There's no doubt about it—lip liner is having a major moment. I'm personally a big fan of what lip liner is able to do to my lips, but I also find many formulas difficult to use. Lip liner is a tricky formula to nail. If it's too soft, it can smear and look imprecise. If it's too hard, it will drag and look patchy. It can also be really drying.
Kosas's newest product is essentially the ideal lip liner. These retractable pencils, coined Hotliners, glide easily onto lips, but they stay on for hours. The six starting shades are all subtle enough for just about everyone to wear. Perhaps the best part of these liners is that they're blended with ingredients that won't dry your lips out. Each liner is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid for hydration, konjac root to protect lips, and jojoba oil to soften. Use them to outline lips or to fill them in completely for a monochromatic vibe.
Each Hotliner was made to be worn with one of Kosas's Wet Lip Oil Glosses. These tried-and-true glosses impart lips with a double shot of hydration and color. The liners aren't meant to match any of the gloss shades specifically, which is what makes them so great. They're so versatile that you can mix and match liners and glosses as you please. Below, find a few winning combos, read about why I love them, and see how three of them look on my face.
Try: Hotliner in Wow + Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Jaws
It's no secret that I love a red lip. I often opt for matte shades when I decide on a lip color, but this combo has me reconsidering. These are the kind of 1950s pinup-girl lips that immediately get everyone's attention.
Try: Hotliner in Mega + Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Malibu
I hardly ever try pink shades. Most of the time, pink is just not my jam. I'd rather opt for neutrals or fire-engine reds. This pink combo, however, feels approachable and—dare I say—might be one of my new go-tos. Malibu is pink while still maintaining a bit of dustiness, and Mega is mauvy. Together, they create the perfect cool-girl pink.
Try: Hotliner in 100 + Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Unbuttoned
Juicy, nude lips have quickly taken center stage in the world of makeup trends. A brown-toned liner with a neutral, glossy lip is very Kardashian-esque in the best way possible. These two products are perfect for helping me achieve that "my lips but better" vibe that everyone wants right now.
Try: Hotliner in Max + Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Unzipped
Max is a warm, brownish pink that works on virtually all skin tones. Pair it with a sheer, barely-there pink like Unzipped to create tons of fullness and depth if you use it to outline your lips, or if you fill your entire lips with Max, Unzipped will help soften the color and give your lips more dimension.
Try: Hotliner in Supreme + Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Dip
If you've been on the hunt for a rich, deep brown lip liner, you've found your match with Hotliner in Supreme. This highly pigmented liner goes well with just about everything, but take it for a spin with a red-toned neutral.
Try: Hotliner in Peak + Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Unhooked
This is a duo truly made in heaven. Hotliner in Peak is a terra-cotta nude that instantly warms up your lips. Pair it with a creamy lip gloss for a subdued look.
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