Never thought we’d find a lip liner for $2… But here we are. Say hello to TikTok’s latest obsession: Italia Deluxe’s UltraFine Lip Liner, $2, AKA the lip liner creamier than butter but cheaper than your daily latte. Here’s why four million TikTokers (and us) cannot stop talking about it.
What it is: An easy-to-use pencil lip liner that glides effortlessly with minimal effort and zero tugging. Oh, and it’s available in 31 saturated shades.
The hype: Although humbly priced at $2, these pencils rival some of the best-selling formulas in the lip liner bizz (but more on that later). @loveashleyzenith says she’d still buy them even if they were x5 more expensive – if that doesn’t explain the hype, we don’t know what will.
This is for anyone gutted that KKW Beauty’s lip liners were taken off the shelves – you’re in luck! Shade Light Brown of the Italia Deluxe lip liners is considered a near-perfect formula dupe of the discontinued Shade 2.5, a gorgeous golden brown. Plus, it’s MUCH cheaper. Fair warning, there’s a difference in the packaging (one’s a twist-up), but for that price point? We’ll take it.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a shade that doesn’t grab your attention. From coffee browns to burgundies, bold reds to berry mauves, there’s something for everyone. For a gorgeous nude shade, try Terra Cotta on fair complexions and Chocolate and Cabaret for a divine look on rich to deep skin tones.
What we liked: Discovering drugstore formulas is always exciting, but a $2 formula that performs better than its Spenny counterparts? That’s rare. It’s impossible to ignore how it delivers a shot of color with a single swipe – shook. Makeup newbies will adore its buttery texture, especially since it blends out in seconds, making it so much easier to line, sculpt, and define pouts.
FYI: Size matters with lip liners, and thankfully, these are longer than most, translating to increased product and value for the $2 bucks you spent. *Cue the squeals*
What we didn’t like: Cream lip liners – like this one – can be more likely to smudge, so don’t forget to re-examine your lip look every few hours. On the downside, regular top-offs also mean that pencils’ sharp tips are bound to become blunt after a few weeks. If only they included a built-in sharpener… But we’re just nit-picking here.
The bottom line: STOCK UP! This pigmented lip collection is (undoubtedly) the drugstore steal of the century, with $2 lip liners in 31 colors. While we’re obsessed with the price tag and the shade range, we have to admit that our fave feature is that it blends like butttahhh – #love.
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.
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As both a child of the early aughts and a longtime beauty editor, rest assured that I’ve cycled through just about every available lip gloss on the market. I can still smell the vanilla frosting Lip Smackers I wore every day in 7th grade, and high school, my book bag doubled as a Lancôme Juicy Tubegraveyard. But I can also still remember the distinct feeling of un-sticking my hair from my lips—enough to put me off lip gloss for quite some time, aside from when my journalistic duty called for it. (It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.)
That all changed a couple of years ago when the matte lip obsession of the 2010s gloriously gave way to a far more timeless, dewy, fresh-faced aesthetic. Suddenly, the gooey lip glosses of decades past had been rebranded as “lip oils:” hydrating and packed with conditioning ingredients, with a flattering, slick, decidedly un-sticky finish. In the past year alone, searches for “lip oil” have spiked over 150%—a trend that has been met with a variety of new lip oils on the market, all promising a cushioned, more moisturized pout. (“Like your lips, but better,” is the going mantra.)
So, how to choose? Naturally, we did it for you—we’re rounding up six of the very best lip oils available, from plumping to tinted to high-shine formulas. Shop them below.
We have to agree with thousands of reviewers and TikTok users on this one—this bestselling tinted lip oil from Merit simply ticks all of the boxes. Thanks to the flattering, buildable pigment and a lightweight, hydrating sheen, it’s that one little part of my routine that instantly brings my whole look together—whether I’m headed to the grocery store or a night out.
Take your pick from eight semi-sheer hues—or collect a few. (We’re certainly not judging.) Fans have loved this luxurious, non-sticky lip oil since it launched in 2020. Bonus points for just looking fancy when you pull it out of your purse for a midday touch-up.
This maximum-impact oil is formulated with hyaluronic acid and peptides, two skincare superhero ingredients that visibly plump and hydrate lips. We also love it for its ultra-thick, high-shine finish and eleven-shade range.
Pout needs a little extra TLC? This cherry-flavored treat from Fenty Skin was designed to repair and restore your lips’ moisture barrier—which will ultimately keep cracked, dry skin at bay. It also features a barely-there, universally flattering cherry tint.
