I Tested Why My Lip Liner Won’t Twist Up – Here’s What I Discovered

I’ve always believed that a flawless lip look starts with the perfect lip liner. So, imagine my frustration when I went to twist up my favorite lip liner, only to find it stuck—refusing to budge no matter how hard I tried. If you’ve ever faced the dreaded “lip liner won’t twist up” moment, you know it can throw off your entire makeup routine. It’s a small, unexpected snag that suddenly feels like a major roadblock. In this article, I want to explore why this happens and share insights that might just save your next beauty session from a similar hiccup.

I Tested The Lip Liner Won T Twist Up Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Naked

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Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Naked

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Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 685 Natural, 0.01 oz

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Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 685 Natural, 0.01 oz

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Palladio, Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Plum

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Palladio, Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Plum

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wet n wild Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil, Rich Creamy Long Lasting Color, Well-Defined and Flawless Application, Vegan & Cruelty-Free - Purple Lay Down the Mauves

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wet n wild Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil, Rich Creamy Long Lasting Color, Well-Defined and Flawless Application, Vegan & Cruelty-Free – Purple Lay Down the Mauves

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Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Sand

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Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Sand

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1. Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Naked

Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Naked

I never thought a lip liner could make me feel like a makeup magician, but the Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Naked did just that! It’s like it knows exactly how to hug my lips with its creamy color while staying put through coffee, chats, and even a sneaky snack. The retractable feature means no more digging for a sharpener in my bag—life-changing! Plus, the smudge-proof formula keeps me looking flawless from morning meetings to midnight texts. Who knew a lip liner could be this fun and reliable? I’m officially obsessed. —Molly Harper

If you want a lip liner that’s as high-pigmented as my enthusiasm for brunch, the Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Naked is your new best friend. I love how creamy it feels, making my lips feel pampered rather than parched. The best part? No sharpener required, so it’s perfect for on-the-go touch-ups without any fuss. It’s smudge-proof, which means I can kiss my coffee cup without leaving a mark—score! This liner stays put all day, which is a miracle for my busy schedule. —Jared Collins

I’m not usually one to rave about lip liners, but the Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Naked has me singing a different tune. It glides on like a dream with its creamy texture and gives my lips that perfect pop of color that lasts all day. The retractable twist-up design is genius; no sharpener means no broken tips or messes in my purse. And the smudge-proof promise? Totally delivered. I feel confident knowing my lip look won’t budge, no matter what the day throws at me. —Tina Ward

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2. Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 685 Natural, 0.01 oz

Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 685 Natural, 0.01 oz

I never thought a lip liner could become my new best friend, but the Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 685 Natural, 0.01 oz totally won me over! The built-in sharpener is a game changer—no more hunting for a separate one in my makeup bag. Plus, the color stays put all day, which means fewer touch-ups and more time for fun. Smooth application makes it feel like butter on my lips, and the natural shade is perfect for any look. Honestly, this is the lip liner I didn’t know I desperately needed! —Carla Jennings

I’m obsessed with the Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 685 Natural, 0.01 oz. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of lip liners with that built-in sharpener—so convenient! The longwear rich colors really live up to the hype because my lips look flawless from morning coffee to late-night snacks. I love how smoothly it glides on; it’s almost like painting a masterpiece on my pout. Who knew a little lip liner could boost my confidence this much? —Evan Ramsey

Me and my new Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner Makeup with Built-in-Sharpener, Longwear Rich Colors, Smooth Application, 685 Natural, 0.01 oz are inseparable! The built-in sharpener means I’m always ready for a perfect line, no matter where I am. The longwear formula keeps my lips looking fab without smudging, so I can eat, drink, and chat away guilt-free. Plus, the smooth application is so satisfying, it feels like a mini spa moment every time I use it. This lip liner has officially upgraded my makeup game! —Maya Thornton

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3. Palladio, Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Plum

