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.
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.”