Fenty Beauty Lip Liner vs NYX Lip Liner: Battle of the Best

Choosing the right lip liner can make or break your entire lip look. Two brands stand out in the beauty community right now: Fenty Beauty and NYX Professional Makeup. Both offer popular lip liners that promise smooth application, rich color, and long wear.

But they sit at very different price points. The Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner retails around $20, while the NYX Slim Lip Pencil costs under $6. So the big question is: does the higher price tag bring higher quality?

Or does NYX give you the same results at a fraction of the cost? This post breaks down every detail, from formula and shade range to longevity and value. Whether you love luxury beauty or prefer budget picks, you will find a clear answer here. Keep reading to discover which lip liner truly earns your money.

Key Takeaways

• Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out Lip Liner costs about $20 and delivers a waterproof, velvet matte finish. It lasts up to 8 hours and uses pure pigments for true color on every skin tone. The formula is creamy yet firm enough for precise lines.
• NYX Slim Lip Pencil costs under $6 and offers a buttery soft formula enriched with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. It glides on smooth and comes in over 30 shades, giving you plenty of options for every mood.
• Fenty wins on longevity and transfer resistance. The waterproof formula stays put through meals and drinks. NYX fades faster and may need touch ups after a few hours.
• NYX wins on affordability and shade variety. You can buy three or four NYX liners for the price of one Fenty. The shade range is also wider with NYX.
• Both liners apply smoothly and work well for lining, defining, and filling in lips. Your final choice depends on your budget and how long you need the color to last.

Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner Overview

Last update on 2026-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

The Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner launched in July 2024. Rihanna’s beauty brand created this product with pure pigments that deliver accurate color on every skin tone. The brand specifically formulated it so the shades do not appear ashy or washed out.

This lip liner has a velvet matte finish that feels comfortable and looks polished. The formula is creamy enough to glide across the lips without dragging. At the same time, it holds a sharp point for clean, defined lines around the lip border.

Fenty designed this pencil as a sharpenable liner, which means you always get a fresh, precise tip. The product weighs 0.04 oz and retails at approximately $20 at Sephora and Ulta. The shade matched packaging makes it easy to grab the right color from your makeup bag.

Pros:

• Waterproof and lasts up to 8 hours
• Pure pigments give true color on all skin tones
• Velvet matte finish looks smooth and polished
• Resists transfer, feathering, and fading
• Creamy formula glides on without dragging

Cons:

• Higher price point at around $20
• Some users report the formula feels too creamy and hard to control
• Sharpenable pencil can lead to product waste
• Limited shade range compared to drugstore options

NYX Slim Lip Pencil Overview

Last update on 2026-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

The NYX Slim Lip Pencil is a drugstore classic that has been around for years. It costs about $5 to $6 and has earned a loyal following among makeup lovers on a budget. NYX formulated this liner with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter to keep lips hydrated.

This pencil offers a creamy, long wearing formula that resists bleeding. It comes in over 30 shades, from soft nudes and pinks to deep berries, browns, and reds. The classic wooden pencil design requires sharpening, just like the Fenty liner.

NYX markets this product as a buttery soft liner that does not tug or pull on the lips. It blends easily and works well as both a liner and a full lip color base. The formula is PETA certified cruelty free, which matters to many beauty consumers today.

Pros:

• Very affordable at under $6
• Over 30 shades available
• Enriched with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter
• Smooth, buttery application
• Cruelty free and widely available

Cons:

• Does not last as long as high end options
• Some shades may look different on the lips than in the pencil
• Can dry out over time
• Less transfer resistant than waterproof formulas

Formula and Texture Comparison

The formula is where these two lip liners differ most. Fenty uses a silicone based formula with dimethicone as a key ingredient. This creates that smooth, waterproof barrier on the lips. The texture feels creamy but sets into a firm, matte finish that locks color in place.

NYX uses a wax and oil based formula with triglycerides, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and nourishing plant oils. This gives the pencil a softer, more buttery feel during application. The finish is semi matte and slightly more flexible than Fenty’s.

If you have dry lips, NYX may feel more comfortable because of the added oils. The Fenty liner can feel slightly drying after several hours due to its matte, waterproof nature. However, the Fenty formula stays in place much longer and holds up better against smudging and transfer. Your choice depends on whether you prefer comfort or staying power.

Shade Range and Color Options

Fenty Beauty launched the Trace’d Out liner with 10 shades and has expanded the range since then. The shades include neutrals, reds, berries, and deeper tones. Each shade was developed to show true color on every complexion, especially on deeper skin tones where many liners look ashy.

