Lips are the focal point of the face and a statement lip can transform your entire look.
From classic nudes to bold brights, mix and match textures and tones for a stunning lip look.
Now read on for pro tips, step-by-step application guides, and lipstick pairing ideas to take your pout to the next level!
Lip Combo Idea 1: Nude Lip with Bold Liner
Nude lips are universally flattering, but can look boring on their own.
Liven up your neutral pout with a bold lip liner for definition and contrast.
Start by exfoliating and moisturizing your lips to prep them for lipstick.
Apply a nude lipstick in a creamy formula across your lips.
Blot for an even application.
Use a lip liner in a deep berry or brown shade to outline and define your lips.
Apply starting from the cupid’s bow and working outwards.
Fill in the entire lip with the liner.
Finally, apply a touch of nude lipstick to the center of the lips to create an ombre effect.
The dark liner frames your pout beautifully while the nude lip color remains soft and sweet.
This combo works for any skin tone and brings out the natural shape of your lips.
Lip Combo Idea 2: Frosted Lip with Clear Gloss
Get ready to sparkle!
A shimmery frosted lip combined with a clear gloss is fun and eye-catching.
Start with a frosted lipstick in a warm pink, coral or classic red shade.
These icy shimmery shades look flattering on any skin tone.
Apply your lipstick straight from the bullet for full coverage.
Next, take a clear lip gloss and pat it over the frosted lipstick.
The gloss will add extra shine and dimension while the sparkle from the lipstick underneath still peeks through.
You can also mix the gloss into the lipstick on the back of your hand first to make your own custom metallic lip gloss!
Finish with a touch up layer of the frosted lipstick to intensify the shimmer.
This combo is perfect for a night out or when you want to glam up your look for a special occasion.
Lip Combo Idea 3: Ombre Lips
Ombre lips are a gorgeous trend that creates a graduated look, lighter in the center of lips and darker on the edges.
This technique sculpts, defines and adds fullness for a pro-level pout.
Prep lips with balm and liner to ensure smooth application.
Choose two complimentary lipstick shades like pink and mauve or orange and red.
Apply the darker shade along the outer edges of your lips.
Use a lip brush for precise application.
Next, use a makeup sponge or your finger to pat and blend the darker lipstick inward to create a soft fade.
Apply the lighter lipstick shade to the inner part of your lips.
Blend together where the light and dark shades meet.
Finish with a slick of gloss for extra shine and definition.
The ombre effect makes lips look plumper!
Use a setting powder to ensure your blended look lasts all day.
Lip Combo Idea 4: Matte Lip with Glossy Center
The matte lip trend is here to stay, but can sometimes leave lips looking dry.
Liven up a matte lippie with a touch of gloss just in the center of your pout for a fuller effect.
Apply a liquid matte lipstick, then press a small dab of high shine gloss to the center of your upper and lower lip.
Blend it in slightly for a seamless effect.
The glossy center will accentuate and illuminate your cupid’s bow, adding dimension.
You can also use a shimmery gloss for extra impact.
Make sure it has more of a transparent base so it won’t take away from the intense matte of the outer lips.
This trick creates the illusion of larger, plumper lips by making the center pop!
Lip Combo Idea 5: Bitten Lip Stain with Neutral Lipstick
Get the just-bitten flushed lip look with this combo of a berry lip stain and neutral lipstick.
It’s the perfect pairing for an everyday natural beauty.
Smooth on a deep red or berry-toned lip stain and blot to achieve a just-bitten washed out stain.
Follow with a neutral lipstick shade close to your natural lip color.
Apply a single coat and blot – you still want the stain peeking through.
Finish with lip balm or gloss for a moisturized, dimensional pout.
The lip stain adds a pop of sheer color, while the neutral lipstick tones it down for a subtle daytime look.
You can also pair an orange-red stain with a brown lipstick for a 90s inspired vibe.
Lip Combo Idea 6: High Shine Gloss with Mid-Tone Lip Pencil
The perfect balance of sheen and definition.
This combo takes your lips from boring to babelicious in seconds!
Line and fill in lips completely with a mid-tone neutral lip pencil – think natural, rosewood or mauve shades.
Apply a high shine gloss with light reflecting particles directly over top.
Press and blot lips together to marry the products.
The lip pencil gives structure and prevents feathering, while the gloss provides wet-look shine and lushness.
No heavy lipstick required!
This is an easy way to pump up your pout for a glam night out or everyday wear.
Bonus Tip: Use a gold, silver or pearl white pencil to highlight your cupid’s bow even more!
Lip Combo Idea 7: Gradient Lips
Gradient lips sweep color from dark to light for a eye-catching ombre pout.
Similar to the ombre lip, this combo requires more precision.
Start by outlining your lips with a liner matching the darker shade you’ll use on the outer corners.
