Perfect Your Lip Combo: Top Lip Liner + Gloss Looks to Try
What is a Lip Combo?
A lip combo is the pairing of a lip makeup product, usually lipstick or lip gloss, and a lip liner to create a polished, more defined lip look.
• Lip liner provides shape and precise definition. It helps keep lip makeup on for longer, prevents gloss or lipstick from feathering, and can even help make lips appear bigger by slightly overlining.
• Lip gloss delivers shine, hydration, and dimension, and can help your lips look fuller. You can choose a clear lip gloss shade for a natural finish or a colored one for extra depth and vibrancy.
With endless ways to mix and match, lip liner and gloss combos make it easy to create your perfect lip look for any occasion, from natural everyday looks to bold statement styles.
Should You Use Lip Liner with Lip Gloss?
Why Liner + Gloss Is Trending
How to Create the Perfect Lip Combo
How to Match Lip Liner and Gloss by Undertone
Your skin’s undertone plays a big role in how your lip combo looks: pairing complementary undertones creates a balanced finish, while contrasting undertones may clash. To choose a lip liner by undertone, take a look at your veins. If you have blue or purple veins, you likely have cool undertones; if you have green veins, you likely have warm undertones; and if you have blue and green veins, you likely have neutral undertones. Once you understand your skin undertone, choosing the right lip liner and lip gloss becomes easier.
• Warm undertones: Choose lip liners and glosses with orange or brown undertones, like caramel, peach, or coral shades.
• Cool undertones: Choose lip liners and glosses with blue or purple undertones, like blue-toned pinks, mauves, or plum.
• Neutral undertones: If you have neutral undertones, you can generally wear any lip liner or lip gloss shade regardless of the product’s undertone.
That being said, makeup is meant to be fun and open for exploration, so there is nothing wrong with choosing a lip liner and gloss that doesn’t fall exactly within your undertone, but for a more harmonious look, we would recommend choosing lip shades that have similar undertones. Consider checking out our Virtual Makeup Try-On to virtually try on shades that suit your undertone.
Clear Gloss vs. Colored Gloss: Which Works Best?
When deciding between clear and colored gloss, think about whether you want to have your lip liner shade be more enhanced by not adding a tint on top, or if you want a more vibrant, dimensional lip look that a colored gloss can provide.
• Clear gloss: enhances liner definition, provides a minimalist finish, and is perfect for everyday wear. If you really like your lip liner color and want to wear it like a lipstick, fill in your whole lips with liner, smoothly blend the liner onto your lips to avoid any harsh edges, and add clear gloss on top to help seal in the color and finish the look.
• Colored gloss: adds depth, vibrancy, and can transform your liner into a custom lipstick-like shade. If you choose a more neutral colored gloss to pair with your lip gloss, these combos can also be perfect for everyday wear. Choose a darker or brighter colored gloss for a party, date night, or if you’re going for a bold lip look.
To recap, for a natural look, apply a clear lip gloss over your lip line, and for a more dramatic look, try using a colored lip gloss.
Everyday Neutral vs. Statement Lip Combos
Lip combinations can be tailored to any occasion simply by switching shades. Everyday neutral combos, such as soft brown liners with nude or peach gloss shades, are versatile for work, school, or casual outings. They enhance your natural lip shape without overpowering the rest of your makeup. If you’re choosing a lip liner for a natural look, it's important to find a shade that is close to your natural lip color. Statement combos, such as deep liner shades with a bold berry or bright pink gloss, bring drama and impact, making them ideal for nights out, parties, or trend-driven moments. This versatility makes lip liner and gloss combos an essential pairing in any makeup routine.
How to Pick the Right Liner Color for Your Favorite Lifter Shade
Choosing the right liner for your gloss comes down to whether you want a seamless or defined finish. A liner that closely matches your gloss shade will blend effortlessly, creating a smooth, unified look. For more dimension, pick a liner just a shade or two deeper than your gloss—this contrast emphasizes lip shape and creates a fuller effect. With Lifter Liner and Lifter Gloss available in complementary shades, you can easily experiment to find pairings that feel uniquely yours and build good lip combos.