Consider this your friendly reminder that your lips are a key part of your skincare routine—and this formula from Clarins is already an editor favorite for a plush, hydrated pout. The secret is the potent cocktail of Jojoba, Hazelnut, and Sweetbriar Rose which help lock in moisture, reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity—basically, unlocking your lips’ full potential.
Lip oil is the perfect solution if you don’t like the sticky feel that comes with gloss but still want a lot of shine.
This lip oil is rather unique in the sense that when you first apply it, it is more of a soft jelly texture, but it does eventually melt into a texture that feels more like a traditional lip oil.
You get so much color from this oil that even when the shine factor wears off, there is still a pretty flush of color left behind—similar to a lip stain. If you have ever tried Rare Beauty’s famous Soft Pinch Liquid Blush you know that they take pigment seriously.
Highlighted Ingredients: – Jojoba Seed Oil: Moisturizes and creates a protective barrier over lips to lock in hydration. – Sunflower Seed Oil: Antioxidant-rich; soothes and protects from environmental stressors.
The best way to describe my TikTok FYP would be chaotic. The lucky girls’ syndrome debate and the Selena Gomez and Hailey drama have taken over my feed. But one thing TikTok is useful for, if not distracting us from everyday life? Practical—dare I say brilliant—fashion hacks.
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Content creators have tricks up their sleeves that leave me taking notes several times a day. Tying basic shirts in ways that make them feel new, layering up pieces to completely transform an outfit; you’ll wonder how you didn’t think of them yourself and will thank the TikTok powers that be for bringing them to your feed. These six TikTok hacks will effortlessly elevate your next OOTD—so much so, you might just film a TikTok to show it off. Ready to go viral?
For a cohesive, “she’s so put-together” look, pretend you’re an art major and follow this rule of color theory: no more than three colors in an outfit. And yes, that includes neutrals. When you’re feeling something playful like a pop of pink, be intentional by incorporating it in multiple ways, like with a handbag, hair accessory, or an oversized blazer.
I have an entire drawer dedicated to my turtleneck collection, but it took a 2 a.m. TikTok scroll to become enlightened: for extra polish, roll the neck inside versus out. As this fashion entrepreneur eloquently states, it makes for a cleaner neckline, which is perfect if you’re layering a necklace on top. It’s giving luxe Gossip Girl vibes, and we’re obsessed.
Think you have to tie a button-down mastered? Guess again. With a subtle change, this tying trick makes them look way chic and seamless. Save this video just in case you have to watch it five more times to get it right—no shame here.
Easy outfit styling – from basic to interesting ✨ tshirt and jeans edition. A classic outfit, spruced up a little. Taking out my beloved sweater vest as a great spring layering option. I love how a simple swap of the tshirt for one with longer sleeves creates better balance to the overall look.#springoutfitideas#tshirtandjeans#casualoutfitideas#intentionalcloset#wardrobeessentials
Who knew that a simple two-second decision could transform an entire outfit? Take your casual sweater-and-jeans combo up a notch by layering a white T-shirt underneath. As this TikToker notes, you’ll be creating visual interest, making your overall ensemble that much trendier.
Cardigans: they seem straightforward enough. You button it up; you leave it open. Right? Well, not according to TikTok. You learn something new every day, and this time, it’s the idea of buttoning the last buttons of your cardigan behind your back for an elegant, undone look.
You know that moment when you get dressed, and something is just… off? It may be because there isn’t enough contrast in the pieces you’ve chosen. How to fix it? By adding an “undone” element to an otherwise put together ’fit. Whether it’s sneakers, joggers, or a baseball cap, that casual accessory could be just what you need to strike a balance between effortless and unexpected.
Life on tour is grueling (or so I’ve heard), but Taylor Swift could’ve fooled us with her seemingly effortless stamina throughout her 3-hour “Eras Tour” show (complete with seamless outfit changes on stage, might I add). It got me wondering how she performs her way through 44 hits from her 10 studio albums without so much as breaking a sweat or popping one of the sequins off her red-and-sequined-snaked Reputation look. So naturally, I scoured the internet for every tidbit I could find about her wellness routine (you’re welcome, Swifties). How does she sweat it out? What does she eat in a day? Is she just like us when it comes to self-care? Read on for a breakdown of T-Swift’s health and wellness standbys. Alexa, play the Midnight’s album.
