Images: Imaxtree
Peanut butter and jelly. A sharp jacket with skinny trousers. Netflix and an endless supply of chocolate. There are some things that are just better together. We may love them individually, but you combine them together and it’s pure bliss. It’s a philosophy that can be applied to some of the best beauty looks. Think about a cat eye plus red lipstick or a rich brown smoky eye with a neutral lip. As much as we love tried-and-true pairings, there’s something to be said about playing around with unexpected combinations.
There’s definitely a harmonious finish with coordinating eyes and lips, but monochromatic makeup can sometimes feel a bit one-note. When applied often enough, it can be easy to stay in that comfort zone and never consider contrasting color combinations. When we play around with different looks, it’s often during these creative makeup sessions that we discover that the most exciting pairings aren’t the most obvious ones.
Note: Experimenting with eyeshadow and lipstick combinations doesn’t mean having to buy new products. The greatest thing is using products already in your makeup bag in fresh new ways. For instance, pair a beloved lipstick with a seldom-used shade in an eyeshadow palette. Or try mixing a bold blue eyeshadow with an equally bold orange lip instead of your go-to nude. Go ahead, break all the rules.
Unsure where to begin? We’ve rounded up some head-turning eyeshadow and lipstick combinations from the runways inspire you.
[ Next: How to Wear Colorful Eye Makeup IRL ]
19 Unique Eye and Lip Color Combinations to Try
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White Eyeshadow and Orange Lipstick
An orange lipstick plus white eyeshadow is a fresh look for the warmer months. Increase the "juiciness" of the lipstick by layering a clear gloss on top. Multiple coats of black mascara (or false lashes) complete the eye-popping beauty look.
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Pink Eyeshadow and Muted Red Lipstick
Pink and red? Yes, they work together even when it isn't Valentine's Day. To prevent the makeup from looking festive, try unexpected tones like a cool baby pink eyeshadow and a muted red lipstick. Feeling daring? Extend the eyeshadow up beyond brows.
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Yellow Mascara and Red Lipstick
Don't restrict yourself to just eyeshadow. Play around with unique combinations, including eyeliner and trendy colored mascara. Break away from black with a yellow mascara paired with a cherry red lipstick. A blurred finish adds another element of surprise.
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Gold Eyeshadow and Orange Lipstick
Gold plus brown is a common pairing, but gold and orange isn't something we see enough of. Together they create a fiery combo. For evening, add graphic flicks of black liquid eyeliner to take it to the next level.
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Mint Eyeshadow and Pink Lipstick
How pretty is this? The placement of the mint eyeshadow in the crease adds a mod vibe and is just enough color so it complements — as opposed to competes — with the petal pink lipstick.
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Hot Pink Eyeshadow and Nude Lipstick
Flip things around and enhance eyes with a hot pink eyeshadow and nude lipstick that's a few shades lighter than lips. Slate gray eyeliner on the lower lash lines will add some edge for evening.
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Blue Eyeshadow and Gold Lipstick
Blue eyeshadow is one of the hottest trends for Spring 2018. Many will likely pair it with a pale pink lip color, but a glittering gold takes it out of the 80s and into modern times. For more color, try draping with red blush.
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Blue Sparkly Eyes and Glossy Lips
Don't forget to get creative with different finishes as well as different shades. For evening, go glam with blue glitter liberally applied to the eye area. Finish with a wet-look glossy lipstick.
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Gold Eyeshadow and Pink Lipstick
Break out of the gold and neutral shades of a bronzed goddess look with a rosebud pink lipstick. Paired with gold eyeliner, it has a romantic deconstructed rose gold look.
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Blue Eyeliner and Red Lipstick
Do you strictly adhere to the rule about enhancing one feature? This royal blue eyeliner plus vivid red lipstick combo shows why it can be beneficial to break the rules from time to time. The flicked eyeliner adds a modern finish. It's also a lot harder to overdo eyeliner in comparison to eyeshadow.
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White and Black Eyeshadow and Raspberry Red Lipstick
Red, black and white may seem like a fairly traditional pairing, but it's the tones that take it to the next level. For example, a rich raspberry lipstick elevates a white and gray smoky eye.
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Pastel Eyes and Peach Lipstick
Why stop at just one color on the eyes? Apply stripes of silver and green glitter on the lids and in the creases, then rim the lower lash lines with baby blue eyeliner. Peach lipstick prevents color overdose.
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Yellow Eyeshadow and Nude Lipstick
Yellow eyeshadow is trending, but many still consider it a surprising choice. Balance out the sunny shadow with a my-lips-but-better neutral pink lipstick.
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Light Brown Eyeshadow and Wine Lipstick
Love dark lipstick but don't want to always take it in a punky direction? Juxtapose a wine lip stain with a light tawny brown eyeshadow. A sheer finish makes it look especially modern.
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White and Teal Eyeshadow and Deep Pink Lipstick
Get creative by juxtaposing unlikely eyeshadows like white and teal. Add another surprise element with a deep pink dabbed on the center of lips. Light finishes are easier to carry off with the contrasting shades.
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Blue Eyeliner and Orange-Red Lipstick
The bright blue paint splotch eyeliner placement is special, but so is the color combination. If the eyeliner shape is too avant-garde, make it more wearable by leaving off the splodges of color on the outer corners of eyes. Stick with the orange-red lipstick for a striking finish.
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Deep Pink Eyeshadow and Neutral Lipstick
Yes, pink eyeshadow can be flattering. A deep rose color applied from lids to brows looks romantic when mixed with a nude lipstick. Leave off mascara to keep the soft finish.
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Black Eyeliner, Tawny Eyeshadow and Purple Lipstick
Contrast eggplant purple lipstick and a black cat eye with a wash of tawny eyeshadow. The soft shadow brightens the eye area and stops the moody colors from coming across as harsh.
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Pale Pink Eyeshadow and Red Lipstick
Do you like to coordinate? Instead of a total matchy-matchy look, try complementary colors like a pale pink eyeshadow and red lipstick. Select an orange-red lipstick for extra fire and blur the edges for a trendy finish.
