As winter sets in and the cold weather ushers in new beauty trends, there’s one thing we can always rely on to elevate our look—our lips. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle winter glow or a bold statement, the right lip combo can instantly elevate your beauty routine. With that in mind, ELLE editors have curated a list of the most popular and viral lip combinations to try this season. From classic reds to dewy nudes, these picks are designed to complement winter’s muted tones while ensuring your lips stay hydrated, soft, and irresistibly chic.
1. MUTED MAUVE + GLOSSY TOPPER
For those who want a classic yet modern look, the combo of a muted mauve lipstick paired with a glossy lip topper is perfect. The mauve hue creates a soft, sophisticated look, while the glossy finish adds a touch of effortless shine. This combo is a winter staple, offering a flattering tone for a wide range of skin shades. Think of it as the perfect balance of understated elegance and playful shine.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in “Very Victoria”
- Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in “Fenty Glow”
2. WARM RED + BROWN LINER
When it comes to winter, nothing says bold and beautiful like a warm red lip. This season, opt for a deeper, more rustic red, paired with a brown lip liner to give the shape of your lips definition and dimension. The brown liner adds warmth to the red, making it perfect for colder weather. It’s a timeless look that works for both day and night, whether you’re heading to the office or to an evening out.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in “Relentlessly Red”
- Liner: Pat McGrath Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil in “Blonde”
3. NUDE + PEACHY GLOSS
For a fresh and light winter look, a nude lip paired with a peachy gloss is always a winner. This lip combo mimics the natural lip color but with an added pop of warmth, making it perfect for those who want to keep things low-key yet polished. The peachy gloss gives just enough shine to keep things youthful and bright, making it ideal for daily wear.
Try it with:
4. BERRY PURPLE + SATIN FINISH
Winter is the perfect time to go for deeper, more dramatic hues, and berry purple shades are trending this season. A satin finish ensures the color has a rich depth without being too matte or too shiny. This combo is both sophisticated and edgy, ideal for an evening out or whenever you want to make a statement.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in “Blackmail”
- Gloss: NYX Butter Gloss in “Peach Cobbler”
5. CLASSIC RED + MATTE FINISH
The classic red lip never goes out of style, but this winter, it’s all about a matte finish. Go for a true, deep red that has a long-lasting formula to withstand those chilly days and cozy nights. Pair it with a matching liner for a crisp, defined edge. A matte red lip is bold, confident, and effortlessly glamorous—perfect for any occasion.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in “Uncensored”
- Liner: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner in “Cherry”
6. DUSTY ROSE + HYDRATING BALM
For those who want to keep it soft and romantic, a dusty rose lip paired with a hydrating lip balm is a combination that feels like winter warmth in a tube. This color offers just the right amount of pigment while still maintaining a natural look, and the lip balm ensures your lips stay soft and nourished throughout the day. It’s a great option for everyday wear.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick in “Brooklyn Blush”
- Balm: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
7. CHOCOLATE BROWN + GOLD ACCENT
For a more sultry and daring look, chocolate brown lips with a hint of gold shimmer are making waves this winter. The chocolate brown base is rich and intense, and the gold accent provides just the right amount of warmth and dimension to your lips. Whether you want to wear it to an intimate gathering or for a dramatic night out, this combo is sure to turn heads.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Dolce Vita”
- Gloss: Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss in “Provoke”
8. SOFT PINK LIPS + CLEAR GLOSS
For a lighter, more ethereal winter lip look, soft pinks are a great option. A pinky nude lip paired with a clear gloss adds just a subtle pop of color and shine. This combo feels fresh, youthful, and perfect for casual days when you want to keep your makeup low-maintenance but still put-together.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: Giorgio Armani Lip Power in “Silk 104”
- Gloss: Glossier Clear Lip Gloss
9. PLUM + GLOSSY BURGUNDY OVERLAY
For a bold yet sophisticated lip look, a rich plum base topped with a glossy burgundy overlay is the ultimate winter lip. The dark plum provides an elegant and deep look, while the glossy burgundy finish adds a touch of glamour. This look is especially stunning in evening settings, where a little extra drama is just what you need.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick in “Queen B”
- Gloss: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in “Dusty Rose”
10. CANDY PINK + HIGH-GLOSS FINISH
If you’re looking to add a fun pop of color to your winter look, candy pink is the way to go. The playful, youthful hue works beautifully with a high-gloss finish, making your lips look full and ultra-shiny. This combo is perfect for those who want to experiment with color without going too bold, offering a fresh and fun look.
Try it with:
- Lipstick: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in “Zurich”
- Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream in “Fenty Glow”