Subtle Lifter Liner + Gloss Combo Ideas:
• Fine Line + Petal
• Player + Caramel
• Cross The Line + Toast
Defined Lifter Liner + Gloss Combo Ideas:
• Fine Line + Ice
• Main Character + Sweetheart
• Peaking + Moon
There are endless combinations you can try with lip liner and lip gloss, but if none of these lip combos are piquing your interest, we have a roundup of ten of our favorite lip liner and lip gloss combos below.
10 Best Lip Liner and Gloss Combos to Try
Inspired by viral trends and timeless aesthetics, here are ten must-try liner and gloss pairings featuring Maybelline Lifter Liner and Lifter Gloss that you can wear every day, to the gym, to work, or for your next night out.
Latte Lips
The latte makeup trend has taken over TikTok, and latte lips are an easy way to take part in the look. The latte lip combo is a soft and natural look that is perfect for everyday wear or as part of your workplace makeup look, featuring warm brown, caramel, and cinnamon-toned shades.
1. Start by lining your lips with Lifter Liner in a shade that is slightly darker than your natural lip color. For your latte lip look, try one of these lip liners:
• Lifter Liner in “Player”
• Lifter Liner in “Let’s Bounce”
• Lifter Liner in “On It”
• Lifter Liner in “Cross The Line”
2. Next, apply a Lifter Gloss in a sheer, creamy shade. This will create a subtle shine that enhances your natural beauty and ties the brown-toned lip liner together. Try one of these lip glosses:
• Lifter Gloss in “Stone”
• Lufter Gloss in “Topaz”
• Lifter Gloss in “Caramel”
• Lifter Gloss in “Toast”
3. For an extra touch of glam, you can add a touch of highlighter to your cupid's bow.
Cherry Cola Lips
Cherry Cola lips are another TikTok viral lip look, combining dark brown or red lip liner with berry-toned or red lip gloss on top, making a bold and sultry look that’s perfect for a night out on the town.
1. Start by lining your lips with Lifter Liner in a dark brown or deep red shade.
• For a brown-toned lip liner, try:
• Lifter Liner in “Let’s Bounce”
• Lifter Liner in “Cross The Line”
• For a red-toned lip liner, try:
• Lifter Liner in “Main Character”
• Lifter Liner in “Peaking” for a more pinky red-brown shade if you want something more subtle.
2. Pro Tip: You can always combine the two lip liner shades, using the dark brown lip liner to outline the edges of your lip, then fill in your outer corners, bringing the color in towards the center of your lips. Buff the brown lip liner inwards. You can also apply the brown lip liner all over your lips for a brown base.
3. If you’re also using a red lip liner to create a more bold, red-toned Cherry Cola lip look, apply your red lip liner just on the inside of your lip line, leaving the brown lip liner to line your lip edges on its own. Gently buff the two lip liner shades together with your finger or lip brush to soften the edges and create a subtle gradient before you apply your lip gloss.
4. Next, apply a coat of Lifter Gloss in a high-shine, cherry red shade. This will create a statement-making look that is sure to turn heads. For your Cherry Cola lip combo, try one of these lip glosses:
• Lifter Gloss in “Heat”
• Lifter Gloss in “Sweetheart”
• Lifter Gloss in “Taffy”
5. Optional: Use concealer and a small brush to clean your lip edges and make this lip combo look crisp and stand out.
Ballet Core
Balletcore makeup draws its inspiration from ballerinas, featuring feminine, soft pink tones, a romantic and coquette aesthetic, and delicate details. The ballet core lip combo is a soft and romantic lip look that is perfect for a date night.
