I inquired with 13 editors and makeup artists about their top lip combination that consistently receives compliments.
Few things prompt me to click “purchase” based on recommendations (or should I say, visual recommendations) quite like an alluring lip. The latest It bag sported by celebrities is one example, the trendiest latte order in New York is another, but the main catalyst for my beauty cravings comes from a single glimpse of an impressive lip combination—and I’m not alone in this. The term “lip combos” has spawned videos with millions of views on TikTok, and the Reddit inquiry, “What’s everyone’s favorite lip combos?” ranks as the second search result when you Google that phrase. Essentially, this is a pressing question within the beauty community. In pursuit of the ultimate lip-enhancing formula, I consulted 13 celebrity makeup artists and discerning editors to discover their foolproof lip combinations, and in the spirit of sharing, I’m revealing the exact products (and methods!) that lead to these influencers being stopped on the street.
What Is a Lip Combo? Nestled at the bottom of every stylish individual’s bag are several lip products that help define and shape the ideal lips for their unique features and preferences. These may include a reliable lip liner (or two, if you’re like me), a creamy lipstick, and a lip stain, oil, or gloss, among others. While this may seem like a significant haul, it’s clear why we never travel without these essential components in the lip-shaping process—and you might just find some inspiration for your next signature look as well.
From simple two-step processes to more elaborate applications, each expert shares their favored combinations along with techniques and tips for long-lasting wear from celebrity makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic, founder and CEO of Makeup by Mario, and Kelli Anne Sewell, known for beautifying every It girl seen on TikTok (Kelsea Ballerini, Olivia Culpo, Alix Earle, and more).
Celebrity Makeup Artists’ Lip Combos:
**Mario Dedivanovic**
“I’ve been really enjoying my Makeup by Mario UltraSuede Sculpting Lip Pencil in Smokey Pink together with my new gloss. I use the lip pencil to define the lips and finish with a beautiful, glass-like shine using the SuperShine Lip Gloss in Rose Crush.” — Mario Dedivanovic
**Kelli Anne Sewell's "Wear Anywhere" Glaze**
“This combination genuinely excites me. It feels sophisticated and trendy—polished but not overly so. I appreciate the almond liner shade for being slightly deeper and cooler in tone than my lips without being too stark. Endless Cacao gives me the best gray, cool-toned shadow for lip contouring, enhancing my lips’ fullness. MAC Lipglass remains my favorite gloss for its stunning shine and longevity. This combo makes me feel my best self! Plus, it pairs beautifully with various makeup styles… whether it’s full glam, laid-back glam (featured on my app), or fresh summer looks. It always works.” — Kelli Anne Sewell
**Editor Lip Combos:**
**Erin's Mod '90s Brown**
“If I could only choose one lip product for life, it would be Hourglass’s Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balms without hesitation. It’s the ideal product—providing the right mix of shine, pigment, hydration, and plumping in one swipe. Recently, I’ve been reaching for the shade Invite, a lovely rosy brown with a hint of gold pearl. (Honestly, I’m unsure if there’s a more photogenic lip product I’ve tried!) I feel incomplete without lip liner, so I pair Invite with Kosas’s Hotliner in Supreme (a deep neutral brown) for extra definition.” — Erin Jahns, beauty director
**Jamie's Soft-Smudged Mauve**
“Absolutely, Rhode’s Lip Shape lives up to the hype. The shade Lunge is *the* perfect beige-mauve that aligns with my natural lip color and creates the illusion of fuller lips. I usually follow this with Cocokind’s new Lip Blur Balm in a similar mauve or Versed’s Tinted Lip Serum in Compliment (which truly lives up to its name; at least one person always asks what I’m wearing!). For a soft-focus finish (very romantic for a night out), I start with the Rhode liner and finish with Sisley Paris’s Phyto-Rouge Velvet Lipstick in Beige Crush. It’s the most beautiful raisin color I’ve seen and blends seamlessly with my fingers for that just-kissed look.” — Jamie Schneider, senior beauty editor
**Kaitlyn's Lips, But Better**
“Having always had thin lips, after trying this lip combo recently, I received three compliments from people saying my lips looked fantastic or asking about my combo. I adore how Rhode’s Lip Shapes contour without strict definition, giving the appearance of plumpness. On top, I add Saie’s non-sticky lip gloss oil for a vol
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I inquired with 13 editors and makeup artists about their top lip combination that consistently receives compliments.
The top lip combinations come from these chosen lip liners, lipsticks, and additional products that begin at $8, as noted by Makeup by Mario, Kelli Anne Sewell, and various editors.
