The modern way to overline your lips (without looking overdone)

Overlining has become one of beauty’s most talked-about techniques - but when done incorrectly, it can quickly look heavy or unbalanced. The key isn’t more liner, it’s a lighter touch, thoughtful placement and a formula that works with your lips, not against them.

According to Sweed founder and make-up artist Gabriella Elio, overlining should enhance, not transform.

“Overlining should never be about changing your lips completely. It’s about enhancing what you already have,”

What exactly is overlining?

Overlining is a technique used to subtly enhance the natural shape of the lips by tracing just slightly outside the lip line. Rather than outlining the entire mouth, it works best when focusing on areas like the cupid’s bow or the centre of the lips, where added definition creates fullness while maintaining balance.

When done well, the liner itself is almost invisible - the result is simply a more refined lip shape.

Does overlining work for every lip shape?

Overlining can work for most lip shapes, but it’s most effective when adapted to the individual. Instead of following the full outline of the mouth, Gabriella recommends enhancing specific areas depending on your natural shape.

“The goal is always to complement your features rather than dramatically change them,. It should feel personal, not painted on.”

Why texture matters more than shade

The success of overlining often comes down to the texture of the liner itself. A creamy but precise formula allows the pencil to glide on effortlessly without dragging, while still having enough structure to stay in place.

Too dry, and the liner can look harsh. Too soft, and it may feather or lose definition. A balanced texture allows for gentle blending and a soft-focus finish that lasts.

Should your liner match your lips or your lipstick?

For the most natural-looking result, choose a lip liner close to your natural lip tone, or just slightly deeper. This creates a seamless base that enhances the shape without overpowering it. There's a shade of Sweed Lip Liner to suit you.

From there, you can layer lipstick or gloss on top for a polished but effortless finish.