With products from MAC and Charlotte Tillbury
When it comes to makeup, few things are as powerful as a good lip combo. The right mix of liner and lipstick can completely transform your look. Some of us love bold and dramatic looks, others feel more at home with something soft and subtle. And then some can’t resist experimenting, always chasing the next creative twist.
Maybe you already have a favorite lip combo, but hey! You can always keep experimenting, and what better way to do it than with our Kitchener Essences as a guide. And if you haven’t found your ideal lip combo yet, here’s the secret: your perfect lip combination can be super easy to find when you know the shades, textures, and finishes that really flatter you.
That’s where style essences come in. Just like the clothes you wear, your makeup can mirror your unique mix of personality and presence. Your lips, especially, are like the exclamation point of your look. Whether you lean toward something bold and dramatic, soft and romantic, or playful and chic, the right lip combo can tie it all together and “amplify” your essence.
In this guide, we’ll explore lip combinations for each essence, showing you how to highlight your features and maybe even step a little outside your comfort zone. Think of it less as a set of rules and more like a menu of possibilities: each combo is here to spark inspiration and help you see lipstick as a tool to tell your story.
And because we know it’s not always easy to figure out where to start, we’ll also share some product recommendations and brand tips along the way. That way, you won’t just know what kind of lip look to try, you’ll also have a few specific names to look for next time you’re shopping.
So, grab your favorite liner, gloss, or lipstick, and let’s discover the lip looks that feel like you.
If you’re not sure what your style essences are, we’ve got you covered. You can take the 7 Essences Quiz, or, if you want something more personalized, book a Kitchener Essences Analysis with us. This way, you’ll have the clarity and confidence to choose the lip combos that truly highlight your unique beauty.
Before we dive into the lip combinations for each essence, let’s talk about the brands we’ll be using throughout this guide: Charlotte Tilbury and MAC. Both are staples in the world of beauty for a reason. Charlotte Tilbury is known for its luxurious formulas, shimmering finishes, and a color range that ranges from timeless to modern, perfect and versatile for enhancing different style essences. MAC, on the other hand, has long been the go-to for professional makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, thanks to its iconic shades, reliable formulas, and trend-setting releases. That’s why together, these two brands offer us the best of both worlds: sophistication and mastery, versatility and innovation.
It’s time to discover the best lip combos for you!
lip combos + dramatic essence
For the Dramatic essence, lips are never just an accessory; they’re the statement. Whether you’re leaning into a powerful everyday look or experimenting with a runway-inspired trend, your lip combo should echo that strong, striking presence.
Your lips should look slightly (or not so slightly) theatrical, never shy or subtle. Whether you choose a saturated color or a deep neutral, your lip color combination should instantly grab attention and make a big impression.
So, let’s explore two perfect options for you: one you can wear every day and still look amazing, and another, a little more creative and eye-catching.
The Power Red Gradient
Red lips are a Dramatic’s best friend, but adding a modern twist makes them even more striking. For a bold statement, go for intense pigments and strong definition.
A crisp outline with a saturated shade instantly gives you that dramatic finish. Imagine a bold crimson lip with depth at the edges and a softer glow in the center; it instantly creates that runway feel.
Our product suggestions to create your lip combo are:
casual dramatic lip combo
And of course, sometimes we want a look that still looks great, but is more comfortable or fits into everyday wear, so we can use a slightly softer version of the Dramatic Lip Combo, giving it a more refined, everyday elegance.
In this case, you can use a lipstick in a neutral or more muted shade that still maintains a sense of power, while also being ideal for work or casual outings. The idea is subtle power: discreet but never dull.
Product suggestion:
lip combos + natural essence
If you have Natural Essence, “no makeup-makeup” is your thing, so we want your lips to feel and look natural and fresh.
The key is simplicity: nothing overly sculpted or “finished.” Your essence is best paired with blended lip combos with a natural look and shades similar to your natural lip tones, of course, with an extra touch of shine. So, the lip combinations we’ve chosen for you aim to enhance your beauty, not overpower it.
If you’re going out with friends where you want to add a modern touch to your look, it’s best to opt for a soft, juicy finish in warm or earthy tones (although if these aren’t your color palette, just choose a shade close to your lip color).
And for this lip combo, you don’t need eyeliner; you can wear lipstick and add a touch of shine with a gloss. This way, you’ll look relaxed yet elegant, as if you’d applied it right before going out. I like this look because it feels modern without being too overpowered, perfect for pairing with fresh skin and tousled hair!
Our product suggestions to create your lip combo are:
daily lip combo
As we mentioned, the ideal natural lipstick is simple, soft, and wearable. A slightly pinky or peachy nude with a creamy finish gives a natural and approachable look.
It feels like your lips, but with a touch of warmth and health: the perfect combination to apply without a mirror and look spectacular.
Product suggestion:
lip combos + gamine essence
Joy, contrast, and a touch of surprise are what you’re looking for in your lip combo if your essence is Gamine, so the products you use and their application should aim to look youthful, fun, and a little daring, showing that you’re not afraid to experiment. Defined edges, pops of color, or original combinations keep the look vibrant and full of personality. The key is to balance boldness with lightness, so it never feels heavy. Let’s look at the two lip combo options for you:
A bold, playful lipstick is perfect for Gamine. For this more defined look, use unexpected coral, fuchsia, or even berry shades, paired with a defined contour or a glossy touch.
This combination will capture attention in the best way: it feels fun and spontaneous.
This lip combo is striking and defined, but unlike the Dramatic essence, it has a more playful touch. Our product suggestions to create your lip combo are:
daily lip combo
For everyday wear, Gamine lips work best with soft tints or crisp pink nudes that brighten the face without looking too serious. A lightly smudged lip or semi-matte finish can create a casual yet refined effect, perfect for a coffee date or a day on the town.
