Key Takeaways
I love a brown lip liner moment. Not the harsh "ring around the mouth" thing. I mean the soft, blurred, makes-your-lips-look-expensive thing. CLIO Velvet Lip Pencil in #04 Tan Brown is the shade I reach for when I want instant dimension. Here's the real tea: the shade, the undertone, how it wears, and the combos that make it look like you have your life together.
What It Is
CLIO Velvet Lip Pencil is a creamy, buildable lip pencil designed to line, contour, and blur. The "velvet" vibe is real. It is not glossy-slick, but it is not stiff either. It also typically comes as a set with a sharpener, which I appreciate because nobody wants a dull brown liner.
What It Claims
From how it is marketed and how it performs, the promise is basically:
- Velvety glide (no tugging)
- Buildable pigment (soft line or deeper contour)
- Blendable edges for ombré lips
- Comfortable wear without feeling dry
Now let's talk about what actually matters: the shade and how it looks on lips.
The Shade Truth: #04 Tan Brown
#04 Tan Brown is a deep brown that works best as a contour shade. On me, it reads neutral-to-slightly-warm. If your natural lip color is very pink, it can pull a little warmer. If your lips are more muted or mauve, it can look cooler and more "cocoa."
My quick undertone guide
- Warm/olive undertones: looks rich and natural, especially with peachy nude balm or caramel gloss.
- Neutral undertones: easiest match. You can go soft for everyday or build for a 90s brown lip.
- Cool undertones: still wearable, but blur it out and pair with a cooler rose or mauve tint to keep it balanced.
Swatch note: If you're adding photos, include both window light and warm indoor light. This shade shifts more than you'd think.
My Experience: Wear Test and How It Feels
Texture-wise, this sits in the sweet spot. It glides, but it has enough structure to stay where you put it. It is not a "liquid lipstick in pencil form." It is a contour pencil that can blur.
First application (0–10 minutes)
One pass is soft. Two passes gives you the full contour effect. It sets down a bit, but it does not lock so hard that you can't blend. That's why it's perfect for ombré lips.
After coffee + talking (2 hours)
The outer edges stay surprisingly intact. The center fades first (normal), especially if you top with gloss. If you want it to look crisp longer, you need one extra step: blot once and re-define only the corners.
After a real meal (4–6 hours)
Expect soft fading, not a dramatic disappearing act. It wears down evenly if you blended it at the start. If you left a sharp line, the line can survive while the center fades, which is why I always blur.
What I Love
- Perfect depth for lip contour and "shadow"
- Buildable, so you can keep it subtle
- Blends easily without turning muddy
- Comfortable, not drying
- Doesn't feel waxy or slippery
What Could Be Better
- Not the sharpest option if you want ultra-crisp lines
- Will transfer under gloss (most liners do)
- You'll need to sharpen often if you use it as all-over color
How I Use It (My Exact Method)
If you take one thing from this post, take this: overline the center, not the corners.
- Prep: balm for 2 minutes, then blot. You want a smooth base, not slippery lips.
- Map the shape: lightly line your natural lip first (one soft pass).
- Overline only where it helps: slightly above the cupid's bow peaks and the center of the bottom lip.
- Blend inward: fingertip or small brush. Keep the outer edge soft.
- Lock it: blot once. Optional: tap a tiny amount of translucent powder on the edges.
- Finish: tint, nude lipstick, balm, or gloss.
My Favorite Lip Combos With #04 Tan Brown
These are my repeat combos that always look intentional:
1) 90s Brown Liner + Clear Gloss
Line, blend inward, then top with a clear gloss. This is the easiest "baddie but clean" look. Keep the line diffused so it looks modern, not costume.
2) Soft Ombré Nude (Everyday)
Use #04 on the perimeter, blend, then tap a nude balm or nude lipstick in the center. Add a tiny dot of gloss only in the middle. Instant "full lips" illusion.
3) Brown Liner + Warm Rose Tint
If your lips are naturally pink, this combo is elite. The tint brings life back to the center, while the brown keeps the edges sculpted.
Is It Worth It?
If you want a brown liner that can do contour, blur, and build without feeling crusty, yes. #04 Tan Brown is one of those shades that makes any lip product look more expensive. It is especially good if you love gloss, ombré lips, or that "soft shadow" lip shape.
If you only like super-hard pencils for razor-sharp lines, you may prefer a stiffer liner. But for my style (soft, blended, still defined), this one is a staple.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If CLIO #04 isn't available in your region or you want a different vibe:
- A slightly lighter brown liner: better if you want "nude contour" instead of "deep shadow."
- A cooler cocoa liner: best for very cool undertones and mauve lip looks.
- A harder pencil: if you want a crisp outline that barely moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CLIO Velvet Lip Pencil #04 Tan Brown warm or cool?
On my lips it reads neutral-to-slightly-warm deep brown. If your natural lip color is very pink/red, it can pull warmer. If your lips are more mauve, it can look cooler.
Is it good for overlining?
Yes, if you keep it close to your natural shape and blend inward. It builds well, so you can start soft and add depth only where you need it.
Does it last and does it transfer?
It wears better than ultra-creamy pencils, but it will transfer a little to cups and gloss. I get the best longevity when I blot once and lightly set the edges.
Can I wear #04 as an all-over lip color?
You can, but it's strongest as a contour shade. For all-over wear, apply a thin layer and blur with a finger, then top with balm or gloss.
What are the best lip combos with Tan Brown?
My favorites are: brown liner + clear gloss for a 90s vibe, brown liner + nude/peachy balm for everyday, or brown liner + warm rose tint for a soft ombré.
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