I asked 13 editors and makeup artists to share their top lip combo that consistently garners compliments.
There are few things that prompt me to click “purchase” based on recommendations (or should I say, visuals) quite like an enchanting lip. One example is the trending bag that celebrities continually flaunt, another is the latest must-try latte in New York. However, my ultimate beauty inspiration comes from a simple glimpse of an impressive lip combination—and it seems I’m not the only one. The term “lip combos” leads to videos garnering millions of views on TikTok, and the Reddit post “What’s everyone’s fav lip combos?” is the second most popular result in a Google search for that phrase. Essentially, this represents a burning question within the beauty community. Eager to uncover the ultimate lip-enhancing formula, I reached out to 13 celebrity makeup artists and knowledgeable editors to discover their fail-proof lip combinations. And in the spirit of sharing, I’m revealing the exact products (and techniques!) these trendsetters use that often attract attention on the streets.
**What Constitutes a Lip Combo?**
Tucked away in the bags of every stylish individual are several lip products that sculpt and enhance their lips according to their unique features and preferences. These might consist of a reliable lip liner (or two, if you’re anything like me), a creamy lipstick, and perhaps a lip stain, oil, or gloss, among others. While this may seem like a lot to carry, you’ll soon understand why we refuse to go anywhere without these essential components in the lip-drawing process—and you might just discover some inspiration for your own signature style, too.
From straightforward two-step techniques to complex applications, each expert provides their preferred products along with tips to ensure longevity, featuring insights from celebrity makeup artists Mario Dedivanovic, the founder of Makeup by Mario, and Kelli Anne Sewell, the beauty expert behind the looks of many TikTok It girls (think Kelsea Ballerini, Olivia Culpo, Alix Earle, and others).
**Celebrity Makeup Artists’ Lip Combos**
*Mario Dedivanovic*
"Recently, I've been obsessed with my Makeup by Mario UltraSuede Sculpting Lip Pencil in Smokey Pink, paired with my new gloss formula. I use the lip pencil to define and shape the lips, then create a stunning glass-like shine with the SuperShine Lip Gloss in Rose Crush."
*Kelli Anne Sewell's "Wear Anywhere" Glaze*
“This combo absolutely excites me. It feels stylish, yet effortless. I adore the almond liner shade as it’s slightly deeper and cooler than my natural lip color, but not overly dramatic. Endless Cacao offers the best gray, cool-toned shadow, which is ideal for contouring the lips to create a fuller appearance. MAC Lip Glass continues to be my go-to gloss because of its incredible shine and lasting power. I just feel at my best in this combo! Plus, it's compatible with a variety of makeup styles—be it full glam, lazy girl glam (as shared on my app), or fresh summer looks. It always delivers."
**Editor Lip Combos**
*Erin's Mod '90s Brown*
“If I had to select just one lip product for life, I’d pick Hourglass’s Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balms without a second thought. I believe it’s the ideal lip product, providing the perfect mix of shine, pigmentation, hydration, and plumping in one swipe. Recently, I've been leaning towards the shade Invite, a lovely rosy brown with a hint of gold pearl. (Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever worn a lip product that photographs so beautifully!) I can’t go without lip liner, so I pair Invite with Kosas's Hotliner in Supreme (a rich neutral brown) for added definition and impact.”
*Jamie’s Soft-Smudged Mauve*
"Rhode’s Lip Shape truly lives up to its reputation. The shade Lunge is the ultimate beige-mauve that perfectly matches my natural shade and gives my lips a plumper appearance. I usually add Cocokind’s new Lip Blur Balm in a similar mauve or Versed’s Tinted Lip Serum in Compliment (which does earn compliments; at least one person always asks about it when I wear it!). For a blurred, soft-focus finish (great for a romantic evening out), I use the Rhode liner, then lightly apply Sisley Paris’s Phyto-Rouge Velvet Lipstick in Beige Crush. It’s a stunning raisin color that effortlessly blends with my fingertips for a just-kissed look.”
*Kaitlyn's Lips, But Better*
"I've always had thin lips, but after trying out this lip combo, I had three people tell me my lips looked incredible or ask me what I was wearing. I appreciate how Rhode’s Lip Shapes don’t strictly define my lips; they enhance their contour and fullness. Topping it with Saie’s non-sticky lip gloss oil gives
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I asked 13 editors and makeup artists to share their top lip combo that consistently garners compliments.
According to Makeup by Mario, Kelli Anne Sewell, and various editors, the top lip combinations come from these chosen lip liners, lipsticks, and additional products that begin at $8.
