The Best Lip Combos to Try in 2023

People have been sharing their signature lip combos on TikTok left and right, so we thought we’d spill some of our own. Of course, Milk Makeup’s lip products are all amazing when you use them alone. (Have you seen the newOdyssey Lip Oil Glossin Globetrot yet? It speaks for itself.) But mixing and matching them to create bespoke shades and finishes is a fun way to explore the boundlessness of makeup and make the most of your products. For example,Sculpt Stickcan act as a creamy neutral base underneath a gloss.

Milk Makeup’s Director of ArtistrySara Wrenput together the lip combos below with one major rule in mind: Each must work with all skin tones. With no need to worry if these flatter your complexion (and Sara’s tips for application), you can consider these lip combos foolproof.

1. '90s Night

This nostalgic rosy beige hue is brought to you by a layer ofLip + Cheekin Enigma, which is a pinky stone, and a bit of the rose gold-y Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Soul Search on top. If you want a fuller lip look, Sara recommends concentrating Soul Search on the center of your lips.

Pairing Suggestion:

This lip combo is particularly versatile because the rosy nude looks equally incredible withsmoky eyesas it does with bright graphic liner. “It has color but creates balance for the eye look,” Sara says. Plus, you can dab Enigma onto your cheeks to complement your ’90s Night vibes.

Model wears Milk Makeup Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Soul Search on a white background

2. Safe for Werk

Naturally, we needed to pair ourbest-selling dusty roseLip + Cheek shade, Werk, with the new Odyssey shade inspired by it: Werk Trip. Together, theWerks create the prettiest dusty pink that’s about to take over your makeup bag.

Pairing Suggestion:

Safe for Werk also “matches most makeup looks,” Sara says. Dramatic blush, bright eye shadow, rhinestone liner—this lip combo is the perfect companion. You can even dab some product from your lips onto your cheeks for a coordinating dewy blush, she adds.

Model wears Milk Makeup Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Werk Trip on a white background

3. Classic Red

For those who can’t get enough of a great red lip, pair Lip + Cheek in Flip with Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Trek for a fierce crimson lip look. If you’re apprehensive about a red lip but willing to give it a try, Sara suggests lightly swiping on Flip and blotting it off “to create a softer look” before layering Trek on top. However, if you want an unapologetically crisp red lip, dip a lip brush into Flip and paint it onto your lips for more precision and definition, Sara says.

Pairing Suggestion:

Try this lip combo with a minimalist nude eye shadow moment with tons ofKUSH Mascaralayered onto your lashes, Sara says.

Model wears Milk Makeup Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Trek on a white background

4. Soft Goth

The Lip + Cheek called Muse and Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Voyage join forces for a deep blackberry that is making us crave season two of Wednesday. For extra plumping power, you can swap in Electric Glossy Lip Plumperin Amped for the gloss step.

Pairing Suggestion:

Soft matte skin is a stunning match for this edgy lip combo to “really lean into the soft goth trend,” Sara says. Prep your skin with Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primerbefore foundation and concealer to ensure your complexion has a dreamy blurred finish. Then, set your look with Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray.

Model wears Milk Makeup Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Voyage on a white background

5. Brown Spice

Prefer something more neutral? Consider this caramel-coated lip combo of Sculpt Stick in Stoked and Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Quest.

Pairing Suggestion:

Sara loves reaching for Infinity Eyelinerin Limitless as a long-wearing brown lip liner for the this lip combo. “It can be used to create a thin line on the lips or blended and diffused out with Stoked and Quest,” she explains.

Model wears Milk Makeup Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Quest on a white background

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.