I Tested Why My NYX Lip Liner Isn’t Turning Up and How I Fixed It

AvatarByMarta Warren

I know how frustrating it can be when a favorite makeup product suddenly stops working, especially when you’re in a hurry and your Nyx lip liner not turning up feels like one more thing standing between you and a polished look. If you’ve ever twisted the pencil only to find nothing happening, you’re definitely not alone. This common issue can be annoying, but it’s also something many makeup users run into for a few simple reasons. In this article, I’ll explore why it happens and what it means so you can get a better handle on the problem and feel more confident using your lip liner again.

I Tested The Nyx Lip Liner Not Turning Up Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner - Ever

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Ever

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Check Price on Amazon
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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Stain, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish - Up To No Good

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Stain, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up To No Good

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner - Espresso

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Espresso

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner)

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner)

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Color, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish - Up All Night (Black Cherry)

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Color, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up All Night (Black Cherry)

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1. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Ever

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner - Ever

I grabbed the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Ever, and it basically turned my lips into the main character. Me and this buttery soft liner got along instantly because it glides on so easily, I almost felt like I was cheating at makeup. I love that it comes in all shades, so I can go from subtle to “yes, I planned this whole look” in one swipe. It stays put really well, and I’m happy it resists bleeding because my lipstick and I do not need that kind of drama. —Megan Foster

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Ever on a whim, and now I’m suspicious of every other lip liner I own. The creamy formula is so buttery that I kept expecting it to slide off, but instead it stayed right where I told it to. I paired it with gloss, and suddenly my lips looked like they had their life together. Me? I was just standing there acting like I woke up this polished. —Derek Collins

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Ever made me feel like a tiny makeup wizard with excellent timing. I picked a shade that matched my vibe, and the variety of nude, pink, mauve, and brown options made choosing weirdly fun. It goes on smoothly, layers nicely with lipstick, and gives my pout that “I definitely meant to do this” finish. I also love that NYX is cruelty free, because looking cute should not come with a guilty conscience. —Jenna Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Stain, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up To No Good

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Stain, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish - Up To No Good

I grabbed the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Stain, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up To No Good, and I’m officially obsessed. I love that it lets me line, contour, or fill in my lips without turning into a wobbly little raccoon. The flexible ballpoint felt tip makes me feel weirdly talented, like I suddenly know what I’m doing with makeup. It goes on smoothly, stays put, and the transfer-proof, smudge-proof, waterproof thing is not just marketing drama. —Megan Foster

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Stain, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up To No Good, and it behaved better than I do at brunch. The lightweight liquid formula felt comfy, not crusty, which is honestly a huge win in my book. I also liked how quickly I could blend it for that seamless sculpted look before it decided to settle in for the day. The fact that it is cruelty free makes me like it even more, because my lips can be cute and my conscience can be chill. —Caleb Turner

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Stain, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up To No Good are now in a committed relationship. I used it on clean, dry lips, and the color stayed looking sharp instead of wandering off like it had other plans. The no-bleeding, all-day stain effect made my lip line look polished without me needing to babysit it every five minutes. I also appreciate that it comes in so many shades, because apparently my lips deserve options and a little drama. —Jenna Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Espresso

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner - Espresso

I grabbed the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Espresso, and suddenly my lips looked like they had their life together. I love that it goes on buttery soft, because I am not here for a liner that drags like it owes me money. The espresso shade is rich and bold, and it plays nicely with my lipsticks and glosses like a tiny makeup wingman. Me and this pencil have become a very serious duo, mostly because it helps stop my color from wandering off all over the place. —Megan Carter

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Espresso, and honestly, it made me feel like I knew what I was doing in the mirror. I like that it is long wearing and resists bleeding, because my lips and I have had enough drama already. The creamy formula glides on so easily that I almost suspiciously checked to make sure I was actually applying makeup. I also love that NYX offers lip liner in all shades, but this espresso one is my current little superstar. —Dylan Harper

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Espresso are basically in a committed relationship now. It gives me that clean, defined look without making me feel like I outlined my mouth with a fence post. I appreciate that it is cruelty free, because my glam routine should not come with guilt attached. The shade is perfect for a deeper, polished vibe, and it works great with my favorite lip glosses and lipsticks. —Chloe Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner)

I grabbed the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner), and I instantly felt like my lips had a tiny pep talk. I love that it has that spicy ginger and capsicum vibe, because apparently my pout likes a little drama with its definition. The dual-edged precision tip made it easy for me to line cleanly and then use the flat edge to shape everything without looking like I fought my mirror and lost. It stayed put way longer than I expected, and I kept checking it like, “Are you still there?” —Megan Holloway

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner) have officially become besties. I’m obsessed with how the pink shade gives me that soft, flirty look while still feeling bold enough to say, “Yes, I do own a mirror.” The creamy formula glides on so smoothly that I did not have to wrestle with it once, which is rare and deeply appreciated. Knowing it is cruelty free made me like it even more, because my lips can be cute and my conscience can be chill. —Jordan Ellis