1. Start by lining your lips with Lifter Liner in a pink shade. We recommend choosing one of these pink liners:
• Lifter Liner in “Line Leader”
• Lifter Liner in “Fine Line”
• Lifter Liner in “Peaking”
• Lifter Liner in “Big Lift”
2. Next, apply a coat of Lifter Gloss in a glossy pink shade that is lighter than the liner you chose. This will add the finishing touches to your delicate and feminine ballet core lip combo look that is sure to please. Choose one of these pink glosses:
• Lifter Gloss in "Ice"
• Lifter Gloss in "Moon"
• Lifter Gloss in “Reef”
• Lifter Gloss in “Opal”
‘90s Lips
Feeling nostalgic for a ‘90s lip combo? Bring back the iconic ‘90s lip look and relive some memories from the past with just a brown lip liner combo with a lighter nude or neutral gloss. This pairing was a defining beauty look of the decade, giving lips bold definition with a softer, glossy center. The ’90s revival in beauty has brought this trend back, fueled by TikTok tutorials, celebrity red carpet looks, and the overall return of minimalist-but-edgy style from that era. For a lip combo that is edgy but chic, try a ‘90s lip combo and see how well it transitions from work to evening.
1. Start by lining your lips with Lifter Liner in a deep brown shade:
• Lifter Liner in “Let’s Bounce”
• Lifter Liner in “Cross The Line”
2. You can either lightly diffuse the lip liner for a soft transition, or keep the lip liner as is for a bolder look.
3. Next, apply a coat of Lifter Gloss in a sheer, glossy brown or nude shade. This will create a bold and edgy look that is sure to turn heads. For your ‘90s lip look, choose one of these glosses:
• Lifter Gloss in “Stone”
• Lifter Gloss in “Caramel”
• Lifter Gloss in “Maple”
Your Lips But Better
The “your lips but better” trend is all about enhancing your natural lip color with subtle definition and a hint of shine. This natural and effortless look is perfect if you want to get a barely-there everyday makeup or minimalist makeup look while enhancing your natural beauty.
1. Start by lining your lips with Lifter Liner in a shade that is close to your natural lip color. We recommend the lip liners below, but if you want to virtually try on lip liners to find the shade closest to your lip color, we recommend trying our Virtual Makeup Try On Tool.
• Lifter Liner in “Fine Line”
• Lifter Liner in “Player”
• Lifter Liner in “Big Lift”
• Lifter Liner in “Out of Line”
• Lifter Liner in “Let’s Bounce”
2. Next, apply a coat of Lifter Gloss in a sheer or lightly tinted shade for a subtle shine that will make your lips look healthy and hydrated. For the “your lips but better” combo, we recommend one of these glosses:
• Lifter Gloss in “Petal”
• Lifter Gloss in “Reef”
• Lifter Gloss in “Caramel”
• Lifter Gloss in “Maple”
Peachy Pout
The Peachy Pout lip combo taps into a juicy, fruity-inspired lip aesthetic that’s all about fresh, vibrant peachy pink color with a glossy finish. This lip look is playful, perfect for warm days when you want a summer-inspired lip look, whether you’re out running errands or posing for your vacation photos.
1. Start by lining your lips with Lifter Liner in a peachy nude shade. For a peach-toned lip liner, we recommend:
• Lifter Liner in “Out of Line”
• Lifter Liner in “Player”
2. Next, apply a coat of Lifter Gloss in a sheer, peachy pink shade. For a peach gloss, we love Lifter Gloss in:
• “Silk”
• “Reef”
• “Stone”
• “Toffee”
3. Pro Tip: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can add a touch of peach blush to your cheeks.
Modern French Tip Lip
Inspired by the timeless French manicure, the French Tip Lip combo (coined by TikTok user DaMenace) defines lips with a darker liner around the edges and finishes with a lighter gloss at the center, creating a bold contrast between the two shades. The effect is clean, chic, and elevated, perfect for office looks, fashion-forward outfits, or anytime you want a modern, editorial-style lip that stands out without being overpowering. You can create a French Tip Lip combo to be as bright and bold or as subtle as you want by choosing brighter or nude lip liner shades.
