Credit: Courtesy of brands
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“I’m a beauty editor, and these are the best lip gloss and liner combinations to pull a make-up look together”
5 months ago
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3 min read
As a beauty editor, I’m fortunate to test a lot of make-up. These are the lip combinations I swear by for pulling a look together…
I’ll be honest with you, lip products haven’t always counted among my everyday make-up essentials. On a busy day, I’m more likely to reach for a trusty lip balm than a lipstick. But recently, a make-up artist friend of mine let me in on a little secret: nothing ties a look together quite like the perfect gloss and liner combo. It’s the kind of subtle change that can take you from feeling a bit ‘meh’ to looking polished in seconds. Whether you’re after a ‘your lips but better’ finish or an iconic 90s vibe with a darker liner and lighter gloss, the right pairing can work wonders.
As a beauty editor, I’m in the fortunate position to be able to try a lot of different make-up products, meaning I’m able to play around and discover which products from different brands pair well together. From the perfect pillar box red to timeless, neutral classics – I’ve tried hundreds of different lip combinations and these are the ones that I swear were made for each other…
For ‘your lips but better’: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk + Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Sweet Mouth
This combo is the ultimate ‘your lips but better’ duo. Pillow Talk adds definition with its universally flattering pinky-nude tone, while Sweet Mouth gives a high-shine finish that’s perfect for all skin tones. Together, they create a natural but polished look – ideal for those ‘no make-up make-up’ days.
For a nod to the 90s: Mac Lip Pencil in Whirl + Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight
For those who like that 90s nostalgia, this pairing is perfection. Whirl is a deep rose shade with a hint of brown, perfect for defining and adding depth to your lips. Top it off with Turkish Delight, a light, creamy pink gloss, for that retro-inspired contrast that still feels modern. It’s a great combination for those with medium to deep skin tones.
For a fresh, clean look: Huda Beauty Lip Contour in Warm Brown + Glossier Lip Gloss in Clear
This is your go-to combo that ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. Huda Beauty’s Warm Brown works beautifully on a range of skin tones, giving structure and definition. The clear gloss from Glossier adds just the right amount of shine without altering the colour, making it a great combination for everyday make-up.
For a classic red lip: Dior Contour Lip Liner in 999 + Mac Lipglass in Ruby Woo
This killer combo is your classic red. The 999 liner is a true red that suits all skin tones and adds precision and definition, while Mac’s Lipglass in Ruby Woo is a universally flattering bright blue-red, formulated into a high-shine gloss. (It also makes your teeth look really white. Bonus!)
For an autumn neutral: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Hex + Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Kristen
A moodier take on the neutral lip, Hex is a rich, burgundy liner that provides a deep base, while Kristen is a warm pink-brown gloss that softens the intensity. This combo is ideal for those with darker skin tones or anyone wanting to make a subtle statement through the autumn/winter months.
For a timeless classic: Nyx Slim Lip Pencil in Cannes + Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Free Spirit
For a combination that will never go out of date, this dream duo is perfect. The Cannes pencil is a versatile shade that works well across various skin tones, providing a soft outline. Paired with Free Spirit, a non-sticky gloss that adds a sheer wash of peachy pink, this duo is ideal for everyday wear.
Images: courtesy of brands
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