Whether you’re sculpting the perfect 90s-inspired pout or adding dimension to a nude lip, cool-toned lip liners are the ultimate makeup bag essential. These moody, taupe-leaning shades offer a unique contrast that flatters neutral and cool undertones — and pairs beautifully with everything from beige gloss to matte mauve lips.
Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best cool-toned lip liners on the market, from cult classics to underrated indie gems.
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS I RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU CLICK + PURCHASE SOMETHING. PLEASE VIEW THE DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR MORE DETAILS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT + HAPPY SHOPPING!
MAC Lip Liner in Stone – $25
An OG in the cool-toned category, MAC Stone is the blueprint for greige lips. This deep, muted gray-brown liner is bold, edgy, and perfect for dramatic lip contours or worn solo for a statement look.
MAC Lip Liner in Greige – $25
Slightly lighter and more wearable than Stone, Greige is a must-have for those wanting a subtle, sculpted lip without going full goth. It’s an elevated neutral that works with both brown and mauve lip combos.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil in Endless Cacao – $24
This liner is a staple for cool contouring, both on the lips and face. It’s a muted, almost shadowy taupe that defines lips beautifully and can be used to create that “model off-duty” diffused edge.
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner in Gone Greige – $8.50
Drugstore queen alert. Gone Greige is an affordable alternative to high-end options, delivering a gray-beige tone that looks amazing under nude gloss or paired with a deeper lip.
ColourPop Lippie Pencil in Ashton – $7
Cool, creamy, and budget-friendly, Ashton is a cool-toned taupe that glides on effortlessly. It’s a great match for light nude lipsticks or to wear with just balm for a blurred-lip effect.
ColourPop Lippie Pencil in Cool BFF – $7
This is the cool-toned sister to the bestselling “BFF” liner. It’s the perfect everyday cool nude – not too dark, not too pale, and ideal for overlining without looking too harsh.
NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner Velvet Soft Vegan Lip Pencil in Moonwalk – $6
Moonwalk is a silky, taupe-brown liner with a slight gray undertone. The Line Loud formula is creamy and long-lasting, making this a solid pick for all-day wear.
Unearthly Cosmetics Lip Liner in Khaki – $8
As unique as the name implies, Khaki is a green-leaning taupe that brings an avant-garde twist to the lip liner game. Perfect for those who love edgy, experimental makeup looks.
Unearthly Cosmetics Lip Liner in Cursed – $8
Cursed is a moody, muted lavender-brown hybrid with cool undertones. It pairs well with purple-based lip colors or even icy glosses for a witchy, ethereal vibe.
SHEGLAM Cloudline Blur Lip Liner in Mist – $3.50
Mist is a soft, dusty taupe that blurs effortlessly, creating a hazy, diffused outline. The formula has a velvety texture that makes lips look pillowy and soft.
Sacheau Lip Liner Stay-N Peel Off Lip Stain in cLOVER – $14
Clover is an earthy, cool-toned beige with strong gray-brown vibes. This one is ultra-flattering on fair to medium skin tones and pairs beautifully with peachy nudes for contrast. This is also a staining formula vs the typical pencil liner.
Selestia Beauty Oral Fixation Lip Liner in Tantra – $10
Tantra leans toward a cool brown with a hint of depth, making it versatile for pairing with mauves, muted pinks, or as a standalone shade for minimalist makeup days.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Lip Liner in Wyoming Wind – $20
This one is a unique mix of cool beige and stone, with a smooth formula and intense pigment. It gives a sculpted, editorial finish, perfect for when you want to look like you tried—but didn’t.
ELF Cream Glide Lip Liner in Espresso Martini – $3
A cool taupe brown, Espresso Martini is the perfect shade for defining lips without veering warm. This liner is a great pick for cool-toned deep nudes and works wonderfully on most skin tones.
Kylie Cosmetics Precision Pout Lip Liner in Stone – $19
Kylie’s Stone is a cool-toned taupe-mauve that strikes the perfect balance between edgy and wearable. It has that signature creamy formula that glides on easily and lasts, making it a great option for contouring the lips or pairing with matte nude lipsticks. If you’re into the gray-meets-mauve vibe, this one’s a must.
Tips for Wearing Cool-Toned Lip Liners
- Pair with gloss: A sheer beige or clear gloss helps soften the edges for a Y2K-inspired look.
- Layer for depth: Use a lighter nude lipstick in the center and a cool-toned liner on the outer edges to create an ombré effect.
- Don’t fear the greige: Shades like Stone and Endless Cacao might look intimidating, but they bring serious it-girl energy when paired with clean skin and bold brows.
Cool-toned lip liners are having a moment — and they’re here to stay. Whether you’re into edgy neutrals, muted mauves, or full-on taupe fantasy, there’s a liner out there to complete your lip wardrobe.
Which one is your go-to cool-toned liner? Did I miss any of your faves? Drop them in the comments below!
