I can skip a lot of makeup steps, but lip liner is one I notice when it’s missing. The right shade can make my lips look more defined, pull a lipstick together, or even work on its own with a little gloss.

Makeup Forever, Charlotte Tilbury, and ColourPop are three I’d keep close because each one gives me a different kind of lip look.

1. Makeup Forever — Anywhere Caffeine

Anywhere Caffeine is the kind of lip liner I’d grab without thinking twice. The brown-toned shade makes it incredibly easy to pair with pink, and even slightly deeper lip colors. I like using it to softly outline my natural lip shape, then filling in a little toward the center before adding gloss. It gives me that defined look without making the lips feel overly dramatic.

2. Charlotte Tilbury — Love Trap

Love Trap has a softer, more romantic feel. I’d choose this one when I want my lips to have a little more pink and definition rather than going for a classic brown. It’s especially nice with a matching pinky lipstick or a sheer gloss. I also like slightly blurring the edges after lining for a softer finish instead of keeping everything perfectly sharp.

3. ColourPop — BFF2

BFF2 is my choice when I want a classic without spending too much time figuring out what goes with what. It has that versatile everyday quality that makes it easy to reach for again and again. I’d use it with a lipstick, lip oil, or simply add gloss on top. It can also be used to lightly shape the lips before adding a brighter color when I want a little more structure.

Anywhere Caffeine is my everyday brown, Love Trap gives me a softer pink direction, and BFF2 is the easy classic. I’d honestly keep all three rather than choosing just one. Lip liner is such a small part of my makeup bag, but changing the shade can completely shift the final look. And sometimes, lining the lips and adding gloss is all I need.