Start with the finish you prefer (creamy, satin, or long-wearing) and then pick a shade family that suits your lip tone and skin undertone. Next, decide whether you want precise definition or a softer look, and consider when you’ll wear it most often. Matching longevity to your daily routine helps prevent touch-ups. For safety and comfort, also consider fragrance-free options if you have sensitive lips.

Color payoff and wear time determine how vibrant a shade appears and how long it lasts on your lips. Look for true-to-palette color that flatters your undertones and note whether the pencil feels creamy or dries down for longer wear. Test in natural light and compare with your lipstick to see if the color shifts. Choose wear time that matches your daily routine to avoid constant reapplication.

Beginners should pick forgiving shades and a creamy, easy-glide formula for smooth application. Pros can opt for sharper edges and longer-wearing options that hold definition through the day. Layering with lipstick or gloss may vary in complexity, so start simple and build up as you gain confidence. Always keep the pencil well-sharpened for clean lines.

Keep the cap on when not in use and sharpen regularly to maintain clean edges. Store away from heat and moisture and avoid sharing sharpeners to keep hygiene. When pairing with other lip products, choose shades that harmonize rather than clash and apply the lip pencil before lipstick or gloss to define the shape. Clean off the tip after use to prevent smudges.

Start with neutral nude or rose tones for everyday looks, and reserve deeper hues for evenings or special events. Choose undertones that match your lip color and your skin undertone; warm undertones pair with peachy or golden bases, cool undertones with rosy or berry bases. Have at least one classic shade for day-to-day use and a bolder option for contrast. This approach keeps your Bobbi Brown lip pencil versatile across occasions.

Avoid overlining the lips too aggressively and skipping sharpening, which leads to rough edges. Begin with light strokes along the natural lip line and gradually build definition. Finally, ensure your lip pencil is followed by a complementary lipstick or gloss to prevent feathering and to finish the look.