Even though I JUST talked about great reasons to build yourself a refined + minimalist capsule makeup collection last week here on SAACA, well, today I’m switching gears and suggesting some ways to add flair to your makeup routine!
And spring is the perfect season to shake up your neutral makeup look. As the colorful flowers and trees bloom (minus the dang pollen here in Athens!) and the days get longer, why not refresh your makeup look with beautiful and unexpected eye + lipstick pairings??
If you’ve been sticking to the same browns and nude tones, it might be time to step out of the box a little and play with some color. Not only can a fun eyeliner and lip combo brighten your complexion, but it can also give you a fresh, confident energy.
And I’ll stop you right there if you think your age is a factor in why you (or other women) SHOULDN’T wear bolder makeup shades because it’s not classy, or chic, or whatever lies you’ve been told.
To that, I’d say, we aren’t dead yet, so why shouldn’t we play around with a $9 colorful eyeliner to bring some spice of life to our faces?? Every day I wake up and put my feet on the ground, it’s a special occasion, no matter what. So if you want to wear a fancy dress or swipe on that look-at-me red lipstick to just go to the grocery store, then don’t let anything/anyone stop you.
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I’m giving you three must-try eyeliner and lipstick combinations that work so well together, and will have you turning heads this season. I am only using inexpensive eyeliners from NYX Cosmetics in this tutorial because I feel like you’ll be more willing to try a fun color if you don’t have to drop a ton of money on it, and they offer every color in the rainbow!
But if you just prefer a prestige liner, you cannot go wrong with an Urban Decay 24/7 liner, $24, who also have a plethora of color choices!
Note the rest of my makeup will stay the EXACT SAME with all 3 looks. Here’s what my base makeup will consist of and how it looks before we add eyeliner and lip color…
Foundation
Wearing a super new drugstore foundation that is blowing my socks off!! The Maybelline SuperStay 30Hr Lumi Matte foundation, shade 125, $15. It’s incredible, highly recommended. The glass bottle with pump function is mess-free, and the formula and finish are exquisite with a breathable, flexibly lumi matte finish that is just as described. Perfect for our mature skin.
Eyeshadow + Lashes
I will keep it neutral, of course, so the eyeliner does the talking. Matte neutral shadow quad “The Sophisticate,” from Charlotte Tilbury, $55, and wearing a strip lash so I don’t have to wear mascara and risk it coming off every time I switch liner shades! My go-to strip style are the Ardell Naked Lashes in 420, $12. I can’t apply these without the Duo Active adhesive!
Blush
A fairly neutral pink but slightly bronzy blush will work with all three looks, and it is Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic “Pillow Talk original,” $42. I recommend this to almost everyone who is scared of bright blush, but needs a hint of color with a subtle shimmer and warmth! It’s a gorgeous blush staple to add to any collection. Don’t sleep on this shade.
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Green Eyeliner & Peach Lipstick – Playful and Fresh
Products used: NYX Vivid Rich eyeliner in “Emerald Empire,” $7 + Kylie Matte Lip Kit in “Sweater Weather,” $35
Green eyeliner might seem daring, but when paired with a Georgia peach lip, it becomes playful and totally wearable. A rich emerald or sage green liner adds a pop of color to your lash line reminiscent of the new grass growing outside!
And I’ve become a big fan of the Kylie Lip Kits that come with their perfectly matched lip liner and matte liquid lip formula that is super longwear!!
This “sweater weather” shade is described as a warm pink, but it leans a bit more pinky peach on me, and I’ve been wearing it often. It’s just SO pretty. This combo is ideal for daytime adventures, whether you’re hitting the farmer’s market or enjoying a weekend getaway. Try smudging a green pencil liner, or even a green eyeshadow, along your lash line for a soft, diffused look, or go bold with a winged flick for extra impact.
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Gold (or Copper) Eyeliner & Red Lipstick – A Classic with a Twist
Products used: NYX Vivid Rich liner in “Spicy Pearl,” $8 + Pat McGrath Labs “Elson” Matte Trance lipstick, $39. (I’m using a mini version I found at Ulta, but definitely going to be buying the full sized now!)
Metallic eyeliner adds a touch of radiance and warmth to your eyes, making them sparkle in the sunlight. Paired with a bold red lip, this look is both timeless and striking. The metallic sheen of gold, or copper, like I’m wearing in this post, keeps the look fresh and modern, while the red lip adds that perfect amount of drama.
Opt for a shimmering gold pencil to define your upper lash line. OR go a step further with lining your lower waterline too like I did. Since the metallic shade is lighter than a matte brown or black, your eyes won’t feel as closed up when rimming all around.
Complete the look with a super bold red lipstick – this “Elson” shade is the exact one that Taylor Swift made famous wearing during her Eras tour! You will definitely command attention in this luxury red lipstick!
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Purple Eyeliner & Popsicle Berry Lips – Unexpected Elegance
Products used: NYX Epic wear liner in “Fierce Purple,” $9 + Clarins Water Lip Stain, “Vivid Berry,” $32.
Purple eyeliner is an underrated powerhouse in the makeup world—it enhances ALL eye colors and adds an air of mystery to your look. When paired with a berry lip, the result is a balanced, elegant contrast that works for both day and night. Whether you opt for a deep eggplant liner or a soft lavender hue, this combination is perfect for those who want a little pop of color without going overboard.
Pair it with a popsicle-stained lip, which feels very spring and summer-like. It works to complement your natural lip tone but with oomph, not shine. These brand new Clarins lip stains are just what they claim. They’re matte but thin and water-like, and I applied three layers to get this deep violet-stained shade. You can go one swipe for a hint of color or keep layering for a look that’s equal parts chic and sophisticated.
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Closing Thoughts on Striking Eyeliner and Lipstick Combos
Make it Your Own!
Trying new eyeliner and lipstick combinations is a fun, low-commitment way to refresh and experiment with color. If you’re hesitant to dive into bold shades, start with softer variations—like bronze instead of gold, or khaki green instead of emerald, and make the line super thin instead of thick – so many options.
Makeup should be playful and expressive, so don’t be afraid to mix and match until you find a look that makes you feel amazing.
The Rest of My Look Details
What’s a piece EVERYone needs in their closet for this warmer season? A chambray shirt with girly puffed sleeves! I wear this one constantly because they go with any printed short or skirt I own, seriously. I have linked quite a few options on my LTK profile, here you can choose from all price points. // My new Target double illusion hooped earrings are so classy and fun, $9 // The Nail Reformation brand of press-on nails, $18, have amazing staying power! I’ve had this style on for 2 weeks now without having to replace a single one yet! I have small nail beds, so these fit me so much better than some cheaper brands.
Which of these liner + shadow combos are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments!
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