Dynamic Duo: Lip Liner and Lip Gloss

There are certain makeup pairings we know belong together. Lash primer and mascara, bronzer and blush, and foundation and concealer are a few classic combos that probably come to mind. One dynamic duo you may be sleeping on? Lip liner and lip gloss! Yes, this late ‘90s and early 2000s trend is a lip makeup pair that should speak for itself—seriously, what’s not to love? If you're always up for a throwback makeup trend, you’re in luck, because we still have heart-eyes for this coupling. Read on for a step-by-step tutorial on how to wear lip liner and gloss together for a gorgeous, nostalgia-inducing lip look.

STEP #1: PREP YOUR POUT

Dry, flaky lips are a serious no when it comes to rocking this throwback look. You wouldn’t want to spoil your glossy lip, would you? To prep your lips and ensure a smooth, pillowy pout, be sure to use a lip scrub as the first step in your routine. Our rec? The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub. Smooth a small amount onto your lips with dry fingers, then use wet fingers to massage it over their surface. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to reveal a smooth, refined pout.

STEP #2: HYDRATE YOUR LIPS

Next up? Moisturizing! Your lip look is only as good as the preparation you put into it, and applying a hydrating lip balm is a must before you reach for your lip liner and gloss. Dry lips? Don’t know her! Swipe a moisturizing formula over your pout as your last prep step.

STEP #3: LINE AWAY

It’s time for the first half of the duo in question to make an appearance: lip liner. To get the trend, you’ll want to line just outside your natural lip shape in a shade that’s two shades darker than the lip color you plan to wear. Need a lip liner recommendation? Consider one of the following.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner: This lip liner, which has an anti-feathering formula, perfectly defines lips with rich color and a natural finish.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipliner: This long-wearing liner has a rich and creamy formula that goes on smooth with no fading or feathering. Bonus: It has a built-in sharpener for your convenience.

STEP #4: GET GLOSSY

Bring on the lip gloss! Swipe on a lip gloss that's close to your natural lip color—or at least two shades lighter than your lip liner. It’s all about creating contrast. Take your pick from the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Le Gloss, which has a hydrating formula that keeps lips soft, smooth, colorful, and glossy for eight shining hours.

STEP #5: DEFINE YOUR POUT

You’re not done yet! Use a concealer and a small, precise makeup brush to outline your lips, define their shape, and cover any color that may have gone outside the lines. Look for one with a full-coverage formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage.

STEP #6: ADD SOME GLOW

If you want to take your lip liner and gloss to the next level, turn to highlighter. While this throwback look has a knack for helping create the illusion of fuller lips all on its own, you can use highlighter to achieve the appearance of an even more pillowy pout. Pop the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops onto your cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip to do just that.

Next up: Want to try more throwback makeup looks? Check out our articles, These '60s Makeup Looks Will Take You Back in Time, 8 '70s Makeup Trends to Try for a Groovy Time, and 11 '80s Makeup Ideas That Are Back.