How to perfect lip contouring – our top tips and combos | 3INA Edit – 3INA COSMETICS UK

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The Year of The Lip Combo

January 16, 2025By Alexandra Wagner

New year, new lips! This year, it’s all about the lip combo—which, for those of you who don’t know, are the two words dominating everyone’s socials right now. It’s not just a lip look; it’s the artful layering of lipstick, liner and a perfectly placed touch of gloss to give your lips depth, dimension, and serious attitude. Your favourite celebs are doing it, and now it’s your turn.

Whether you're a lip liner lover, a lip oil enthusiast, or a fan of the classic bold lipstick, it’s time to take it up a notch. 2025 is the year of experimenting, mixing, and matching to create the perfect lip combo. You’ve seen it on your feed, and now you’re getting the lowdown. But don’t be daunted, beginners: these options are perfect for you. And the best part, if you ask me? It’s a lot easier and a lot more fun than you think.

The 3INA Lipbrary: meet your essentials

The Automatic Lip Pencil

A long-wearing lip liner designed to enhance your natural lip shape—or transform it.

Waterproof, transfer-proof, smudge-proof
Wear time: Up to 10H
Editor’s pick: Our NEW shade 565, hazel brown. Basically, the 90s in a stick.

The Lipstick

Classic, creamy, and ultra-pigmented. This long-lasting lipstick is your everyday essential for a flawless finish.

Key ingredients: Shea Butter, Vitamin E
Editor’s pick: Sandy pink 257 is always a win

The Longwear Lipstick

Say hello to all-day colour. This liquid lipstick dries down to a transfer-proof matte that won’t budge, no matter what.

Key ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
Wear time: Up to 12H
Editor’s pick: Can’t go wrong with the universal nude pink, 503

The Color Lip Oil

24-hour super hydrating sheer lip oil.

Glass lips in seconds, hydration for hours. A sheer wash of colour for high-shine, glass-like, naturally enhanced looking lips.

Key ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
Editor’s pick: a sheer hint of 244 – classic red

The Color Lip Glow

A lipstick meets balm, this buildable formula is perfect for achieving that ‘your-lips-but-better’ look. Lightweight and glossy with a non-sticky finish.

Key ingredient: Shea Butter
Editor’s pick: Currently obsessed with the NEW 254, vintage rose. It’s got the perfect amount of pink with a hint of red

Need help with the basics? Here’s how to get the perfect lip combo:

Step 1: Choose your liner shade

Your liner is the backbone of any lip look, so pick a shade that either matches your lipstick for a seamless blend or contrasts for a bold effect. Not sure where to start? Head over to our Lipbrary and choose from our newest shades.

Step 2: Start lining

Lining your lips is where the magic happens. For a fuller effect, overline your Cupid’s bow slightly, then follow your natural lip line on the outer corners for balance. On the bottom lip, overline the centre and taper it out to the edges.

Step 3: Fill

Time to complete the look! There’s no way to go wrong here: just choose your go-to lip product from our list. For a high-impact look, layer The Automatic Lip Pencil with The Longwear Lipstick. Feeling fresh? Pair The Color Lip Oil or The Color Lip Glow for the perfect glossy tint.

Pro Tip:

Want to create your own custom shade? Mix and match two different shades of The Automatic Lip Pencil before applying your lipstick—a great hack for one-of-a-kind lips. For more dimension, dab a lighter shade in the centre of your lips.

Handpicked by us: 3INA’s fave lip combos

1. Gatsby Noir

Why it works: An artsy and mysterious look with a defined Cupid’s bow and diffused lower lip, perfect for recreating classic noir-inspired elegance.

Products used: The Automatic Lip Pencil 900 + The Color Lip Oil 900

2. Hollywood Rebel

Why it works: This classic red lip with rounded edges screams old-school Hollywood glam.

Products used: The Automatic Lip Pencil 244 + The Lipstick 244

3. Pink Pop

Why it works: A pretty, playful pink that’s diffused with your fingertip for a softer, rounded look. It’s the perfect way to add a pop of colour to any outfit.

Products used: The Automatic Lip Pencil 232 + The Lipstick 362

4. Purple Heat

Why it works: This daring combo of plum tones creates a striking lip with a triangular Cupid’s bow, giving it boldness (and realness). Extra points if you draw on a beauty mark.

Products used: The Automatic Lip Pencil 390 + The Color Lip Glow 385

5. Nude Spice

Why it works: A subtle, natural look that enhances your lips without overpowering the rest of your makeup. Perfect for a barely-there vibe. Super 90s!