Fill in the outer 2⁄3 of lips, keeping the center bare.
Take the lighter lip color and paint the inner 1⁄3 of lips, concentrating opacity toward the center.
Now here’s the gradient part – carefully sweep the light shade into the dark like you are smoothing out the line.
Blend back and forth to create a perfect color gradient.
Make sure to apply gloss only to the center for dimension.
Gradient lips work well with pinks, reds, oranges and corals.
Have fun mixing different hues!
Lip Combo Idea 8: Black Lipstick with Red Gloss
Feeling daring?
This gothic combo instantly transforms your look from everyday to runway glam.
Apply a pitch black matte lipstick over your entire pout, just shy of the liner so it doesn’t smudge.
Coat lips evenly for true opaque coverage.
Let dry completely before the next step.
Take a bold true red gloss and pat onto the center of lips over the black lipstick.
Pressing the applicator helps blend the gloss into the black for seamless coverage.
The gloss injects vibrancy while allowing the black hue to peek through.
Keep lips hydrated throughout wear.
Finish with black liner if needed to sharpen edges.
People will think you stepped right off the catwalk!
Lip Combo Idea 9: Hydrating Balm with Bright Tint
Get a pop of color and care with this lip combo perfect for dry, chapped lips.
Smooth on a hydrating, medicated lip balm containing ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter or peptides.
Allow it to absorb, then apply a sheer wash of highly pigmented tint across your lips.
Lip stains and liquid tints work great.
Blot to blend.
The result is hydrated, soothed lips with a subtle stain of color.
You can also mix the lip tint right into the balm before applying for a DIY tinted lip treatment.
This technique adds a hint of color while caring for your pout.
Try an orange-red, pink, peach or coral tint for a perfect summer lip.
Lip Combo Idea 10: Rose Gold Lips
Metallics are trending for lips and this rose gold combo looks glamorous for a night out.
Start by lining lips with a neutral pencil.
Apply a rose gold metallic lipstick, pressing onto lips for intense color payoff.
Metallic formulas work best.
Next, take a peachy-pink lip gloss and apply heavily over top of the rose gold lipstick.
The gloss mixes with the metallic lipstick to create a molten, foil effect.
Add extra gloss to the cupid’s bow and center of lips for fullness.
Make sure to exfoliate first so the metallic adheres properly.
Finish by applying more rose gold lipstick to the center for vibrancy.
Rose gold complements all skin tones for a luxe pout!
Lip Combo Idea 11: Two-Tone Lipstick
Why choose one lipstick when you can wear two?
Create an eye-catching lip with this artistic combo.
Pick two bold lipstick shades that complement each other such as red and orange or pink and purple.
Apply the first shade directly over your lip liner, covering the bottom or top lip completely in the darker hue.
Next, apply the second lipstick to the opposite lip, fully coating the top or bottom lip depending on what you started with.
Press lips together to blend slightly.
You can also use a lip brush to sharpen edges for precision.
Finish with gloss on just the lighter lip shade.
The glossy sheen makes that lip pop while the matte color on the other lip adds definition.
This combo is so fun for a party or event!
Lip Combo Idea 12: Lip Stain with Lipstick Layering
Customize your own perfect lip color with the layering technique.
Mix and match your favorite lip stain and lipstick shades.
Apply a lip stain straight to bare lips and blend outward.
Let dry completely.
Choose a lipstick in a coordinating color and apply on top of the stain.
Layer on additional coats of lipstick until you achieve your desired shade.
The stain beneath provides a base color that interacts with the layers on top.
You can also do the reverse and apply lipstick first, then layer the coordinating stain over it.
Blot between each layer.
The stain brings out undertones and adds dimension to your customized lip color.
Play with different color combinations like mauve with berry or peach with coral until you invent the hue you love!
Lip Combo Idea 13: Lipstick Mixed with Powder Pigment
DIY time!
Create your own one-of-a-kind lip color by mixing lipstick with powder pigment.
Take a matte lipstick bullet and swipe it across the back of your hand, creating a base.
Next, dip a small brush into powder pigment, tapping off excess.
Mix the powder into the lipstick, stirring until fully blended.
Apply the custom blended lip color directly onto lips for beautiful full coverage.
You can use either loose pigments or pressed powder eyeshadows.
Matte pastel pinks, purples and blues make gorgeous mixed shades!
This allows you to turn any basic lipstick into a work of art.
With so many stunning lip combinations, you can create every look from subtle daytime beauty to editorial after hours glam.
Whether you want to mix textures, layer colors or try inventive techniques, your pout has endless possibilities.
With a well-stocked makeup collection and these pro combo tips, you’ll never have a boring lip again.
Experiment, have fun and transform your lips into your best accessory!
Which lip combo will you try first?
