The Smarter Way To Put On Lipstick

Lipliner tends to get a bad rap. We blame the '90s and the Baywatch brown pencil, peach gloss combo. But, it turns out that humble little pencil actually has a few tricks up its sleeve that can make it look decidedly modern. With both barely-there pouts and scarlet-stamped lips ruling the spring runways, lipliner has gone from a passé afterthought to a beauty essential.

Give it a contemporary vibe by combining it with a clear balm. It’s a trick we keep coming back to in place of our usual lipstick swipe. Liner has more staying power, and won't wander off midday or bleed into fine lines like a lipstick usually does — while the balm will keep you moisturized and smooth.

Keep reading to see how makeup artists are interpreting this beauty hack for spring 2015, and to find the perfect products for recreating the season's key looks.