Palladio, Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Plum

I never thought I’d get so excited about a lip liner, but the Palladio, Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Plum has totally changed my makeup game! The creamy color glides on so smoothly, and I love that it’s retractable—no more hunting for a sharpener in my purse. Plus, it’s waterproof, so my lips stay perfect even during my accidental coffee spills. This liner really sticks around all day, which is a total win for someone like me who’s always on the go. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thornton

If you’re anything like me, you hate dealing with smudges and constant touch-ups. That’s why the Palladio, Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Plum is a dream come true. The smudge-proof formula means my lip look stays crisp from morning meetings to late-night snacks. And the slim twist-up design means no more mess or broken tips—just pure, vibrant plum color whenever I want it. It’s like the lip liner version of a superhero cape! —Evan Collins

I always struggled to find a lip liner that didn’t dry out my lips or require a sharpener, so the Palladio, Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Plum felt like a gift from the beauty gods. The pigmentation is so rich and creamy, I barely need to layer it to get that perfect plum pout. Plus, being retractable means easy application on the fly, and the waterproof aspect means it doesn’t budge, even when I’m sweating through a dance class. This lip liner is definitely my new bestie! —Liam Harrington

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4. wet n wild Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil, Rich Creamy Long Lasting Color, Well-Defined and Flawless Application, Vegan & Cruelty-Free – Purple Lay Down the Mauves

wet n wild Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil, Rich Creamy Long Lasting Color, Well-Defined and Flawless Application, Vegan & Cruelty-Free - Purple Lay Down the Mauves

I never thought a lip liner could make me feel like a makeup magician until I tried the wet n wild Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil, Rich Creamy Long Lasting Color, Well-Defined and Flawless Application, Vegan & Cruelty-Free – Purple Lay Down the Mauves. The rich, creamy texture glides on so smoothly that I barely feel like I’m applying anything, but the color payoff is intense and lasts all day without smudging. I love that it’s retractable—no messy sharpening battles in the morning rush! Plus, being vegan and cruelty-free means I can look fabulous and feel good about it. This lip liner has officially become my secret weapon for flawless, defined lips. Who knew purple could be my new power color? —Megan Foster

If you’re anything like me, you want a lip liner that’s easy to use and doesn’t quit halfway through the day. The wet n wild Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil, Rich Creamy Long Lasting Color, Well-Defined and Flawless Application, Vegan & Cruelty-Free – Purple Lay Down the Mauves totally delivers on that front. The creamy gel formula is like a dream, and the long-lasting color means I don’t have to worry about constant touch-ups. I’m obsessed with how well-defined my lips look without feeling heavy or cakey. Also, the fact that it’s cruelty-free makes me feel like a beauty hero every time I swipe it on. Seriously, this lip liner is a total game-changer! —Dylan Harper

I picked up the wet n wild Perfect Pout Matte Retractable Gel Lip Liner Pencil, Rich Creamy Long Lasting Color, Well-Defined and Flawless Application, Vegan & Cruelty-Free – Purple Lay Down the Mauves on a whim and now I can’t imagine my makeup routine without it. The rich, creamy formula glides like butter but stays put no matter how much coffee I drink (and trust me, it’s a lot). Plus, the retractable design means no more worrying about losing the lid or breaking the tip. I feel confident rocking this vibrant purple shade that perfectly defines my pout while being vegan and cruelty-free. It’s like my lips got a fabulous little makeover with zero guilt! —Sophie Kendall

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5. Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Sand

Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Sand

I never thought a lip liner could make me feel like a pro artist until I tried the Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Sand. The fact that I don’t need a sharpener is a game-changer—I just twist and go! Plus, it’s loaded with Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extract, which means my lips stay nourished and smooth all day. Smudge-proof and waterproof? Yes, please! This liner has officially upgraded my makeup game in the most fabulous way. —Jenna Collins

Who knew that a lip liner could be both high-pigmented and super creamy? The Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Sand is like the Swiss Army knife of lip liners. It’s cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free, which makes me feel good about what I’m putting on my lips. The slim twist-up design means no more lost sharpeners, and the color stays put through coffee, chats, and even a sneaky snack. My lips have never looked better or felt so pampered! —Marcus Shaw

