5 of Your Favorite Makeup Artists on Their Favorite Lip Combos

Long live the multistep lip routine.

More commonly referred to as "lip combos," these product pairings have become something of an art and science to perfect — so WWD Weekend consulted with some of our favorite artists, from breakout creator Ngozi Edeme (also known as @paintedbyesther) to the legendary Sam Fine, to talk about their favorite looks and how to achieve them. Here, their responses.

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 Sam Fine 

Clients:Queen Latifah, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union

Favorite look:Gabrielle Union, 2025 "Riff Raff" screening

Products:Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer in 05 and 06 ; Victoria Beckham Posh Lip in "Girl" ; Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Lip Gloss in "Raina"

"This is a classic nude lip, which has been a signature of my work since the beginning of my career with Naomi Campbell . The look is all about definition, paired with a beautifully curated pale lip color and a touch of gloss for a sensual glow. I often begin with brown lip liner a few shades deeper than the clients' skin tone, softly feathering it into the lips to create depth and dimension. Then, using a lip brush, I carefully apply lipstick and gloss, ensuring the definition of the liner remains intact. The result is a perfectly sculpted, polished nude lip that feels effortlessly sensual."

 Jaleesa Jaikaran 

Clients:Emma Grede, Precious Way, Jasmin Savoy Brown

Favorite look:Precious Way, "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins" Tribeca Film Center screening

Products:MAC Lip Liner Pencil in "Cork"; Maybelline New York Lifter Liner in "Cross the Line"; Tom Ford Beauty Slim Lip Color in "13 Slip"; Tom Ford Gloss Luxe in "All Access"

"I call this a 'strawberry lemonade lip.' I love the balance of a softly defined brown liner, a pinky nude center, and a juicy gloss. Blending the liner into the lipstick gives dimension while keeping the transition seamless; it's polished, fresh and playful — and the kind of lip that brings the whole face to life."

 Skreem 

Clients:Lizzo, North West, Bktherula

Favorite look:Dess Dior, 2026 BET Awards

Products:One/Size Lip Snatcher in "Coin Collector" ; MAC Cosmetics Sleek Satin Lipstick in "Crème Cup" ; Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Wear Metallic Liquid Liner in "Silver Metal"

"What I love about this look is that it was freestyled. My client told me she wanted to look like art, and for it to still feel like her; it's sexy, fun, and show-stopping — she literally slayed the carpet."

 Ngozi Edeme 

Clients:Kelly Rowland, Lauryn Hill, Cassie

Favorite look:Cassie Ventura, 2026 "Mobland" premiere

Products: La Mer the Lip Balm ; MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in "Candy Yum Yum" and "Honey Love" ; MAC Lip Liner Pencil in "Cork"

"I started off with a good lip scrub — any brand will do — and moisturized her lips with the La Mer lip balm. Then, lightly dusted on a mixture of 'Candy Yum Yum' and 'Honey Love' lipsticks. To line her lips, I used Mac 'Cork' lightly, then buffed out. I love this look because I love a soft lip shade and application; lightly diffusing everything you apply to the lips helps to achieve this effect."

 Katey Denno 

Clients:Susan Sarandon, McKenna Grace, Geena Davis

Favorite look:Clara Khoury, 2026 Oscars

Products:Aora Inicia ; Aora Háblame Lip Liner pencil in "Rosa" ; Aora Acaríciame Solid Lip Gloss Serum in "Rosa 03"

"It's somewhat unexpected to pair a pop of a lip color when you're also doing a pop on the eye — but I knew it would work, and it did. I used Aora's illuminating primer on her lips before applying the liner/serum combo, particularly on her cupid's bow — both to make the lip products last longer, but also because it gives a subtle luminosity to the skin of the cupid's bow that catches the light beautifully and makes lips look more full. I lined the lips with Rosa, and then entirely filled them in with the pencil. I then handed Clara the solid lip serum and had her tap it on her lips until she felt the level of emollience she wanted — not too glossy, but just enough hydration to feel good and look luscious throughout the night."

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