According to an article in Marie Claire, pounding the pavement and dance-based workouts from New York-based studio Body By Simone are the singer-songwriter’s secret weapons to keeping up endurance and strength to perform dozens of shows while on tour. Body by Simone classes (which are also offered on their digital studio so you can sweat it on the go) combines a unique fusion of dance, Pilates, and functional strength training (think: high-intensity dance cardio, bodyweight moves, and light dumbbell exercises) that create “a safe space where women can feel inspired and motivated to become the best version of themselves,” said Simone de la Rue, Body by Simone’s Founder. To give Swift’s fitness regimen a whirl, try this 20-minute full-body Body by Simone workout. You’ll jump lunge, push up shoulder tap, crunch as you side plank, and jump squat your way to Swift fitness status.
But dancing (on and off the stage) isn’t the only exercise she swears by. “For me, running is about blasting a whole bunch of new songs and running to the beat,” Swift told WebMD. “It’s also good because it makes me find a gym wherever I am…I love exploring the places we go when we tour.”
For diet: She follows intuitive eating habits
Show biz is not without its fad diets, cleanses, and quick fixes, but don’t count Swift as part of that crowd. Rather, she takes a balanced approach to her diet. Translation: Taylor follows a wholesome menu during the week while letting loose with her food choices on the weekends. “…I try to keep it lighter, but it’s nothing too regimented or crazy,” Swift conveyed to WebMD. “I don’t like to create too many rules where I don’t need them. We know what’s good for us, thanks to common sense.” Case in point: She told WebMD she passes on sugary drinks and sticks to salads, yogurt, and sandwiches Monday through Friday, but enjoys a burger and fries, ice cream, or cookies on weekends (a girl after my own heart).
We could all take a page from Swift’s book on mindful eating—that goes for sweets too. If you’re a Swiftie, you probably already know she’s no stranger to baking up a storm of desserts. “I bake pumpkin bread for everyone I know and make ginger molasses cookies and hot chocolate and chai,” she expressed to Bon Appétit. As for her go-to drinks? Skinny vanilla lattes on weekdays and PSLs on weekends. “The point is I’m never cutting out what I love,” Swift informed WebMD. She is just like us!
For hydration: She always has a water bottle with her
Swift can’t live without her Starbucks like the rest of us, but she knows water does a body good and makes it a point to load up on water, tour or no tour. “I have so much water in my dressing room because I drink, like, ten bottles of water a day,” Swift revealed to Bon Appétit. “I drink so much water my friends call me an alien.” She never leaves home without a water bottle and even keeps a case in her car for good measure. While you don’t have to guzzle ten bottles in a day (assuming you’re not a pop star performing night after night), a general rule of thumb is to aim for about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day. When we stay sufficiently hydrated, our cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems work more efficiently. So do as Taylor does and hit yourhydration goal for the day. Step 1: Start with a glass of water first thing in the AM. Your skin will reap the benefits, too.
For mental health: She journals
“Health is a big part of being happy,” Swift shared with WebMD, which to her means being in great shape both physically and mentally. It turns out she’s a journaling stan (that instantly gets her the BeautyLeeBar stamp of approval, BTW): “From a young age, any time I would feel the pain I would think, ‘It’s OK, I can write about this after school.’ As a young kid, I learned to process my emotions by writing.” Swift was onto something at an early age because putting pen to paperhas a bevy of benefits, including reducing stress, creating space from negative thoughts, and deepening self-discovery.
And it’s no surprise that Swift also takes to her songwriting and music to feel all her feels: “…anytime something hurts, like rejection or sadness or loneliness, or I feel joy or I fall in love, I ask myself, ‘Can I write a song about this so I know how I feel?’” she said. Even if your journal entries about your feelings don’t become a platinum hit, journaling can provide an effective way to process emotions. Think of it like a therapy session with yourself.
For self-care: She has a routine to feel at home while traveling
In her interview with WebMD, Swift didn’t sugarcoat life on tour: riding hours on a bus, giving it her all on stage, and not sleeping in her bed can feel draining. Her key to staying balanced through it all? Following a comforting routine and packing certain travel essentials. Her first order of business when settling into her hotel room is unpacking. “I do it everywhere I go,” Swift said. “I like the way it feels to have my clothes put away in drawers and my shoes in the closet.” According to WebMD, Swift also always brings candles with her to her destinations.
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If you caught Swift’s Netflix documentary Taylor Swift: Miss Americana, you know that her squad includes her feline companions—Olivia, Meredith, and Benjamin—and she has personalized bags and cat backpacks for them for travel on her private jet, according to Parade Pets (they’re practically just as famous as their mom, thanks to their many cameos on IG and TikTok). What’s more, Swift brings them to events and music video shoots alike every chance she gets (as evidenced here and here). As a fellow four-legged animal mama, I can relate.
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