1. Choose your lip liner, and precisely apply it to the edges of your lips. Don’t blend it out.
• If you’re going with a bold French Tip Lip combo, choose a brighter or darker lip liner:
• Lifter Liner in “Fine Line”
• Lifter Liner in “Main Character”
• Lifter Liner in “Peaking”
• Lifter Liner in “Cross the Line”
• If you’re going more subtle with your French Tip Lip combo, choose a more nude lip liner:
• Lifter Liner in “Player”
• Lifter Liner in “Big Lift”
• Lifter Liner in “Out of Line”
• Lifter Liner in “Let’s Bounce”
• Pro Tip: Depending on your skin tone, some subtle shades may look bolder on you, and some bolder shades may appear more subtle on you once applied. You can see how each of our Lifter Liner shades look on models with different skin tones on our Lifter Liner page but if you want to virtually try on a lip liner before you buy, we recommend using the Virtual Makeup Try On Tool.
2. Apply a lighter gloss in the center of your lips, choosing a shade that is slightly lighter than the lip liner you chose, or choose a clear gloss to really let your liner pop. Check out some of these lip glosses:
• Lifter Gloss in “Pearl”
• Lifter Gloss in “Ice”
• Lifter Gloss in “Stone”
• Lifter Gloss in “Opal”
Glossy Gym Lips
The gym lips trend ties into the clean girl aesthetic, featuring plump lips created with soft liner paired with a sheer gloss for a natural, everyday look that feels effortless and fresh. Inspired by makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell, gym lips are the perfect athleisure-forward makeup look, so you can take your lip look out to the gym or just pair it with a workout outfit to look like you came from the gym.
1. Choose a neutral lip liner, like Lifter Liner in “Out of Line”, “Liner Leader”, “Big Lift”, “On It”, or “Let’s Bounce”.
2. Slightly overline your lips, just along the outside of your lip lines, and then fill your lips in with the lip liner. Using your finger, blend in the lip liner.
3. Apply a clear or very sheer tinted lip gloss on top. For a Glossy Gym Lips combo, we like Lifter Gloss in “Pearl”, “Moon”, “Opal”, or “Brass”
Mauve Lips
The Mauve Lips trend highlights universally flattering purple-pink tones that feel soft, romantic, and classic. Mauve shades work beautifully for daytime chic but are also well-suited for weddings, date nights, and soft glam looks. This mauve-inspired lip combination strikes the perfect balance—subtle enough to wear daily, but with just enough depth to feel special and elevated.
1. Start with your lip liner and line your lips, blending inward slightly. You can also fill in your lips entirely. We recommend shades such as:
• Lifter Liner in “Big Lift”
• Lifter Liner in “Line Leader”
2. Next, fill in your lips with your lip gloss shade. We recommend shades such as:
• Lifter Gloss in “Ice”
• Lifter Gloss in “Brass”
• Lifter Gloss in “Moon”
• Lifter Gloss in “Opal”
• Lifter Plump in “Mauve Bite”
Nude Glow Lip
The Nude Glow Lip provides a trendy nude lip aesthetic with the addition of barely-there shine, reminiscent of the glass lips trend. To create a nude glow lip, pair a neutral-toned liner with a glossy nude lip gloss to create a subtle yet refined finish that enhances your natural lip shape without drawing too much attention. It’s versatile enough for the office, casual outings, or as part of a chic minimalist look, making it one of the most wearable lip combos you can create.
1. Start with a nude lip liner. We recommend one of the following shades:
• Lifter Liner in “On It”
• Lifter Liner in “Out of Line”
2. Next, apply a nude lip gloss. We recommend the following:
• Lifter Gloss in “Topaz”
• Lifter Gloss in “Toffee”
• Lifter Gloss in “Stone”
How to Apply Lip Liner and Gloss Combo for the Perfect Lip Look
Looking for a go-to lip combo that always looks polished? This step-by-step tutorial shows you exactly how to apply a lip liner and gloss combo using Maybelline Lifter Liner and Lifter Gloss. Whether you’re trying trendy looks like a 90s lip combo, bold options like a red lip combo, or searching for the best nude lip combo for everyday wear, these tips will help you master the perfect lip liner and lip gloss combo for any occasion.