Product suggestion:
lip combos + classic essence
Choosing a refined and balanced lip combo can be an essential part of your makeup, as we’re looking for that timeless, polished finish that’s the icing on the cake.
Your lips should look elegant and harmonious, without overshadowing the rest of your face. So, I suggest a natural yet perfect makeup look that only highlights your features but doesn’t distract too much. This is the finishing touch that discreetly enhances any look.
For Classic, a modern lipstick doesn’t mean extreme, but rather embracing modern finishes and adding your own touch of refinement. A soft pink or true red looks great, lined for definition, and with a satin finish.
Start by outlining the lips softly (no overlining), then apply a smooth, rich lipstick, and finish with just a touch of gloss in the center for dimension.
Our product suggestions to create your lip combo are:
daily lip combo
Classic everyday lips will maintain a subtle elegance. You can use a more subtle color, such as a muted pink, a beige pink, or a soft mauve (depending on your seasonal color palette) to create a polished yet more relaxed effect than a party or night-out look. Apply a creamy lipstick directly and then lightly press with your finger to soften the edges; this way it stays natural but not stiff.
Product suggestion:
lip combos + romantic essence
Lips are one of the key elements of Romantic makeup. If this is your essence, you should focus on softness, sensuality, and a touch of luxury.
For this, you can use shades that enhance your natural volume and provide warmth or richness. Velvety textures, satin sheens, and colors that make us think of romance are your thing. Try to find a balance that’s not too sweet, like the Ingenue essence, or too structured, like the Dramatic essence, but somewhere in between.
Let’s start with a statement lip combo. For Romantic, this is achieved by using shades like a deep berry, wine, red, or mauve, all shades that always look luxurious.
And of course, the way you apply it is important: start with a liner to gently contour (focus on the Cupid’s bow for a heart effect), then apply a creamy lipstick in your chosen deep shade. Finally, use a sheer gloss on top to add that “kiss me” touch.
Our product suggestions to create your lip combo are:
daily lip combo
For a simpler, everyday look, I recommend going for soft pinks, rosewoods, and warm nudes with a luminous finish. First, you can apply a creamy lipstick and lightly blend the edges with your fingertip for a natural-looking effect. To finish, add a touch of gloss in the center, creating a subtle, natural glow. Voila! Ready to go, looking radiant with makeup that doesn’t take much time.
Product suggestion:
lip combos + ingenue essence
Freshness, delicacy, and sweetness are key words to keep in mind when creating your look, both when choosing your clothing and your makeup. But focusing on your lips, they should look soft and youthful without being too heavy or overdone. The best shades for this essence are light pinks, peach tones, and glossy finishes that enhance without overwhelming. You can choose your best color based on your seasonal color palette.
Let’s start with a lip combo to create an effect that’s been very popular and, personally, I think is super cute: “smooth lips,” which have that soft, playful, and dreamy, very princess-like charm.
To achieve this effect, start with lip liner, but instead of lining the edges, apply it from the inside of your lips outward, focusing on the center. Then, gently blend with your fingers or a brush to create a soft shadow or volume effect in this area. Finish with a sheer lipstick or gloss on top for that innocent, doll-like look.
Our product suggestions to create your lip combo are:
- MAC Lip Pencil in Edge to Edge (applied inside-out, diffused) + Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss in Crystal Kiss
daily lip combo
To create your daily lip combo, the key is to choose products you truly love (we’ve got suggestions below that will surely work for you).
And I think you’ll agree that during busy days, at work, school, and running errands, we’re usually in a hurry and need to be practical with our makeup. So, a light, luminous lip combo in pink or peachy nude tones with a delicate shine is ideal for you; simple, practical, and beautiful. Apply a light lipstick all over your lips and then apply a little gloss right in the center to create the youthful, voluminous effect we’re looking for without looking overly made up.
Product suggestion:
lip combos + angelic essence
The Angelic Essence calls for lips that feel otherworldly, luminous, and soft-focus. Instead of sharp lines or heavy pigment, the magic is in glossy layers, iridescent sheens, and airy textures that create a celestial glow. The goal is to look radiant and ethereal, as if light itself is reflecting on your lips!
If you have an important date or you’re craving a head-turning look, you can opt for a lip combo with ultra-shiny lip glosses or a holographic finish.
First, apply a light lip liner to softly define your Cupid’s bow and lower lip, then apply a glossy formula that captures the light from every angle. This creates a futuristic yet delicate look: dreamy yet modern. It’s totally fantasy, and I love it!
Our product suggestions to create your lip combo are:
daily lip combo
And finally, for an angelic everyday look, your lips should feel and look light and shiny.
And good news! This effect can be achieved by using a tinted gloss or balm that enhances your natural lip color, keeping them juicy and hydrated. A soft touch of gloss in the center will effortlessly make your lips look fuller and more angelic. So, if you weren’t sure which lip combo would work for you, these were some great options.
Product suggestion:
As you’ve probably noticed, a lip combo is the finishing touch that can completely transform your look. Whether bold and dramatic, soft and romantic, playful and feminine, or dreamy and angelic, the perfect combination of liner, lipstick, and gloss can highlight your essence and bring your look to life. Think of it as your style’s secret weapon: it’s a small, but surprisingly powerful detail.
And if you’re not entirely sure which essence (or lip combo) suits you best, don’t worry; that’s where we can help!
You can start with our free quiz or go deeper with a personalized Kitchener Essences analysis to discover your unique combination with confidence. Once you know your essence, choosing the perfect lip color combination (and look!) becomes simple and much more fun.
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