant to use but practical in everyday life. The formula is waterproof, so when applied well it holds nicely and helps keep the lip line in place.
Of course, wear depends on eating, drinking, the condition of your lips and how you apply it. "Realistic expectations matter more to me than promises that a product will stay completely unchanged all day," Greta says. MOM can be layered and easily touched up during the day.
Why lip liner is underrated
Greta's opinion that many would disagree with: lip liner is one of the most underrated makeup products. Many people still see it as an extra for lipstick, while for her it often replaces lip makeup entirely.
The right shade can subtly change the shape of the lips and give them more volume and expression. "Sometimes a lip liner alone is enough to make the whole look feel finished."
Greta's favourite combinations
Greta likes lip makeup that looks light and effortless, with products that melt into each other.
- For every day: a softly blended MOM pencil with SALMA lip gloss on top. Lips look fresh and fuller.
- For a soft pink look: MOM Smoke Pink with LOVE VIBES lip gloss. A gentle pink tone, a subtle shine and natural looking lips.
Frequently asked questions about MOM
Does MOM work for thin lips?
Yes, very much so. The right shade and a softly blended line can make lips look fuller.
Is it a twist up pencil?
Yes. MOM twists up, and it has a built-in sharpener and a brush for blending the line.
Can I use it on my whole lips?
Of course. The creamy texture works both for lining and for filling in the whole lip.
Is MOM waterproof?
Yes, the formula is waterproof, which makes the pencil a good choice for everyday wear.
How do I get a natural result?
Apply the pencil in short strokes and blend it softly with the brush. This gives a soft, natural looking line.