Step 1: Prep Your Lips for a Smooth Base
Hydrate with a nourishing balm so gloss won’t settle into lines. A lightweight formula, like the Lifter Glaze Lip Balm, adds comfort and shine while creating a smooth base that makes any lip liner and gloss combo last longer.
Step 2: Outline and Define with Liner
Trace your lips with Lifter Liner to define shape and prevent feathering – this is the key to any polished lip combo.
For a soft, everyday look, keep the liner close to your natural lip line, or slightly overline for extra fullness. Adjusting liner shade and placement lets you create custom looks to create the best lip combos for olive skin, light skin, or any undertone. A brown lip liner combo is perfect for adding subtle contour, while deeper reds and berries create striking lip combos for dark skin or even bold red and black lip combo styles.
Pro Tip: Play with placement and shade to create custom lip combos for light skin, olive skin, or any undertone.
Step 3. Layer Your Gloss for Shine and Dimension
Apply Lifter Gloss across your lips for a smooth, even layer of shine. For a plumper effect, focus the gloss at the center and keep the outer edges softer.
With shades ranging from subtle nudes to bold reds and pinks, you can create everything from everyday pink lip combos to dramatic looks like a French tip lip combo, making this step versatile for any occasion.
Step 4. Blend for a Seamless Finish
Press your lips together to blend the liner and gloss for a seamless finish, then use a fingertip or brush to softly diffuse the edges and avoid any harsh lines. For extra dimension, try an ombré effect by keeping the liner darker along the edges and blending the gloss toward the center. This technique works beautifully with a bold red lip combo or the best lip liner and gloss combo in nude shades for an everyday, versatile look.
Lock In Your Lip Combo for Long Wear
To lock in your lip combination, lightly blot lips with a tissue and add a thin layer of gloss on top for longer wear without heaviness. Using liner as a base before gloss helps anchor color, making it one of the best-kept secrets behind creating the best lip combos. When refreshing throughout the day, simply reapply gloss to bring back shine without disturbing the liner underneath.
Lip Liner and Lip Gloss FAQs
The general rule of lip liner is to choose a shade that is close to your natural lip color. This will help to create a seamless, natural look that can extend the longevity of your lip color throughout the day. This approach provides a subtle definition, preventing lipstick or gloss from bleeding, and acts as a base for an even application.
However, you can also experiment with different shades to create different effects beyond just natural enhancement. You can experiment with various shades to dramatically alter your lip look:
• Using a darker lip liner: Using a lip liner that’s a shade or two darker than your natural lip color, or darker than the lipstick you plan to wear, can create a more defined and dramatic effect. This technique makes lips appear fuller and more prominent. By subtly outlining just outside your natural lip line, you can give the illusion of a plumper pout. A darker liner can add depth and dimension, especially when paired with a lighter lipstick or gloss in the center of the lips, creating an ombré effect. This look is good for when you want your lips to be the focal point of your makeup.
• Using a lighter lip liner: Conversely, a lighter lip liner can be used to achieve a more subtle and understated effect. A nude or very pale pink liner, especially one that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter, can help to soften the lip line. This can be beneficial when you're aiming for a soft, diffused look, or if you want to make your lips appear slightly smaller or less defined. It's also a great trick to "erase" or redefine the edges of your lips before applying a bold color, allowing you to create a perfectly crisp boundary without the harshness of a dark line.
Ultimately, while the natural-matching rule is a great starting point for everyday wear, don't shy away from experimenting with different liner shades to achieve a wide array of looks from softly understated to boldly defined.
There are a few things you can do to help your lip liner stay in place with lip gloss:
• First, make sure to apply your lip liner before you apply your lip gloss. This will help to create a barrier between your lips and the lip gloss, which will prevent smudging or feathering.
• Additionally, you can add translucent powder to your lips before applying lip liner. This will help to absorb any excess moisture and oils on your lips, allowing the lip liner to stay in place for longer.
• Consider filling in your entire lips with lip liner to provide your lip gloss with a base for grip.
• Apply lip gloss in thin layers and blot lightly to extend wear and reduce slipping.
