Lip crayons are a must-have in your makeup bag this year. Why? They combine the smooth application of a lip balm, the polished look of a lipstick, and the precision of a chubby lip liner. Unlike lip gloss, which can be fleeting, or liquid lipstick, which may crack, lip crayons provide a versatile, refined finish that makeup artists love.
The options are diverse: some formulas are soft and creamy with a high-shine finish, while others are firm, matte, and long-lasting, perfect for all-day wear. Best of all, whether you prefer luxury brands or affordable finds, there’s a crayon for every occasion.
Here, two celebrity makeup artists share everything you need to know about lip crayons, including the top shades and textures to try now.
Vogue’s Favorite Lip Crayons
What is a lip crayon?
A lip crayon is a versatile product that blends the benefits of lip balm, lipstick, and lip liner into one easy-to-use stick.
Are lip crayons better than lipstick?
They offer more precision and often a more comfortable, hydrating feel, making them a great alternative for everyday wear.
How do you make lip crayons last longer?
Start with exfoliated lips, apply a lip primer, and blot with a tissue between layers.
How We Tested
We evaluated products based on texture, wear time, and user feedback.
Meet the Experts
Our insights come from celebrity makeup artists Sean Harris and Monika Blunder.
Best Overall: Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Lipstick + Lip Liner Crayon
Price: $26 at ILIA and Nordstrom
Why We Love It: Sean Harris praises its soft, hydrating, velvety matte formula that balances precision and color. Available in 15 shades, from deep red to mauve, it includes hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil to keep lips smooth and chap-free. The soft-matte finish gives a natural, enhanced look.
Key Ingredients: Sea succulent, hyaluronic acid, seaweed extract, rosehip oil
Finish: Matte
Shades: 15
More Info: Cruelty-free, clean formula
Pros: Hydrating, clean, rich pigment, flattering shades
Cons: May fade after eating or drinking
Best Gloss: Sisley Paris Phyto-Lip Twist
Price: $60 at BlueMercury and Nordstrom
Why We Love It: This crayon offers the precision of a lip pencil, pigment of a lipstick, and shine of a gloss. Harris notes its ultra-creamy texture and twist-up design, which requires no sharpening. Enriched with plant-based ingredients, it keeps lips supple and slightly glossy. Try Litchi for everyday or True Red for evenings.
Key Ingredients: Commipheroline, phytosqualane
Finish: Glossy
Shades: 17
More Info: Cruelty-free, dermatologist tested, paraben-free
Pros: Smooth application, glossy finish, safe for sensitive skin
Cons: Not very long-wearing, expensive
Best Nourishing: Clinique Chubby Stick
Price: $29 at Nordstrom and Amazon
Why We Love It: A cult favorite, this crayon is moisturizing and easy to wear. Harris describes it as ultra-hydrating, feeling like a balm with a soft tint of color. With mango and shea butter, it keeps lips hydrated all day.
Key Ingredients: Mango butter, shea butter
Finish: Sheer
Shades: 14
More Info: Dermatologist-tested, allergy tested, fragrance-free
Pros: Buildable color, safe for sensitive skin
Cons: Can cling to dry patches
Best Sheer: Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon
Price: $35 at Nordstrom and Amazon
Why We Love It: Monika Blunder recommends this for a sheer, stain-like color. It comes in 20 shades, each offering a delicate wash.This lip product feels effortlessly chic. Unlike some short-lasting lipsticks, this formula stays on for up to 12 hours—even through coffee and cocktails. What makes it truly irresistible is its nourishing blend of raspberry seed oil and mango butter, which wraps lips in such lightweight comfort that you’ll forget you’re wearing anything.
Key Ingredients: Raspberry seed oil, mango butter
Finish: Sheer matte
Shades: 20
More To Know: Cruelty-free, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free
Love It:
– Widest shade range
– Long-wearing, soft-focus finish
Leave It:
– Not the most moisturizing option
Best Matte: NARS Powermatte Lip Pencil
NARS Powermatte Lip Pencil
$30 at NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: If NARS’s matte lipstick feels too dry, try their crayon instead. It offers a luxurious, long-wearing creamy-to-matte texture. Blunder always keeps it in her professional kit, saying, “If you want bolder, richer pigment, this is the one.” It feels plush and comfortable—never drying—whether you’re going for a ’90s brown or a bold red lip.
