Pairing Bold Lipstick & Eyeshadow Is Actually So Easy

If the fashion week runways point to what’s coming next, the street style outfits worn by attendees point to what’s happening now — and that’s a whole lot of ‘80s inspiration. A scroll through the week’s most fashion-forward ensembles offers up the usual suspects: chic bike shorts, silk scrunchies, and high-rise, no stretch denim. But look beyond the sharp-shouldered blazers and you’ll notice that ‘80s beauty is trending, too; albeit in a more subdued, modern way. Women are pairing bold, bright eyeshadow with equally eye-catching lipstick, and it works.

Considering the look can be tricky to pull off IRL (as opposed to on IG), The Zoe Report consulted four professional makeup artists on the best lipstick and eyeshadow pairings to try for February — and how to double-dose on color without going overboard. “Normally they say either concentrate on the eyes or lips, but somehow it seems fresh again to play with both at the same time,” Georgina Graham, an editorial makeup artist who’s worked with Givenchy and Max Mara, tells The Zoe Report. For daytime, she’s a fan of mixing and matching subdued shades with similar undertones; like gold shadow worn with warm-toned peach lipstick.

“We're seeing bolder lips with a bolder eye, too, which I think can definitely pair well together, especially for an evening look,” Neil Scibelli, a celebrity makeup artist who regularly works with Elle Macpherson, tells TZR. His number one trick for creating a balanced face? “Keep the other areas of your complexion pretty neutral,” he says — you may even want to forgo blush in favor of a light dusting of bronzer to keep color to a minimum.

“Remember, makeup is a way to express yourself and reflect your mood just like the way clothes do for the body,” Alexx Mayo, Mariah Carey’s go-to guy, tells The Zoe Report. “Confidence is key.”

Ahead, seven expert-approved eyeshadow and lipstick combinations to try this month.

Aqua Eyeshadow & Coral Lipstick

“I love the combination of an aqua or teal liner with a pop of coral for the lip,” Mayo says. The look has a tropical feel that will hold you over until spring (finally) arrives; and seeing as Living Coral is Pantone's Color of the Year for 2019, there's no shortage of on-trend lipsticks to try.

Purple Eyeshadow & Red Lipstick

“One of my favorite color pairings is purple shadow on the eyes and a bold red lip,” Mayo shares. “Think Jessica Rabbit — the ultimate glamour.” Opt for a pastel shade of purple, like lavender or amethyst, to keep the overall vibe low-key.

Red Eyeshadow & Red Lipstick

Chances are, you’re already the proud owner of a red matte liquid lipstick. To take the classic look to the next level, flip over that doe-tip applicator and line your lids with a swipe of lipstick, too. The result? Perfectly matching monochrome.

Silver Eyeshadow & Plum Lipstick

“Try a silver, glittery shadow and vampy plum lips,” Amber Amos, a celebrity makeup artist, tells TZR. “It’s great for a day or night look — the silver shadow makes the plum lip more approachable and fun.” Lady Gaga's SAG Awards makeup is all the inspo you need.

Pink Eyeshadow & Pink Lipstick

Go for monochrome makeup with a full face of pink — but to give the look some depth, mix up your textures. “I really like a sheer cream color eyeshadow on the eyelid, and then I like a matte lip,” Graham says.

Brown Eyeshadow & Dusty Rose Lipstick

Even if bright colors aren’t your thing, you can still get in on the action, says Graham. A swipe of taupe shadow with a coat of dusty rose lipstick “feels luxe and decadent for the face, but without being over the top,” the artist explains.

Subtle Smokey Shadow & Shimmery Red Lipstick

“A deeper red lip can be really fashion-forward or even romantic, and when paired with a soft smokey eye, it can dress up a look for evening,” Scibelli says. Bonus points for adding a little shimmer to your lips in a nod to the over-the-top ‘80s.