Brown lip liner is a great way to create a natural, everyday lip look for either a timeless neutral look or a 90s-inspired lip trend. To use brown lip liner and lip gloss, follow these steps:
• Start by lining your lips with the liner. If you want to create a more bold lip look, fill in your entire lips with the liner. Be sure to blend the liner into your lips so that there are no harsh lines.
• Next, apply a coat of clear lip gloss over the lip liner. This will help to add shine and hydration to your lips.
• For a more defined lip look, you can also use a slightly darker shade of brown lip liner to line the outer corners of your lips and blend towards the center. This will give your lips a subtle ombre effect.
Experiment with different shades of brown to find the perfect one for your skin tone. Experimenting with lighter or deeper browns can create everything from soft everyday looks to bold, defined edges. Regardless of what you choose, brown lip liner is a timeless look that was both popular in the 90s and is trending again today.
To create fuller-looking lips using lip gloss and lip liner, the secret lies in strategic contrast and dimension. The best combos pair a lip liner that's a shade or two darker than your natural lip color with a lighter-toned or high-shine gloss. Try out this technique:
• First, outline and lightly fill in your lips with the darker liner. This creates definition and depth, mimicking a natural shadow that makes your lips appear larger.
• Then, apply a lighter, reflective lip gloss over the top. The contrast between the darker liner and the brighter, shinier gloss creates an optical illusion of plumpness.
• For an extra boost, concentrate a touch more gloss right in the center of your top and bottom lips. This highlights the fullest part of your pout, catching the light and enhancing the 3D effect.
For everyday natural makeup looks, the best lip combos involve subtlety and enhancing your natural features rather than bold statements. Achieve an everyday natural lip combo by pairing soft, neutral lip liners with a clear or sheer tinted gloss.
1. Start by choosing a lip liner that closely matches your natural lip color or is just one shade deeper. This creates a polished yet subtle definition, enhancing your natural lip shape without harsh lines.
2. Layer a clear gloss or a sheer gloss in a nude, pink, or peach tone over the liner. This combination adds a healthy, luminous shine and a hint of color to subtly enhance your lips.
This low-maintenance yet put-together look is perfect for daily settings like work, school, or casual outings. Don't be afraid to experiment with slightly different liner depths—perhaps a touch darker for a bit more definition, or precisely matching for a no-makeup makeup look—to find the perfect balance that harmonizes with your unique features.
Clear lip gloss is versatile and pairs beautifully with almost any lip liner shade. For an everyday, polished look, use a natural or nude lip liner that closely matches your own lip color. If you're aiming for more contrast and definition, try using a deeper-toned lip liner. The clear gloss will soften the edges of the darker lip liner and add a beautiful, reflective finish, allowing the liner's depth to stand out without being too heavy.
To make your lip liner and gloss combo last longer, consider completely filling in your lips with the lip liner as a base. This creates a lasting foundation for the gloss. In addition, apply thin layers of your chosen gloss and gently blot with a tissue between applications. This technique helps the products adhere better, extending wear time and minimizing transfer.
To prevent lip gloss from bleeding, apply your lip liner to act as a barrier. First, outline the edges of your lips with the liner, ensuring a clean, defined barrier that will physically help to contain the gloss. Second, when applying your gloss, aim to keep it slightly inside the lip liner boundary. This small gap provides a buffer, reducing the chances of the gloss feathering or bleeding beyond your lip line. These precautions will help to prevent lip gloss from feathering or bleeding.
Matching lip gloss and lip liner to your skin tone involves understanding undertones:
• Warm undertones (golden, peachy, or yellow hues in your skin) pair beautifully with warm-toned lip products like coral, peach, or orange-reds.
• Cool undertones (pink, red, or blue hues in your skin) complement cool-toned liners and glosses in shades such as berry, plum, or blue-based reds and pinks.
• Neutral undertones (a mix of both) can generally pull off a wide range of both warm and cool-toned shades.
Choose liners and glosses with corresponding undertones for a harmonious look. Experiment to discover which combinations feel most flattering and bring out your best features!