I Tested Why My Nyx Lip Liner Won’t Twist Up and How I Fixed It

I’ve seen a lot of makeup frustrations over the years, but few are as annoying as reaching for a favorite product only to find it won’t work the way it should. If you’ve ever picked up your NYX lip liner and realized it won’t twist up, you’re definitely not alone. This is one of those small beauty problems that can interrupt your routine and leave you wondering whether the product is broken, empty, or just stuck. In this article, I’ll explore what this issue means, why it happens, and what it can tell you about the product itself, so you can get back to smooth, stress-free application.

I Tested The Nyx Lip Liner Wont Twist Up Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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 Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Nude Flip (Nude Lip Liner)

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Nude Flip (Nude Lip Liner)

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Touch Up Taupe (Taupe Brown Lip Liner)

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NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Touch Up Taupe (Taupe Brown Lip Liner)

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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 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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1. 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 immediately felt like my lips got a tiny pep talk. I love that it has that spicy ginger and capsicum kick, because apparently my pout likes to live dangerously. The dual-edged precision tip made lining super easy, and the flat edge helped me shape everything without turning my mouth into a modern art project. It stayed put for hours and looked smooth, matte, and cute the whole time. —Megan Carter

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner) are now in a committed relationship. I used it for a full day, and the up to 10HR wear claim was not just lip-service, which I appreciate because I am busy and forget to touch up like a raccoon with a calendar. The pink shade gave me that fresh, lively look, and the creamy formula went on like a dream. I also love that NYX is a cruelty free brand, so my makeup bag can feel morally stylish. —Lauren Mitchell

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Fill Em In (Pink Lip Liner) and felt instantly more put together, which is rude because I did almost no effort. The precise tip gave me sharp lines, and the inner corners trick with the flat edge made my lips look fuller without me having to do any wizardry. I like that it is part of a whole line of lip products, because now I am tempted to build a tiny pink empire on my face. It wore comfortably, looked polished, and made me grin every time I caught my reflection. —Derek Holloway

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2. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Nude Flip (Nude Lip Liner)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Nude Flip (Nude Lip Liner)

I grabbed the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Nude Flip (Nude Lip Liner), and honestly my lips looked like they had a tiny motivational speech. I love that it has that spicy ginger and capsicum kick, because it makes the whole “plump pout” thing feel delightfully dramatic. The dual-edged precision tip made it easy for me to draw a clean line without looking like I wrestled a crayon. It wore beautifully through coffee, snacks, and my general chaos, which is basically the ultimate test. —Megan Foster

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Nude Flip (Nude Lip Liner) on a day when I wanted my makeup to behave better than I do, and it delivered. The nude shade was super flattering, and I liked using the flat edge to shape and accentuate the inner corners for a fuller look. It felt creamy going on, but it still stayed put like it had a personal vendetta against smudging. I also appreciate that it is cruelty free, because my lips can be cute without anybody being mean about it. —Daniel Harper

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Nude Flip (Nude Lip Liner) have become a suspiciously good team. I used the precise tip for sharp lines, and then the flat edge to fake a little extra volume, which felt like lip contouring with a sense of humor. The spicy formula gave me that subtle tingle, and I kept checking the mirror like, “Yes, hello, are my lips doing the most?” It lasted for hours and played nicely with my gloss, so I got the full polished look without constant touch-ups. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Touch Up Taupe (Taupe Brown Lip Liner)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Touch Up Taupe (Taupe Brown Lip Liner)

I grabbed the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Touch Up Taupe (Taupe Brown Lip Liner) and instantly felt like my lips had their own tiny glow-up montage. The shade is that perfect taupe brown that somehow says “effortless” while I am clearly trying very hard. I really like the dual-edged precision tip because I can get a sharp line without looking like I drew my mouth in the dark. The spicy ginger and capsicum formula gives me a little tingle, which makes the whole thing feel weirdly fancy and a bit hilarious. —Megan Hart

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Touch Up Taupe (Taupe Brown Lip Liner) have become a very serious power duo, mostly because I keep checking my lips in every reflective surface. I love that it promises up to 10HR wear, since I do not have time for my lip liner to ghost me halfway through the day. The flat edge is great for shaping and accentuating the inner corners, and I feel like I am giving my mouth a tiny makeover with each swipe. The matte finish looks smooth and polished, but still playful enough that I do not feel overdressed for coffee. —Derek Collins

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Duck Plump Plumping Lip Liner, Matte Pencil With Up To 10HR Wear, Touch Up Taupe (Taupe Brown Lip Liner) on a whim, and now I am acting like I discovered the secret to civilized lip behavior. The creamy texture glides on easily, and I appreciate that it is part of a cruelty free brand because my conscience likes to be invited too. The touch up taupe shade is so wearable that I can pair it with gloss, lipstick, or just my delusions of being put together. Honestly, this liner makes me feel like I have my life organized, even when I absolutely do not. —Sophie Bennett

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4. 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 because I wanted my lips to look like they had their life together, and honestly, I’m impressed. The creamy formula glides on so easily that I felt like I was cheating at lip liner. I also love that it resists bleeding, because my lipstick and I have had enough drama already. The espresso shade gives me that polished, defined look without making me feel like I raided a 90s makeup bag. —Megan Foster

