The Hottest Lip Combo Essentials You Need
BY JENNY JUNG
There’s a difference between simply wearing lipstick and creating a lip combo.
13 JAN - 2025
Get ready to kiss and tell because these lip combos are too good to keep secret.
There’s a difference between simply wearing lipstick and creating a lip combo. A swipe of color can be stunning, but layering shades, textures and finishes takes your look to a whole new level. The right lip combo can add depth, dimension and that extra "wow" factor that turns heads. From glossy stains to velvety mattes, we’ve rounded up the season’s standout lip essentials that’ll have you mastering the art of the perfect pout. Ready to meet your new obsessions?
Gabbriette Vibes
If you haven’t heard of MAC’s Stone lip liner, now’s the time to get acquainted. This true cool-toned brown has been turning heads, especially since it was featured in the famous limited-edition lip kit by Gabbriette, one of the hottest icons of 2024. Known for her effortlessly edgy aesthetic, Gabbriette’s kit put Stone in the spotlight, and it has quickly become a cult favourite for its truly cool tone hue. This lipliner is essential for building the foundation for a huge range of lip combos.
If you are interested in acquiring the items from the rest of the kit, check out $ellout Lustreglass Sheer-Shine lipstick, a soft peach shade that brings warmth and balance to Stone. To finish, the Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick in Simulation adds a high-shine, glass-like finish, giving lips a fuller, plumped appearance.
M.A.C Cosmetics, Stone Lip Pencil, $46 NZD.
Fenty Rubber Bandz
On the other side of the spectrum, we have Rubber Bandz from Fenty Beauty’s Trac’d Out Lip Liner range, which brings a warm, earthy hue that complements a variety of skin tones. Although Stone by M.A.C has been a killer sell out, the reality is that not everybody is going to suit something with such a cool undertone. If you’ve been on the hunt for a mid-tone nude lip liner that won’t wash you out, give Rubber Bandz a go!
Fenty, Trac'd Out Lip Liner, Rubber Bandz, $34 NZD.
The Ultimate Nude Lipstick
Don’t you hate it when you buy a stunning nude lip shade, only for it to end up looking orange on your lips? It makes sense when you consider colour theory — our natural lip colour inevitably affects how the lipstick appears once applied. This highlights just how crucial the undertone is when it comes to such a pale shade of nude in a lipstick formula.
Recently, we came across a reel from @taniellejamua on instagram who introduced us to Chantilly Lace by Laura Mercier, a pale nude that actually delivers on its promise — creamy and soft, just like it appears in the bullet. She paired it with a lip liner from her upcoming brand, Taniellejai, but we think Anywhere Caffeine by Makeup Forever would be a great stand-in for now. This combo creates a beautifully balanced nude lip that’s both subtle and effortlessly chic. Plus, you can tap this shade into the centre of your lip to brighten any lip combo!
Laura Mercier, Caviar Smoothing Matte Lip Stick, $84 NZD.
The Perfect Melting Gloss
The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is a certified banger, earning its status as a must-have for all kinds of beauty lovers. While marketed as a lip balm, its versatility makes it so much more. It bridges the gap between hydration and shine, offering the nourishing benefits of a lip balm while delivering the glossy finish of a lip gloss.
What sets it apart is its ability to function as the perfect melting gloss, seamlessly blending lip liner into any lippie formula. Its ideal level of pigmentation enhances your lips without overpowering the original lip colour, making it a true multitasker. Depending on your chosen shade — whether it’s the warm, neutral Vanilla Beige or the soft, playful Pink Sugar—you can subtly shift the overall tone of your look.
Summer Fridays, Lip Butter Balm, $45 NZD.
New Shades of M.A.C Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick
We’ve all been wondering why the classic OG M.A.C lipstick shades haven’t been hitting quite the same recently. Well, M.A.C heard us loud and clear! The new Macximal Sleek Satin Lipsticks are here, bringing back some of the brand’s most iconic nude shades in a revamped formula that beauty lovers are already obsessing over.
Beloved shades like Myth, Fleshpot and Creme D’Nude are making their grand return, and this time, they’re the ultimate must-haves for creating the perfect lip combo. The best part? M.A.C has taken the guesswork out of lip pairings! Head to their website, and you’ll find tailored recommendations for matching these lipsticks with their signature Lip Pencils — including exciting new shades like Cool Spice as well their classic shades like Oak or Stone. These reimagined classics, paired with the perfect liner, are everything you need for that flawless nude pout. Trust us, your makeup bag won’t be complete without them.
M.A.C Cosmetics, Macximal Sleek Satin Lipsticks, $46 NZD.
Rom&nd Reigns Supreme
When building your own lip combo, versatility is key. Lip products that can layer on top of each other with ease are essential for creating a completed lip look. That’s where Romand’s Juicy Lasting Tint and Glasting Water Tint come in. These glossy stains are the ultimate layering tools, letting you create lip combos with lasting power and eye-catching dimension.
Two standout shades are Mulled Peach and Fig Rise. Mulled Peach offers a warm, fresh pop of colour that’s perfect for everyday wear, while Fig Rise provides a cooler-toned base that’s versatile enough to sit under any lip product. Both shades stain the lips beautifully, ensuring your look stays put for hours. Whether you’re looking for a base to build on or a stand-alone statement colour, these Romand glossy stains have you covered.
Rom&nd, Juicy Lasting Tint, Mulled Peach, $18 NZD.
Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Transform
The Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé in the shade "Transform" might initially appear to be a typical deep wine hue, but it’s far from ordinary. As the name implies, this shade truly "transforms" on every skin tone with a complexion-brightening effect. Unlike conventional deep wine shades that can sometimes feel heavy or overpowering, Transform has a unique pink undertone that subtly lifts and revitalises the overall look.
The buzz on TikTok is real — beauty lovers are obsessed with the versatility of this shade. It’s the perfect two-in-one that works as both a lip colour and a blush, making it a must-have for an easy, monochromatic look. The best part? It keeps things simple and chic, letting you nail a polished vibe without a ton of effort.
What sets the Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé apart is its lightweight, mousse-like texture, which glides on smoothly and feels comfortable for hours. It’s not just another pretty colour — it’s a multi-functional beauty essential designed to make an impact with minimal effort. The formula is buildable, allowing wearers to opt for a soft, diffused tint or a bold, statement-making finish. Pair it with a bold wine lip liner or diffuse it into the edges of your everyday lip liner for a gorgeous stained lip effect.
Rare Beauty, Lip Souffle, Transform, $43 NZD.
Whether you’re creating a soft, natural look or a bold, statement pout, finding the right lip combo can elevate your makeup game to new heights. With so many iconic shades and innovative formulas now available, there’s never been a better time to experiment and discover your signature lip look. After all, the perfect lip is the finishing touch that brings your entire look together.
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