Are Lip Combos The Key to Personalized Makeup Routines?

Lip liner used to be something I’d only reach for when I needed a crisp line for dark lipstick. Otherwise, a single lipstick was all I needed. But now, looking back, I totally get why I didn’t love lipstick on me—I just hadn’t met that one shade that could give the perfect brightness, depth, and tone. While waiting for this miracle product to arrive, I realized I could achieve my desired look by mixing my own combinations.

Lip combos are all about experimenting with different lip products to create a unique look. Think lip liner, lipstick, gloss, and balm—all layered to either make your lips pop, add fullness, bring out color, add shine, or even just for fun, to create a custom shade and texture. The trick? Finding products that work well together.

Though not an entirely new technique, this trend has evolved alongside fuller-lip techniques to become a full-blown movement. Gabriette, the latest it-girl, and Euphoria’s Alexa Demie are among the trend’s main muses. Demie’s dark-lined nude lip look is still inspiring us all, and M.A.C Cosmetics even dedicated one of their three new lip kits to Gabriette’s edgy, gothic-inspired lip combo this year.

A big inspiration behind this lip trend is Latin beauty and chola aesthetics. Back in the ’90s, runway looks proved how bold lips could turn a simple makeup into something extra striking. But today, lip combos don’t need to be loud to stand out—you can also layer products to keep things natural.

What I love most about this trend is how it encourages me to try out colors and finishes I’m not usually drawn to. One of my current favorites is M.A.C’s Lustreglass Sheer-Shine in I Deserve This, a warm, soft brown that pairs beautifully with Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil in Anywhere Caffeine. (Bonus: This liner also doubles as a nose contour.)

And for an added touch, I love layering gloss over matte lipstick. Lately, I’ve been reaching for Cream Co’s 3-in-1 Lip Balm in Marshmallow, a colorless gloss with tiny sparkles. It smells amazing, makes my lips feel super soft, and has become a staple. For a long-lasting but natural finish, I pair Benefit’s tints with lip liner. And if, like me, you feel that Benetint never quite suits your skin tone, I recommend trying Floratint, a desert rose tone.