When it comes to lip combos, we’re makeup maximalists (just peek inside our purses and work bags for proof). If you’re new to the concept, a lip combo is simply a mix of products layered in a specific order to create the perfect final look—think lip liner with gloss, lipstick with lip oil, or all of the above. Once you find your go-to combo, applying it can feel as automatic as making your morning coffee. But getting there can take a lot of trial and error. That’s where we come in. Ahead, Allure editors share the ride-or-die lip combos they reach for on office days, during nights out, while running errands, and everything in-between.

Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

"Sans product, my lips are basically the same shade as my (very pale) skin, so I tend to tread lightly when it comes to lip combos, since I wear pretty minimal makeup on an average day. I don't typically wear a full-on lip most of the time, so I apply my choice products with a very light touch so I can wear the berry and brown tones I love but keep the overall effect very light and natural. I love starting with a cool-toned brown lip liner (Make Up For Ever's are the best, IMO) and applying it very faintly and really blending it out with my fingers—I treat it more like contouring than lining and try to create natural shadows to make my lips look a bit fuller.

Then, I like applying a rose or berry lip stain—again, very lightly—with my fingers to add a bit of color to my lips. I've been truly obsessed with the Violette_FR Lip Nectar Stains since they launched earlier this year. They recently won a Best of Beauty Award and for good reason, their shade range, texture, and staying power are unmatched. Then, I top it off with e.l.f.'s Lip Oil in Jam Session. I probably own at least 20 berry-ish, black cherry-ish lip products but this one has been at the top of my rotation for a while now. It has a fab, chunky applicator that is so satisfying to apply, and the post-popsicle hue is my platonic ideal of a shade." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

“I’ve been hooked on Refy’s Blur Lip Liner since the day it dropped. I’ve actually re-purchased it with my own money—which, as someone who has access to almost every beauty product under the sun, says everything. It’s totally foolproof—the chubby, rounded tip glides on effortlessly, blurring the edges of my lips into a soft, airbrushed finish that never looks overdone. The shades Opal and Mauve live in nearly every purse I own. Both give me that subtle, your-lips-but-better definition I can’t get enough of (seriously, I reapply this every chance I get).

To finish, I swipe on YSL’s Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil in Lucky Moonstone. It’s a sheered-out pink, so the Refy color still peeks through, but it adds a juicy shine with just the slightest tingle—enough to give lips a bit of oomph without that dreaded lip plumper burn. It’s made with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, so it feels more like skin care than makeup (a.k.a. hydrating, smoothing, and never sticky).” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

Jessica Cruel, editor-in-chief

"I grew up in the '90s, so I'm devoted to brown lip liner no matter what lip color I am applying on top. I've been using this same blue-red lip shade from Anastasia Beverly Hills for years. The liquid formula dries down fasts and lasts through every passed hors d'oeuvres at the numerous beauty events I attend (even sliders!). The combo together ensures that the lip doesn't look clownish. The brown and red together gives my lips definition and pop." —Jessica Cruel, editor-in-chief

Bianca Richards, social media manager

“Everyone in the office knows I take my lip combo game very seriously. I have tons of favorites, but my everyday go-to involves three essentials. I recently added a lip stain because it’s the only product that delivers a lasting flush of color all day. Right now, I’m loving NYX Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain in Steamy Spice because it subtly accentuates my natural lip line for a more defined look. Next, I layer on MAC’s Lip Pencil in Cork, a Best of Beauty Award winner that’s been a mainstay in my collection for years. It adds a warm brown hue that makes me look polished, even on minimal makeup days. Finally, I top it off with a pink gloss. Although I have many, I’m currently loving the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil in Vanilla Glaze. It’s moisturizing and gives a sheer, ballet-pink finish that’s the perfect final touch.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

“When I build a lip combo, I'm looking for products that layer well together and stay put (or are at least easy to reapply when I need a touch-up). First, I use Makeup Forever's Artist Color Pencil to line the edges of my lips, focusing on making the shape more even. Wherever Walnut is a beautiful rosy nude that doesn't pull orange on me (my pet peeve). Then, I grab Maybelline's Lifter Liner in 05 Get On It to define my lips, mostly in the middle and around my Cupid's bow. It's a deeper brown shade that has a slight contouring effect and makes a great base for the final step. I like my lips to be glossy, but not sticky—that's where Typology's Lip Oil comes in. It feels soft and smooth on my lips and adds the perfect amount of shine. Here, I'm wearing the shade Plum Purple, but Black Cherry is another favorite. I'd wear this combo anywhere—to the office, out to dinner, or even while working from home (it's perfect for selfies)." —Sarah Felbin, senior editor

Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development

“Buxom’s Real Red Powerline liner is so easy to apply, even for lip liner novices like myself. It gives me the kind of bold yet gentle outline that makes lips look instantly fuller. To make them pop even more, I top my lips with a layer of Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oil in Cherry on the Cake, which offers a soft shine that feels luxe but never sticky. I love the way the bright red liner and the cherry-tinted oil work together to add dimension and a lovely pop of color to my lips." —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development

Shanna Shipin, shopping director

“I normally use whatever cream blush I’m wearing on my cheeks on my lips, but when I want to make a statement, I reach for Victoria Beckham’s Lip Definer. It’s the Goldilocks lip pencil because it’s so comfortable and flexible, but has incredible pigment, which is so helpful for someone like me who doesn’t have strong lip lines. My lips are naturally pinky-mauve, so I like to counteract that with brown tones. The No. 5 is a lovely toffee-like caramel and pairs nicely with the high gloss (but never sticky!) Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in Almond. This moody, monochromatic look is bringing me into the autumnal swing of things.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

“A pinky-nude lip has been my go-to for years, but with so many shades and formulas out there, finding the perfect liner and gloss combo is trickier than it seems. The Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Anywhere Caffeine has been my constant—it’s buildable, has a soft matte finish, and even works on cheeks and eyes. No matter how many other products I try, I always come back to it. The Rabanne Glowies gloss is a newer obsession. Its sheer pink hue and non-sticky texture check all my boxes. Paired with the liner, it creates the perfect nude lip, with a subtle nod to the ’90s.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

Kassidy Silva, social media director

"While I have stayed true to a mauve lip palette for the past four years, the Makeup By Mario Plumping Lip Serum in shade Bronze Glow and Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in shade Riche Mauve have become my go-to combo. They give the energy of a warm fall lip with a little bit of sparkly glam that's perfect for daytime wear. I line my lips with the Sculpting Pen and use the brush tip to blend at the bow of my lip. I follow it up with a heavy coat of the Lip Serum and use my finger to blend the two along my lip line." —Kassidy Silva, social media director

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