Creating the perfect lip look is an art form embraced by many makeup enthusiasts. Lip combos, which involve layering products in a thoughtful order, have become a staple for those who want their lips to look polished and put-together. For makeup lovers, uncovering their ideal combination can feel almost as automatic as brewing that morning cup of coffee. Each product plays a role—whether it’s a lip liner paired with gloss, a lipstick layered under a hydrating lip oil, or a complete ensemble. The key is experimenting with different combinations until you discover what truly works for you, much like any creative process.
Allure editors have shared their favorite lip combos that have seen them through various occasions, whether it’s for an office day, a night out, or even just running errands. For instance, Sarah Hoffmann, a commerce producer, leans towards subtlety in her lip choice. With very fair skin, she opts for a cool-toned brown lip liner from Make Up For Ever, applied lightly to create soft contours. This technique allows her to embrace berry and brown hues without overwhelming her natural lip shade. Topping off with a beloved rose or berry lip stain and e.l.f.’s hydrating lip oil, her routine captures a fresh, loveliness while remaining understated.
On the flip side, commerce writer Lily Wohlner gravitates towards a bold yet natural look. Her go-to is Refy’s Blur Lip Liner, which smooths out edges and gives her a “your-lips-but-better” effect. With its user-friendly chubby tip, it’s an easy way to achieve a blurred, soft finish. She finishes her look with YSL’s Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil, which adds a juicy shimmer without the pain associated with some plumping glosses. For Wohlner, this combination feels as much like skincare as it does makeup, offering hydration with every wear.
Editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel has her own steadfast routine that harkens back to her ’90s nostalgia. She remains loyal to the brown lip liner trend, which she pairs with a classic blue-red liquid lipstick from Anastasia Beverly Hills. This combo not only promises longevity throughout her busy beauty-filled days but also adds depth and definition without feeling overly dramatic. It’s all about achieving a balance between a polished look and personal comfort for Cruel, who finds joy in a classic aesthetic that stands the test of time.
Social media manager Bianca Richards creates her signature look using a blend of lip stain, lip pencil, and gloss. Her favorite lip stain delivers lasting color, while the classic MAC lip pencil in Cork adds dimension. Topped off with Gisou’s honey-infused lip oil for moisture, Richards’ lip combo reflects a harmony of vibrant yet smooth hues. She appreciates how these products work together to give her a polished appearance, even on days when she opts for minimal makeup. This versatility is key, as it allows her to transition from a casual day to an evening outing effortlessly.
Another editor, Sarah Felbin, focuses on finding products that both layer well and provide durability. Using Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil, she outlines her lips with a rosy nude that flatters her complexion. Adding Maybelline’s deeper brown Lifter Liner gives her lips dimension and paired with a non-sticky gloss from Typology, her combo is both glossy and smooth. This lip look transitions seamlessly from her workday to dinner outings, proving that comfort and style can coexist beautifully.
As makeup trends evolve, so do personal preferences. For Lexi Herrick, an easy-to-apply lip liner in a vibrant red complemented by a hydrating lip oil delivers a striking finish. Shanna Shipin, on the other hand, finds comfort in using her blush on her lips for a monochromatic look when she wants to make a statement. Each editor showcases their individuality through unique lip combos, emphasizing that makeup is not just about aesthetics but personal expression. In their curated collections, they reveal that the right products can make all the difference in enhancing one’s natural beauty, allowing everyone to find joy in the art of lip combinations.