These Are Allure Editors' Signature Lip Combos

Lip combos — we know 'em, we love 'em, and we've seen them smattering our FYPs for weeks on end. If you're unfamiliar, a lip combination is just a mixture of lip products, applied in a particular order, to achieve a final lip look. If that sounds vague, that's because lip combos as a concept are gloriously simple — any group of two or more lip products counts as a combo, and from there pretty much anything goes. Lip liner, lipstick, lip stains, glosses — they're all on the table. If this total freedom feels more intimidating that liberating, don't fret. We've rounded up six Allure editors' signature lip combinations to stir up some inspiration and get you started.

Even though the world is your oyster when it comes to lip combinations, there are some fundamentals that'll help you create the perfect, lasting combo. Christelle Ewa, a Paris-based makeup artist, suggests starting off by prepping your lips. Ewa recommends using a lip mask or thick balm to moisturize your lips beforehand but notes that your lips should be residue-free before you go in with any color. If you're really concerned about longevity, she advises using a touch of your base makeup or a primer to reduce smudging and give the products something extra to stick to.

Next, consider going in with lip liner to set the tone for the rest of the lip and prep for further product application. "Lip liners are usually made with long wear formulas these days so they prevent migrations of the lipstick almost like a contoured shield," she says. "It's also easier to fill in a lip that is already shaped," she adds.

Once your liner is on or decided, it's time to think about how to top it off. Ewa mentioned that when it comes to combining lip pigments, she looks for a specific feature out of all the products prior to combining them. For example, applying a darker lip liner before a lighter lipstick helps add dimension, and a gloss can create the illusion of fuller-looking lips. If you're looking to get extra fancy, consider trying out an ombré effect, opt for shades that are different enough that you can tell the two hues apart even after you've blended. 

Now that you're all prepped on what a lip combination is, it's time for you to create one. Whether you're in the market for something nude, something '90s, or something new altogether, keep reading to see some stellar lip combos, hand-picked by Allure editors.

Angela Trakoshis, senior commerce writer

"In my humble opinion, a nude lip never goes out of style. This combo includes a Makeup by Mario Lip Pencil in Daniel, the Maybelline Ultimatte Slim Lipstick, and really any glossy lip balm. This is my everyday go-to and has been for a while because I love how natural it can look on no-makeup-makeup days or with full glam like in the picture shown." —Angela Trakoshis

Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

"If I had to choose one word to describe my ideal lip combo, it would be "non-committal" — okay so one phrase, if we're being particular. I love a deep berry lip and a nostalgic brown, but always have trouble giving in to the true form of either one. To me, this combination is the perfect mélange of both — a little berry, a little brown — that can't easily be slotted into either category. I start with Half Magic's Magic Brownie, a warm brown liquid lipstick with a soft, blendable formula. After using the product's flat applicator to apply it all over my lips, I use my finger to diffuse the edges so it doesn't look too perfect. Then I add a layer of Tower 28's ShineOn Lip Jelly in Wild, a sheer, bright raspberry shade. Something about this mix transforms both products into something so special, a hard-to-pin-down color that makes me feel cool and mysterious, even if I'm sitting in a waiting room or standing in line somewhere. If I met someone wearing this lip color, I would ask them what it was and make a note on my phone to buy it when I got home, so cooking it up myself feels like even more of an achievement." —Sarah Hoffmann

Annie Blay, associate beauty editor

"Fun fact: I used to hate that my lips were naturally dark around the edges which is hilarious now considering I rarely leave the house without lining my lips with brown lip liner. What once was a big insecurity turned into a beauty staple when I discovered my perfect lip combo. So it goes like this, a dark brown lip liner — in the daytime I stick to a shade close to the natural outline of my lip like NYX's Slim Lip Pencil in 802. I enhance the pink in the middle of my lips with a rosy gloss from Flesh Beauty. This combo is super natural looking but perfectly enhances my lips, making my pout cuter and more noticeable." —Annie Blay

Sam Escobar, site director

"For years, even prior to the pandemic, I was on a no-lipstick kick. But after several years of masking (and the inability to wear lipstick without smudging it) later and I have finally re-embraced the gloriousness of a high-maintenance lip-makeup routine. With this combo, I typically apply the lip mask about 15 to 20 minutes prior to the other products. (It's technically an overnight lip mask, but I've found that its ultra-rich hydration is excellent as a primer during the winter.) Then, I apply the Rare Beauty lip liner, leaving the centers of my top and my bottom lips empty. After that, I use my ring finger to tap on the matte mauve R.E.M. Beauty lip color and blend it out a bit for a diffused look. I sometimes stop after this step, but lately, because of the aforementioned wintry dryness, I've typically applied a thin layer of Hourglass's Volumizing Glossy Stick, then blotted it a teensy bit to avoid it getting bunched up." —Sam Escobar

Blake Lackmann, beauty closet associate

"The Refy Beauty Lip Sculpt and Lip Liner have become an everyday favorite of mine. It seems complicated but it's actually quite easy to navigate. First I prep my lips with a lip mask and then wipe it off. Then I just line my lips like normal with the thin cream liner in the shade, Fawn. Once done, I add my favorite lipstick, Yash by MAC. I top it all off with the lip sculpt, it's meant to set your lips for up to 10 hours. I apply the product onto the outer line of my lips and then use my finger to dab it across my lips. If you want to really finish up the look you can add the Refy Lip Gloss, which leaves your lips glossy yet not sticky!" —Blake Lackmann

"The Refy Beauty Lip Sculpt and Lip Liner have become an everyday favorite of mine. It seems complicated but it's actually quite easy to navigate. First I prep my lips with a lip mask and then wipe it off. Then I just line my lips like normal with the thin cream liner in the shade, Fawn. Once done, I add my favorite lipstick, Yash by MAC. I top it all off with the lip sculpt, it's meant to set your lips for up to 10 hours. I apply the product onto the outer line of my lips and then use my finger to dab it across my lips. If you want to really finish up the look you can add the Refy Lip Gloss, which leaves your lips glossy yet not sticky!"

Jennifer Hussein, commerce writer

"With my light-tan skin tone and wide, thin lips, the usual 'brown lip liner, and gloss' uniform everyone loves just doesn't look right on me. So, to balance the stark color contrast of my skin and lip liner, I've put my own spin on it: First, I line my lips with the Tower 28 OneLiner Multi-Liner in the chocolatey shade Draw Me, then I apply a light layer of Merit's Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in the shade L'Avenue to add more color to my lips and blend it for a subtle ombre effect. The final touch is one swipe of Juvia's Place Glass Lip Gloss in the clear shade It's Glass for a reflective, shiny finish. Et voilà!"

Read more about Allure editors' favorite makeup:

• TikTok's Latest Makeup Hack Is Putting On Eyeliner and Washing It Off 
• The 17 Best Lip Pencils for Precise Lining and Filling
• The Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Foundation Is Unlike Any Base Makeup We Have Ever Tried

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