The Ultimate Guide to Lip Combos: From Everyday Nudes to Bold Nights Out
Whether you’re going for a natural, everyday look or a statement lip for a night out, the right lip combo can pull your whole look together. Here are some of my favorite lip combos that work for any occasion, with tips on shades, finishes, and layering techniques to make your lips pop!
1. Nude and Natural for Everyday Wear
• Lip Liner: MAC “Spice” or NYX “Nude Truffle”
• Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury “Pillow Talk”
• Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in “Fenty Glow” for a hint of shine
This combo is perfect for a soft, natural look. Outline your lips with the liner for a subtle contour, then fill in with a creamy nude lipstick. Top it off with a touch of gloss in the center for a natural plump effect.
2. Pink Perfection for a Fresh, Girly Look
• Lip Liner: NYX “Peekaboo Neutral”
• Lipstick: Dior “Miss Dior”
• Gloss: Dior Lip Glow Oil in “Pink” or e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil in “Pink Quartz”for that juicy, hydrated finish
For a light and flirty vibe, try this pink trio. The lip liner helps define your lips, while the soft pink lipstick brings a fresh, feminine touch. The lip oil adds a sheer gloss and keeps your lips looking healthy and hydrated.
3. Classic Red for Bold Glam
• Lip Liner: MAC “Cherry”
• Lipstick: Fenty Beauty “Stunna Lip Paint” in “Uncensored” or MAC “Ruby Woo”
• Gloss (Optional): Pat McGrath Labs “Blood 2” Lip Gloss for extra shine
You can never go wrong with a classic red lip. Start by lining and filling your lips with a red liner to create a base, then layer on a matte red lipstick for that true glam. If you want to add a little extra drama, dab a tiny bit of gloss in the center of your lips.
4. Mauve Magic for a Sultry, Fall Look
• Lip Liner: Charlotte Tilbury “Pillow Talk” or NYX “Mauve”
• Lipstick: Huda Beauty “Bombshell” or Maybelline “Mauve for Me”
• Gloss: Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream in “Dolly”
Mauve is the ultimate versatile shade for fall. This combo gives a soft, smoky vibe that’s both romantic and edgy. Start with a mauve liner, blend it slightly for a diffused effect, and layer a mauve lipstick over it. The Buxom gloss will give you that luscious finish.
5. Brown and Bold for a ’90s Vibe
• Lip Liner: MAC “Chestnut” or NYX “Brown”
• Lipstick: NYX “London” or MAC “Velvet Teddy”
• Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in “Hot Chocolit”
This ’90s-inspired combo is super trendy right now. Use a brown liner to slightly overline your lips for a fuller look, fill in with a beige-nude lipstick, and finish with a chocolate-hued gloss for that nostalgic, high-shine finish.
Quick Tips for Perfecting Your Lip Combos
• Blend, blend, blend. After applying lip liner, use a lip brush or your fingertip to blend the liner slightly inward for a seamless transition between liner and lipstick.
• Add dimension. Apply a lighter gloss or highlighter in the center of your lips to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips.
• Stay hydrated. Matte finishes can be drying, so make sure your lips are well-moisturized before applying any product.
Whether you’re keeping it natural or going full glam, these lip combos are easy ways to elevate your look. Try them out and see which one makes you feel your best!