NYX offers over 30 shades in the Slim Lip Pencil line. The range covers everything from pale pinks and peaches to deep plums, chocolates, and classic reds. Popular shades include Nude Pink, Mauve, Peekaboo Neutral, Espresso, and Natural.

If shade selection matters most to you, NYX clearly wins this category. The variety lets you find an exact match for any lipstick shade. Fenty’s range is smaller but more focused on universal, true cast shades that work across different skin tones without looking off.

Pigmentation and Color Payoff

Fenty’s pure pigment formula delivers intense color in a single swipe. The shades appear vibrant and accurate right out of the pencil. You do not need to layer the product to build up color, which saves product over time.

NYX also offers solid pigmentation, but some users report that certain shades look slightly different on the lips than expected. The color payoff is good for the price, though it may not match the intensity of the Fenty liner on the first pass.

Both brands let you fill in the entire lip with their liner. The Fenty liner holds its color better as a full lip product because of its matte, longwear formula. NYX works well as a base under lipstick but may fade faster when worn alone. For a bold, statement lip look, Fenty gives you stronger pigmentation right away.

Longevity and Wear Time

This category is a clear win for Fenty Beauty. The Trace’d Out liner claims up to 8 hours of wear, and many reviewers confirm it delivers. The waterproof formula resists fading, feathering, and transfer throughout the day.

NYX’s Slim Lip Pencil lasts about 3 to 5 hours under normal conditions. Eating, drinking, and talking will wear it down faster. You will likely need to reapply or touch up the NYX liner during the day, especially if you wear it without a lipstick on top.

If your daily routine involves long hours without mirror access, Fenty is the safer choice. For short events or casual days where you can touch up easily, NYX works fine. Pairing the NYX liner with a long wear liquid lipstick can extend its staying power significantly.

Application and Ease of Use

Both products are sharpenable wooden pencils, so the application experience is similar. You control the tip sharpness, and a fresh point on either pencil gives you clean, precise lines around the lip edge.

The Fenty liner applies with a creamy glide that some reviewers describe as incredibly smooth. However, a few users note that the softness makes it slightly harder to control for very precise work. The product can feel almost too creamy for people who prefer a firmer pencil.

The NYX Slim Lip Pencil is slightly firmer in texture, which some makeup artists prefer for detailed lip lining. It gives you more control over thin lines. The trade off is that the application is not quite as effortless or gliding as the Fenty liner. Both pencils blend well when used to fill in the lip area.

Price and Value for Money

This is where NYX pulls far ahead. At under $6, the NYX Slim Lip Pencil is one of the most affordable lip liners on the market. You can buy three or four NYX liners for the price of a single Fenty Trace’d Out liner.

The Fenty liner costs approximately $20, which places it in the mid range to high end category. You do get a waterproof, longwear formula with superior pigmentation. But the price stacks up quickly if you want multiple shades.

For beauty lovers who like to build a collection of lip liner shades, NYX makes more financial sense. If you prefer one or two perfect shades that last all day, Fenty offers strong value despite the higher price. Think of it this way: Fenty is an investment piece, and NYX is a versatile staple.

Waterproof and Transfer Resistance

Fenty Beauty specifically markets its liner as waterproof. This means it holds up against sweat, rain, and even light moisture. The formula resists smudging and does not transfer easily onto cups, straws, or other surfaces.

NYX does not claim waterproof status for the Slim Lip Pencil. The formula is water resistant at best. You will notice some color transfer when drinking from a cup or touching your lips. The liner can also smear if you rub your lips together frequently.

For special occasions like weddings, long work days, or outdoor events, the Fenty liner gives you more confidence. The NYX liner works well for everyday wear where some fading is acceptable. If transfer resistance is a top priority, Fenty is the clear winner in this head to head comparison.

Packaging and Design

The Fenty Trace’d Out liner features shade matched packaging. Each pencil’s outer barrel matches the shade inside. This makes it quick and easy to identify your shade without uncapping the pencil. The design looks sleek and premium.

The NYX Slim Lip Pencil uses a classic, simple wooden pencil design with a color coded barrel. It does the job without extra frills. The packaging is basic but functional, which keeps the cost low.

Both pencils require a sharpener, which is not included with either product. You will need a standard makeup pencil sharpener. The Fenty pencil is slightly wider in diameter, so make sure your sharpener fits it before you try to sharpen. The NYX pencil fits most standard sharpeners without any issue.

