For a while there, it looked like matte lipsticks were poised for a takeover, leaving shiny glosses in the back seat — and lip liners even further behind. But in 2019, brands like Victoria Beckham Beauty, KKW Beauty, Patrick Ta, and Haus Laboratories brought pencils back to the forefront, giving makeup routines a dose of '90s flair. So it comes as no surprise that search for best lip gloss and liner combos is spiking, with everyone on the hunt for their ideal pairing for next year.
According to the Pinterest 100 report, a collection of trends to look out for in 2020, '90s beauty is on the rise, with 'lip liner and gloss' trending 144% higher than usual. Top-shopped beauty brands leading the charge include MAC, with its 'lipstick shades' searches up 1,319% from last year, and 'KKW Beauty lipsticks' up 151% from 2018. And with the vast majority of Pinners on the hunt for the perfect nude combination, Pinterest's skin tone filters are now more helpful than ever. 'When you search for makeup ideas, a palette will appear to narrow the search, so you can see personalized Pins and videos as results,' the site explains to TZR. 'Each palette represents a range of skin tones, helping you find inspiration that’s relevant to you.'
So why is everyone rushing back to the retro trend? 'Great liner gives shape and depth to a lip look,' editorial makeup artist Emily Maria Wright says. 'Liner can also increase the wear time of lipstick or gloss because it acts as a base to the products. The pencil aids in creating a new barrier to the lip, and allows for a seamless application of lipstick or gloss because the product is dense enough to make skin texture mimic lip texture.'
- A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for outlining lips or colouring them in. They are available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades.
- Expertly line and define the lips with the MAC Lip Pencil; an ultra-smooth lip liner that can be sharpened to a precise point for precision application. Soft and creamy, the lip pencil glides over skin, distributing even amounts of colour to define and enhance the pout.
MAC Lip Pencil in a wide range of colours designed for shaping, lining, or filling in lips. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for outlining lips or colouring them in. They are available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades.
And if you ask the experts, they'll tell you that a great gloss is anything but a trend: It's a staple. 'I never knew it left,' jokes celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzales, who's responsible for the glam looks of Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid. 'I love lip gloss. It’s one of the products that can take you to glam in a matter of seconds.' Patrice Pugh, makeup artist to Justine Skye, agrees. 'It has to be in the makeup hall of fame because it’s so versatile,' she says. 'A natural dewy face wouldn’t make sense without gloss to add to the overall glowing effect. Even if you decide to play up the eyes and go for a more sultry look, gloss is subtle enough to let the eyes do the talking, but mesmerizing enough to still catch our attention.'
So ahead, check out the beloved lip gloss and liner combos that three top pros keep stocked in their kits.
Fair to Medium Skin Tones
Fait to medium skin tones are commonly marked by cool, blue-hued or red undertones. Those with fair skin generally sunburn easily and are more prone to skin redness.
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combo: NARS Lip Pencil in Halong Bay & NARS Lip Gloss in Chelsea Girls
'NARS really has the colors and quality nailed,' Gonzales says.
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combo: MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl & MAC Lipglass in Lust
'Disclaimer: I only use MAC Lip Pencils. They really are the best,' Wright says. 'The range in colors in both the pencils and gloss are the best, and they stay on until you eat. I even have lingering gloss after I eat sometimes, and that is impressive!'
Mac Lip Liner
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combo: Make Up For Ever Aqua Lipliner Pencil in Medium Natural Beige & Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Toffee
'Another go-to of mine would be Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Waterproof Liner in Natural Beige, paired with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Gloss in Toffee,' Pugh says. 'This combo is perfect for a natural rosy look or full exotic glam, and goes great with any complexion.'
Medium to Dark
Typically, those with medium to dark complexions have pink, green, light brown, and yellow undertones, making tanning less of a hassle.
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combo: MAC Lip Pencil in Cork & MAC Lipglass in C-Thru
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combo: NARS Precision Lip Liner in Lérins & NARS Lip Gloss in Super Orgasm
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combos: Haus Laboratories RIP Lip Liner in Ride & Joah Mirror Mirror Lip Gloss in Ever After
'I'm pretty obsessed with the Haus Labs RIP Lip Liners right now,' Gonzales says. 'I look for great quality, texture, and longevity when it comes to lip liners, and these have all three.'
Dark to Deep
Deep complexions range from copper and espresso tones to dark brown and ebony hues. Undertones are generally cool, neutral or warm.
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combos: MAC Lip Pencil in Cork & Shiseido Crystal Gel Lip Gloss
“Cork Lip Pencil by MAC paired with any clear or sheer gloss is one of my favorites of all time,' Pugh says. 'It gives that '90s supermodel feeling. This pairing looks especially good on warmer skin tones, and is the perfect finish to a bronzy makeup look.'
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combos: NARS Precision Lip Liner in Deep Mulberry & NARS Lip Gloss in Risky Business
Mac Lip Pencil Cork Dupe
Best Lip Gloss & Liner Combos: MAC Lip Pencil in Nightmoth & MAC Lipglass in Bittersweet Me
Mac Lip Pencil Oak Dupe
Mac Lip Pencil Colors