To start, first, think about the tones that will suit your face. Do you like a pink lip like Fanning Andrews, or do you prefer the classicism of a red lipstick like Vogue contributor Lilah Ramzi? Those with cool undertones will often find blue bases to best suit their complexions, while those warm undertones might gravitate towards brighter berries, oranges, and apple hues. Then, decide which kind of wear you want. If you want your lip to last longer, or to make them appear fuller, consider a lip liner or lip stain. Don’t gloss over your desired finish, either. Do you feel most confident with glazes and oils, or do you prefer mattes and satins? Whichever you choose, just have fun with it—a lip combo is all about layering. To further inspire, we’ve polled nine Vogue editors to sound off on their signature lip combos for your reading—and shopping—pleasure.
Kiana Murden, senior beauty commerce writer
I will be a brown lip liner girl for life; and, my favorite of all-time is Make Up For Ever’s limitless brown. It is the perfect chocolate hue sans any red undertones—accentuating my lips for the ultimate plumpness. Color aside, it manages to last for hours, meaning it sets the tone well for any additional lip products to follow. My friends know I have a penchant for glossy finishes—I adore anything Giorgio Armani for high-octane shine, Ami Colé for nourishing ingredients, or Hourglass for modern, chic shades.
Chloe Malle, editor of Vogue.com
I love a Benetint stain followed by a YSL Loveshine Lip Oil stick, it’s perfect for every day but not too obvious or done.
Concetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
I have countless lip liners that are essentially the same shade of taupe, but one I always reach for is Make Up For Ever in Endless Cacao. Alexa Demie is one of my beauty icons, so when I learned Donni Davy used this exact pencil on Demie in her role as Maddy in Euphoria, I was sold. When paired with Dior’s lip oil in Berry, this lip combo is really gorgeous for fellow olive-toned complexions.
Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor-at-large
I like a pinkier lip and just found that the new Osée shade of Rouge Dior Contour lip pencil gives such a pretty base for me to top with whatever I’m in the mood for—lately it’s been La Mer’s Lip Volumizer because I love a bouncy texture and minty finale.
Molly Barstein, audience development associate manager
The lip is my favorite part of my makeup routine! My mom’s aunt used to say that you should never leave the house without a little something on your lips, and while that may seem like an extremely dated rule of thumb, it’s one that I follow. During the day, I line my lips with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in the shade Iconic Nude and gloss with Lawless Forget The Filler gloss in the shade Nudie. At night, I go darker with Makeup For Ever’s liner in Limitless Brown and Lawless’s gloss in the shade George.
Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
This Nars lip liner in the shade Cap-D’ail has been my signature liner for years, for everything from office days to late city nights—it stays intact through it all! I usually pair it with MAC’s Lipglass in the shade Love Child (you can’t beat the truly glasslike effect that it offers) for a subtle and polished look. I find that cool-toned pinks like these compliment my skin’s cool undertones best!
Willow Lindley, fashion market and collaborations director
I’ve recently rediscovered my love of Benetint. The best thing to put on in the morning to maintain a natural flushed lip color. I layer my favorite Image Skincare lip balm over it throughout the day to stay hydrated and make it a bit glossy.
Emma Specter, culture writer
I love a pink Tower28 pencil with a brown lip gloss on top for peak ’90s power!
Aurelie Pellissier Roman, global design director
Dr. Sam’s Flawless Lip is by far the best lip balm I have ever used. Super hydrating, not sticky but it lasts and lasts, without making the lips “slippery” before applying a lipstick. It’s just really, really good! I’m always after a natural lipstick to tone down the redness of my lips—this has been the only shade that works as a cool nude with mauvish-grey undertones that beautifully offset the red. I also love the refillable metallic tube which allows for discreet touch-ups on the subway when on a school run.