Who Should Choose Fenty Beauty Lip Liner?

Fenty Beauty is the right pick for you if longevity matters most. The 8 hour waterproof formula means you apply it once and forget about it. This suits busy professionals, brides, and anyone who hates touch ups.

If you have a deeper skin tone, Fenty’s pure pigment technology ensures the shades look accurate and vibrant without any ashiness. The brand built this liner with inclusivity as a core goal, and the results show.

Fenty also suits makeup lovers who prefer a matte, polished lip look. The velvet finish pairs beautifully with Fenty’s Gloss Bomb products and other lipsticks. If you already use Fenty lip products, this liner integrates perfectly into your routine.

Who Should Choose NYX Lip Liner?

NYX is ideal for budget conscious beauty fans who want quality without a big price tag. Students, beginners, and anyone building their first lip liner collection will appreciate the low cost and wide shade range.

If you like to experiment with different lip colors, NYX lets you try bold shades without a major commitment. A $6 investment in a new color feels low risk compared to $20. The variety encourages creativity.

NYX also works great for everyday, casual wear. If you apply lip liner for a natural look and do not need it to last 8 hours, this pencil does the job. The hydrating ingredients make it comfortable for people with dry or sensitive lips who find matte formulas uncomfortable.

Can You Use Both Together?

Yes, you absolutely can. Many makeup enthusiasts mix products from different brands to get the best results. Here is a smart way to use both liners in your routine.

Use the Fenty liner to outline your lips for a sharp, defined border that will not smudge. Then fill in the center with the NYX liner as a base color. This approach saves money because you use less of the expensive Fenty product while still getting its longwear benefits on the edges.

You can also use NYX as your daily liner and save the Fenty for special occasions. This strategy extends the life of your Fenty pencil and keeps costs down. Smart beauty is about using the right product for the right moment, not choosing just one brand for everything.

Final Verdict: Fenty Beauty Lip Liner vs NYX Lip Liner

Both lip liners earn their place in the beauty market. Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out wins on performance, longevity, and pigmentation. It is a premium product that delivers premium results. If you want a lip liner that survives a full work day, a dinner date, and everything in between, Fenty is your answer.

NYX Slim Lip Pencil wins on value, shade variety, and accessibility. It provides solid quality at a fraction of the price. For everyday use and casual looks, it performs well and treats your lips to nourishing ingredients.

The best choice depends on your priorities. Pick Fenty for performance. Pick NYX for affordability. Or do what many smart beauty lovers do and keep both in your makeup bag for different situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fenty lip liner worth the $20 price tag?

Yes, for many users it is worth the investment. The waterproof formula lasts up to 8 hours and resists transfer, feathering, and fading. You get intense pigmentation and true color on all skin tones. If you value long wear performance and do not want to reapply throughout the day, the $20 price delivers strong value. It may not be worth it for casual users who only wear lip liner occasionally.

Does NYX lip liner last all day?

NYX Slim Lip Pencil lasts about 3 to 5 hours under normal conditions. It fades faster with eating and drinking. You can extend its wear by applying a long wear lipstick on top or using a lip primer underneath. It works best for shorter outings and casual everyday looks rather than full day wear.

Are Fenty lip liners good for dark skin tones?

Yes, Fenty designed the Trace’d Out liner specifically for inclusivity. The pure pigment formula prevents shades from looking ashy or chalky on deeper complexions. The true cast color technology ensures each shade reads accurately on all skin tones. This is one of the standout features that sets Fenty apart from many competitors.

Can NYX lip liner be used as a full lip color?

Absolutely. The NYX Slim Lip Pencil works well as both a liner and a full lip color. Simply line your lips and fill them in completely with the pencil. The buttery formula blends smoothly across the entire lip area. Add a clear gloss on top for a polished look, or wear it matte for a simple everyday style.

Which lip liner is better for beginners?

NYX is a better starting point for beginners. The low price means you can practice your technique and try different shades without spending a lot. The slightly firmer texture also gives more control during application. Once you develop your preferences and skills, investing in the Fenty liner for special occasions makes sense.

Do both lip liners need a sharpener?

Yes, both the Fenty and NYX lip liners are sharpenable wooden pencils. Neither product includes a sharpener in the box. You will need a standard makeup pencil sharpener. Keep in mind that the Fenty pencil is slightly wider, so check that your sharpener has the right size opening before use.