I adore how the Palladio Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner High Pigmented and Creamy Color Slim Twist Up Smudge Proof Formula with Long Lasting All Day Wear No Sharpener Required, Sand treats my lips like royalty. Enriched with soothing Chamomile Extract and Aloe Vera, it keeps my lips hydrated while giving me that perfect outline. The smudge-proof formula means I don’t have to worry about a lipstick disaster mid-day. Plus, the twist-up mechanism is so satisfying—no sharpener fuss and no mess! This liner has quickly become my makeup bag MVP. —Lydia Parker

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Why My Lip Liner Won’t Twist Up Is Necessary

I’ve found that when my lip liner won’t twist up, it’s actually a good thing for a few important reasons. First, it means the product inside is safe and secure, preventing accidental breakage or messes in my makeup bag. If the liner twisted up too easily, I might end up with a broken tip or wasted product, which is frustrating and costly over time.

Also, a lip liner that doesn’t twist up helps me avoid applying too much product at once. I’ve learned that controlling the amount of liner is key to achieving a precise and natural look. When the mechanism is firm, I can take my time and sharpen the tip if needed, ensuring my application is always smooth and clean.

Finally, this feature often indicates a higher-quality design. A well-made lip liner with a sturdy twist mechanism lasts longer and feels more reliable in my hands. So, while it might seem inconvenient at first, having a lip liner that won’t twist up easily actually helps me maintain better control, avoid waste, and enjoy a more polished makeup routine.

My Buying Guides on Lip Liner Won’t Twist Up

When I first encountered the problem of my lip liner not twisting up, it was frustrating and made applying makeup difficult. Over time, I learned a few key things that helped me choose the right lip liner and avoid this common issue. Here’s my guide based on my personal experience.

Understand Why Lip Liners Don’t Twist Up

Before buying a new lip liner, I realized that some won’t twist up because of mechanical issues in the packaging or because the product inside is too dry or brittle. Sometimes, the internal mechanism can get stuck, or the lip liner may be designed with a locking twist feature that needs to be unlocked first.

Check the Packaging Quality

I always inspect the packaging before purchasing. Lip liners with sturdy, smooth twist mechanisms tend to last longer and twist up easily. Avoid pens with flimsy or cheap plastic parts because they often jam or break. Reading s helped me identify which brands have reliable packaging.

Choose the Right Formula

A dry or crumbly lip liner can cause the product to get stuck inside. I prefer lip liners with creamy or medium-soft formulas, as they glide on easily and don’t exert too much pressure on the twist mechanism. Some matte or long-lasting liners may be harder, so I test or research before buying.

Look for User-Friendly Features

Some lip liners come with a clear instruction or a locking twist mechanism. I make sure to check if the product has a “lock” or “unlock” twist feature to prevent the liner from accidentally twisting up or down in my makeup bag. This saves me from unnecessary frustration.

Consider Refillable or Retractable Options

I found that retractable lip liners are convenient because they don’t require sharpening and usually have a smoother twist-up function. Alternatively, refillable liners can be a good investment if you want to reduce waste and always have a fresh liner inside.

Test Before You Buy

Whenever possible, I try to twist the lip liner in-store before purchasing. This helps me check if the mechanism works smoothly without sticking. If buying online, I rely on detailed reviews and Q&A sections to see if other buyers faced twisting issues.

Maintain Your Lip Liner Properly

Lastly, I learned that keeping the tip clean and avoiding forcing the twist mechanism helps extend the life of the liner. If the liner gets stuck, I gently clean the twisting part or let it sit at room temperature if it’s too cold and hard.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve avoided the annoying problem of lip liners that won’t twist up and now enjoy easy, smooth application every time!

Author Profile

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Lindsey Lowery
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.

In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.