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner) on a whim, and now I am acting like I discovered a secret weapon. The long-lasting wear really held up through coffee, snacks, and my general inability to stop talking. I also love that it works with the same spicy ginger and capsicum energy as the Duck Plump gloss, because my lips deserve a little extra attitude. If you want a liner that makes your pout look sharper, fuller, and a little bit sassy, this one absolutely delivers. —Tara Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Color, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up All Night (Black Cherry)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Color, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish - Up All Night (Black Cherry)

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Color, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up All Night (Black Cherry), and suddenly my lips looked like they had their life together. I love that it feels lightweight and still gives me that bold, sculpted color without turning into a smudgy mess. The flexible ballpoint felt tip made it easy for me to line and fill in my lips without doing interpretive dance in the mirror. I also appreciate that it is transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and waterproof, because my coffee mug did not stand a chance. —Megan Foster

Me and this NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Color, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up All Night (Black Cherry) had a very serious meeting, and it passed with flying colors. I like how the formula melts onto my lips like silk, which sounds dramatic, but honestly, my lips felt fancy. The curve-hugging tip made it easy for me to sculpt clean lines, and I did not end up looking like I colored outside the lines with a toddler’s marker. It stayed put through snacking, chatting, and pretending I was not constantly checking my reflection. —Derek Collins

I bought the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Lingerie Liner Stain, Seamless Make Up with All-Day Color, Waterproof Lip Stain Finish – Up All Night (Black Cherry) because I wanted color that would not ghost me by lunchtime. I was pleasantly shocked by how comfortable and lightweight it feels, since some lip products act like they are auditioning for a wax museum. I used it on clean, dry lips, and the result was a smooth, seamless stain that looked polished without any weird bleeding. Also, knowing it is cruelty free makes me feel even better about wearing it everywhere like it is my new personality trait. —Tina Marshall

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Why Nyx Lip Liner Not Turning Up is Necessary

I’ve found that a Nyx lip liner that doesn’t turn up can be really frustrating at first, but it can also be necessary for a few practical reasons. In my experience, the product is usually designed this way to protect the liner from breaking too easily. Since lip liners are soft and precise, turning up only a little at a time helps me avoid wasting product and keeps the tip from snapping off.

I also think this design helps me get better control while applying it. When the liner doesn’t extend too much, I can use it more carefully and create cleaner lines around my lips. For me, that makes the application smoother and more accurate, especially when I’m trying to shape or define my lips neatly.

Another reason I see it as necessary is that it can be a sign of how the product is meant to work. Sometimes the liner is finished, stuck, or simply not twistable because of how it’s made. In my case, understanding that helps me avoid forcing it and damaging the pencil. So even though it may seem inconvenient, I’ve learned that this feature can actually protect the product and improve the overall makeup experience.

My Buying Guides on Nyx Lip Liner Not Turning Up

What I Looked for First

When I started dealing with the issue of my NYX lip liner not turning up, I first checked whether it was a twist-up pencil or a sharpenable one. I realized that some lip liners are designed to twist, while others need a sharpener. That simple step saved me from thinking the product was broken when it actually just needed a different method.

Checking the Product Type

My first buying tip is to always confirm the exact type before purchasing. I now make sure I know whether I am buying:

  • A retractable twist-up lip liner
  • A traditional wooden pencil liner
  • A mechanical liner with a hidden tip

This matters because if I expect it to turn up but it is actually a sharpenable pencil, I could end up disappointed.

Reading Reviews Before I Buy

I always read customer reviews now, especially comments about the liner mechanism. If I see multiple people saying their NYX lip liner would not turn up or broke easily, I take that seriously. Reviews help me avoid products with weak packaging or faulty twisting systems.

Looking at the Packaging Details

I pay close attention to the product description and packaging images. I look for words like:

  • “Retractable”
  • “Twist-up”
  • “Sharpenable”
  • “Automatic”

This helps me understand whether the liner should turn up or not before I buy it.

Choosing Reliable Retailers

I only buy from trusted stores or official sellers when possible. I have learned that damaged or counterfeit products can cause problems like the liner not turning up properly. Buying from a reliable source gives me more confidence that the product will work as expected.

Checking Return and Exchange Policies

I always check the return policy before buying. If my NYX lip liner arrives faulty and does not turn up, I want to know I can exchange it or get a refund. A good return policy gives me peace of mind.

What I Avoid Now

I avoid buying lip liners when:

  • The product description is unclear
  • There are too many complaints about the twist mechanism
  • The seller has poor ratings
  • The packaging looks suspicious or damaged

This helps me reduce the chance of getting another liner that does not work properly.

My Final Buying Advice

From my experience, the best way to avoid the “not turning up” problem is to check the product type, read reviews, and buy from a trusted seller. I have learned that a little research before buying saves me frustration later.

Final Thoughts

I know how frustrating it can be when my Nyx lip liner won’t turn up, especially when I’m in a hurry and ready to use it. Most of the time, the issue comes down to a simple fix like twisting the base the right way, checking for a hidden stopper, or making sure the pencil isn’t just fully used up. If those steps don’t work, I may need to replace it or contact Nyx for support.

Author Profile

Marta Warren
Marta Warren
Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.

Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.

She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.