New York Post Composite One swipe of this creamy, dreamy $20 Summer Fridays lip liner and suddenly our entire team forgot every other pencil in their makeup bags.
I don’t say this lightly — I’ve certainly tested more lip liners than I care to admit, from drugstore staples to luxury splurges, and this one hits that rare sweet spot of being supremely long-lasting and buttery soft without veering into greasy territory.
Paired perfectly with the brand’s top-rated Lip Butter Balm, this savvy $20 liner glides like a dream, sets like a pro and somehow manages to stay put through coffee runs, lunch breaks and late-night cocktails.
As a beauty reporter with *way* too much stuff in my makeup bag, this liner is truly impressive. I found it to be similar to Rare Beauty’s edition and I love the color selection.
My go-to combo is pairing this liner in the shade “Sugar” with the Fenty Beauty Gloss Balm that gives my lips that plush, polished finish that looks like I tried (but not too hard).
Naturally, the Post Wanted team had to put it to the ultimate test, too: our own beauty-obsessed team.
“I tested the Summer Fridays Softline Lip Liner in the color ‘Latte,” Holly J. Coley, commerce deputy editor, shared. “True to its name, the liner’s texture is really pliable, making it easy to blend. It’s also surprisingly hydrating — very atypical for this type of product.”
Holly Coley The truth’s out: she “hates gloss,” so Coley likes that this offers a way to add some moisture back to her lips without resorting to lip balm or plumper.
Brooke Matalon “The pencil glides so effortlessly, blends great and stays on for a surprisingly long time,” Brooke Matalon, social media marketing manager, shared. “The ‘Cinnamon‘ shade paired with the bisou balm in shade Bonbon Myrtille from Violette fr is a chef’s kiss combo!”
Brooke’s verdict? Effortless glam with staying power (and TBH, anything described as a “chef’s kiss combo” immediately has our attention.
Angela Tricarico “Finally, I’ve found a best friend for my go-to Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm — the Pink Sugar LBB and the new ‘Sugar‘ SoftLine Lip Liner are a match made in lip combo heaven,” “Angela Tricarico, commerce streaming reporter, added. “I love how easy this liner is to apply and the color builds nicely if you prefer a more pigmented line.”
What’s more, Angela put it through the ultimate endurance test — a full night out — and it didn’t flinch. Drinks, dinner, dessert? This liner said, “I’m staying.”
Nishka Dhawan Echoing our praises, Nishka Dhawan, commerce reporter, tested the shade “Cinnamon” and loves how long-lasting this liner is. “I applied it around 1 p.m. and it stayed on for over eight hours through beverages, meals and even a quick workout at the gym,” she shared. “I also love the texture of this liner. It’s not creamy or greasy like some other ones I’ve used which is why I also think it lasts longer.”
Not to mention, Dhawan’s a fan of the “divine” color selection. “Many brands don’t have an inclusive shade range for women of color,” she noted. “As a brown woman, I can safely say Summer Fridays passes the test.”
Georgia Olmeda “I loved the Summer Fridays lip liner in ‘Pecan,'” “Georgie Olmeda, commerce partnerships manager, chimed in. “It suits my olive skin tone, went on smoothly and stayed put for hours. It also paired well with my tried and true L’Oreal Cinnamon Toast lipstick.”
Olmeda over-lined her lips a bit and the Summer Fridays lip liner didn’t bleed at all. “My lips were velvet and my partner couldn’t stop trying to kiss me (which of course I didn’t allow or it would’ve ruined my lip combo). All in all, this lip liner is worth every penny.”
Her review adds a little romance to the mix — proof that the liner not only performs, but looks irresistible.
Michelle Moezam “I can’t believe it’s not butter, lip liner edition,” “Michelle Moezam, senior commerce social media marketing manager, who tested the “Pecan” shade, made note. “The smooth glide is a gorgeous first impression, the long lasting color after hours of use is the no brainer for me. I didn’t have high standards for a lip liner before trying this one. Wow wow wow!!”
Michelle said it best: Wow, wow, wow — we’re all hooked, and it’s time you buy this $20 baby and see for yourself.
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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