From boardroom to brunch—five lip combos that work for every mood and outfit

Your go-to lip combo says more about you than you might think—sometimes even more than your outfit, your scent, or that carefully curated playlist. It’s like a mood ring in makeup form, capable of switching up your energy in seconds. One swipe can take you from “laidback at brunch” to “owning the boardroom” without missing a beat.

And yes, the beauty aisles are packed with endless shades and finishes (how many nudes is too many?), but the truth is, you don’t need an overflowing makeup bag. Just a handful of well-paired lip combos can cover every vibe, whether you're dressing for a first date, a last-minute meeting, or a spontaneous night out.

To help you out, we've curated five of the best lip combos that deliver every time, no matter the mood. 

The clean girl nude

This combo is the definition of “I woke up like this”, but better. It's perfect for coffee runs, airport looks, Zoom calls, and minimalist fits. Start with Nyx’s Slim Lip Pencil in Peekaboo Neutral and pair it with Mac’s Velvet Teddy or Nude Nuance from Maybelline for that perfect pinky nude base. If you want that extra glossy loop, you can top it with Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow. This combo is a universal classic; it's that barely-there pinky nude with warm undertones that flatters every skin tone. It enhances your lips without stealing attention from your dewy skin or fluffy brows. Think Sofia Richie-core meets your real-life morning routine.

The y2k pink gloss bomb

This one’s giving Paris Hilton if she had a Notes app and a TikTok account in the 2000s. Pair Kiko Milano’s 505 Rosewood lip liner with Revlon Super Lustrous in Primrose for that perfect pop of bubblegum pink, and layer on Nyx Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait or Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment in Pink for the ultimate juicy shine. This combo gives you that early 2000s main character look—shiny, playful, and just the right amount of extra.

The power red

When you want to command the room and turn heads, this is the combo to reach for. Start with Mac’s Cherry liner for clean lines, then swipe on the iconic MacRuby Woo or Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer. If you’re feeling bold, top it off with Pat McGrath Labs Gloss in Blood 2 for that glassy finish. This is a timeless combo with a modern glossy look. 

The moody brown

This deep brown combo is for when you’re channelling brooding energy but still want to slay. Serving dark academia with a side of glam, this one's made for overcast days and oversized blazers. Start by lining your lips with ColourPop’s BFF 3 or Mac’s Chestnut, then fill in with Rare Beauty’s Strong or Huda Beauty’s Board Meeting for that rich brown tone. Finish with Tower 28’s ShineOn in Cashew if you’re feeling glossy. It’s a bold choice that looks even better with neutral fits and sharp eyeliner.

The flirty mauve crush

Mauve is the low-key MVP of lip colours—romantic without being too pink, elegant without trying too hard. It's a soft glam meets romantic energy that works for everything from first dates to candlelit dinners. Begin with Huda Beauty’s Trendsetter lip liner, then fill in with Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Medium or Lakmé’s Mauve Mix. Finally, dab a clear gloss or lip oil in the centre for that plush, kiss-me-now finish. This lip combo enhances your natural lip shade, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more subtle look. And best of all, it works well for almost every skin tone.

Now all of the above combos are completely customisable. You can swap liners for a darker look, go gloss-free for a more matte finish, or mix shades to make them uniquely yours. Just don’t skip lip balm. It’s the secret to fuller-looking lips and colour that actually lasts. Line, layer, blend, gloss, and you’re good to go.

Lead image: Pexels

Also read: Lipliner without lipstick? This 90s beauty hack is making a comeback

Also read: Lip-liners that promise to last the day