Key Ingredients: Power pigment complex
Finish: Matte
Shades: 13
More To Know: Paraben-free, full coverage, phthalate-free
Love It:
– Highest color payoff
– Comfortable, all-day wear
Leave It:
– Some find it becomes a bit drying by the end of the day
Best Cream: Monika Blunder Kissen Lush Lipstick Crayon
Monika Blunder Kissen Lush Lipstick Crayon
$32 at NORDSTROM
$32 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: If heavy lipsticks aren’t for you, this lightweight formula feels like a breath of fresh air. Infused with jojoba and marula seed oils, shea butter, and squalene, it offers lasting comfort. Blunder aimed to create a lipstick that feels like your favorite jeans—effortless, wearable, and flattering. Harris agrees, noting it gives a soft hint of color with a smooth, buttery finish.
Key Ingredients: Orange peel oil, jojoba seed oil, marula seed oil, meadowfoam seed, shea butter, rose flower wax
Finish: Creamy
Shades: 9
More To Know: Cruelty-free, vegan
Love It:
– Antioxidant-rich, hydrating formula
– The most lightweight feel
Leave It:
– Some say online swatches aren’t as accurate as trying it in person
Best Pigment: Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil
Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil
$29 at NORDSTROM
$29 at BLUEMERCURY
$29 at REVOLVE
Why We Love It: This lip crayon glides on creamy and dries to a velvety matte finish that lasts all day. It’s perfect for a busy schedule, from morning meetings to evening events. The shades are richly pigmented, ranging from attention-grabbing reds to soft coral roses for a natural look.
Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, synthetic and natural wax blend
Finish: Velvet matte
Shades: 12
More To Know: Long-wearing
Love It:
– Long-wearing formula that doesn’t feather
– Smooth texture
Leave It:
– Requires a specific sharpener
Everything You Need to Know
What is a lip crayon?
A lip crayon combines the benefits of lipstick, lip liner, and sometimes even lip balm. Its angled shape makes it easier to use than traditional lipstick, giving you more control for precise application.
Are lip crayons better than lipstick?
Lip crayons aren’t necessarily better; it depends on your preference. Blunder finds them more modern, fresh, and easier to use. They often include moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, making them great for dry or sensitive lips. Traditional lipstick tends to be more pigmented, ideal for a bolder look.
How do you make lip crayons last?How can you make your lip crayon last longer? Monika Blunder suggests choosing a matte or satin finish formula and layering the crayon with a lip liner for extra staying power. Sean Harris recommends the blotting method: apply one layer of matte lip crayon, gently blot with a tissue, then apply a second coat for the most vibrant color.
How We Tested
We selected these lip crayons with the same thorough approach we use for mascaras, eyeliners, and primers. Each formula was swatched and worn through daily activities like coffee runs, long workdays, and evening events. We evaluated key qualities: ease of application, comfort, color intensity, and the perfect mix of bold impact and subtle refinement. We also consulted professional makeup artists to confirm our recommendations and theirs. Now, all that’s left is for you to add to cart and check out.
Meet The Experts
Sean Harris is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Lori Harvey, Lala Anthony, and Laura Harrier. Monika Blunder is a Los Angeles–based celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Monika Blunder Beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and natural FAQs about the return of the best lip crayons
General Beginner Questions
Q What exactly is a lip crayon
A Its a makeup product for your lips that looks like a crayon Its usually a twistup stick that combines the color of a lipstick with the easy application of a lip liner
Q I loved the original version Whats actually new and better about them now
A The new formula is often improved with better ingredients You can expect richer color a creamier feel that doesnt dry out your lips and longerlasting wear
Q Are lip crayons good for someone who doesnt wear a lot of makeup
A Absolutely Theyre one of the easiest lip products to use You can apply a sheer wash of color for a natural look or build it up for more intensity all without needing a mirror or a lip brush
Q What kind of finishes do they come in
A You can find them in various finishes The new versions often include velvety mattes satin finishes and even some with a hydrating glossy shine
Benefits Features
Q What are the main benefits of using a lip crayon over a traditional lipstick
A Their main benefits are ease of use and versatility The precise tip lets you line and fill your lips in one step and theyre less messy than a bullet lipstick Theyre also great for onthego touchups
Q Are the new lip crayons moisturizing
A Yes thats a key improvement Many of the new formulas are infused with hydrating butters and oils to keep your lips comfortable and prevent that dry tight feeling
Q Will the color last a long time
A The new formulas are designed for better longevity While they may not be completely transferproof they should last through drinks and light snacks much better than the original versions especially the matte finishes
Application Tips
Q Whats the best way to apply a lip crayon
A Start by outlining your lips with the fine tip then fill in the rest For a precise look follow your natural lip line