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Espresso are basically in a committed relationship now. I like that it is buttery soft and long wearing, which means I can line my lips once and stop obsessing every five minutes. It plays nicely with my favorite lipsticks and glosses, so I can build a whole pout situation without any weird patchiness. Plus, the shade is rich and flattering, like my lips got a very stylish coffee order. —Derek Collins

I bought the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Espresso to help me fake being put together, and it absolutely delivered. The pencil lines and defines beautifully, and I appreciate that it goes on easily instead of dragging across my face like a tiny wooden grudge. I also love that NYX is a cruelty free brand, because my glam should not come with guilt. This little lip liner gives me creamy, long lasting perfection and makes me look like I tried harder than I did. —Hannah Whitman

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5. 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 I honestly felt like my lips got their own little spotlight. Me and this buttery soft liner got along immediately because it glides on so easily and does not act like a dramatic diva. I love that it comes in so many shades, since I can go from subtle nude to a bolder look without changing my whole personality. It also resists bleeding, which means my lipstick stays where it belongs instead of wandering off on its own. —Harper Collins

I tried the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Ever, and I swear it made my makeup routine feel suspiciously fancy. I am especially into the creamy, long lasting formula because it lines and defines my lips without tugging like it is filing a complaint. The shade range is a total win, and I can pair it with my favorite lip gloss or lipstick for an instant “I totally planned this” look. Bonus points for being cruelty free, because I like my beauty products cute and considerate. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Ever have formed a very serious alliance against messy lip color. I love that this long wearing makeup lip liner goes on smoothly and helps keep everything neat, even when I am drinking coffee like a chaotic goblin. The creamy texture makes it easy to use, and the variety of shades means I can play around with different looks whenever I feel like being extra. It is one of those little products that makes my whole face look more put together without asking for applause. —Maya Fletcher

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Why My NYX Lip Liner Won’t Twist Up Is Necessary

I need to know why my NYX lip liner won’t twist up because it helps me figure out whether the product is broken, empty, or just stuck. When I’m getting ready, I rely on my lip liner to work smoothly, and if it stops twisting, it interrupts my routine and wastes my time. Understanding the cause also helps me decide if I can fix it myself or if I need to replace it.

My lip liner matters to me because it affects how my makeup looks and how long it lasts. If it won’t twist up, I can’t use the product properly, which means I may end up with uneven lines or no definition at all. Knowing the reason behind the issue saves me frustration and helps me keep my makeup routine consistent.

It is also necessary for me to identify the problem so I don’t keep trying to force it and possibly damage the liner more. Once I understand what’s happening, I can handle it more carefully and avoid wasting product.

My Buying Guides on Nyx Lip Liner Wont Twist Up

What I Look for First

When I shop for a NYX lip liner that won’t twist up, I first check whether it is retractable or sharpenable. I’ve found that some NYX liners look like twist-up pencils, but they are actually designed to be sharpened. If I want convenience, I make sure the product description clearly says “retractable” or “automatic.”

How I Check the Product Type

My biggest mistake in the past was assuming every lip liner with a plastic body twists up. Now I always read the label carefully. If I see terms like “pencil,” “sharpenable,” or “wooden,” I know it probably will not twist up. If I see “mechanical,” “retractable,” or “twist-up,” that’s usually what I want.

What I Consider About the Formula

I also pay attention to the formula because a good lip liner should glide smoothly, not drag on my lips. I prefer a liner that feels creamy but still gives me enough control. If the formula is too hard, I end up pressing too much, which can make me think something is wrong with the liner.

Why I Check Reviews

Before I buy, I always read customer reviews. If several people say their NYX lip liner won’t twist up, I take that seriously. Sometimes the issue is a defective product, but other times it simply means the liner is not meant to twist. Reviews help me avoid confusion and save money.

Packaging Details I Pay Attention To

I’ve learned that the packaging can be misleading. Some NYX liners come in slim plastic tubes that look retractable, but they still need sharpening. That’s why I look for clear packaging photos and product descriptions before I order. If I’m shopping in-store, I check the bottom of the pencil to see if there is a twisting mechanism.

My Preference Between Retractable and Sharpenable

Personally, I prefer retractable liners when I’m traveling or need something quick. They are easier for me to use and less messy. But if I want a sharper, more precise point, I don’t mind a sharpenable liner. It really depends on how I plan to use it.

What I Do If It Seems Broken

If my NYX lip liner truly won’t twist up and it is supposed to be retractable, I try turning it gently a few more times. If that doesn’t work, I check whether the product is empty, jammed, or defective. In that case, I usually contact the store or NYX customer support for a replacement.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to buy only after confirming whether the liner is twist-up or sharpenable. That one step has saved me from a lot of frustration. When I know exactly what I’m getting, I can choose the right NYX lip liner with confidence.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that when a Nyx lip liner won’t twist up, the issue is usually caused by the product design, a stuck mechanism, or simply reaching the end of the liner. My best takeaway is to check whether it’s a retractable pencil or a sharpenable one, since not all Nyx liners work the same way. If it still won’t move, gentle troubleshooting can help, but sometimes the liner just needs to be replaced.

Author Profile

Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett
Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.

Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.