Lip products are hard to match. You buy a liner, realize it doesn’t match the lipstick. You buy the lipstick, realize it dries your lips. You buy the gloss, realize it sticks your hair to your mouth. Suddenly you’ve spent $70 trying to build a “perfect combo” that lasts all of 20 minutes. Kits are supposed to fix that. The products are designed to work together, so you’re not left mixing random shades at 7 a.m. Some are brilliant, some are a waste. These are the ones that actually earn a spot in your bag.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Starlit Lip Set
What’s inside: Two mini Artist Color Pencils (Wherever Walnut + Limitless Brown) and a full-size Super Boost Lip Gloss in Crystal.
Why it’s good: The genius here is pairing two different liner depths with a clear gloss. The pencils give you two levels of depth. Walnut is great for subtle everyday contouring, while Limitless Brown lets you exaggerate definition or create a fuller-looking lip. The gloss isn’t tinted, so it layers over anything without changing the color. Instead, it adds a smooth, plumping finish that makes even the darkest liner look less harsh.
When it works best: Nights out where you don’t want to babysit your lipstick. Use the deeper liner to anchor the shape, blur the edges so it doesn’t look harsh, then let the gloss do the heavy lifting. The combo fades gracefully instead of leaving you with patchy liner rings.
Who it’s for: Anyone who hates hunting down the right lip liner shade. The two pencils basically cover the full “neutral to bold” range. If you’re already drowning in lipsticks, this kit gives you ways to repurpose what you own — draw the base shape, then throw any nude, pink, or peach on top, and the gloss ties it together.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Pillow Talk Lipstick & Liner Set
What’s inside: Mini Lip Cheat liner + mini Matte Revolution Lipstick, both in Pillow Talk Original.
Why it’s good: Pillow Talk is famous for a reason. It’s one of the rare nude-pink shades that actually flatters most skin tones. The lipstick has a soft matte finish that doesn’t look flat or dry, and the liner’s waterproof texture helps reshape the lips without sliding around. You can carry them without committing to full sizes (or full price), and they’re perfect for a quick touch-up in the bathroom line.
When it works best: Everyday wear, especially if you want one lip combo that looks appropriate at work, on Zoom, and on a night out. It’s subtle but polished. The liner gives you a little more fullness, and the lipstick adds that soft-focus color without being overbearing. If you’ve ever felt that most “nudes” make you look dead, well, this is the opposite.
Who it’s for: People who want one go-to lip they don’t have to think about. It’s not experimental or trendy; it’s reliable. If your makeup drawer overwhelms you, Pillow Talk is the set you grab when you need to look good in 30 seconds.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Hydrating Plump Gloss Primrose Duo
What’s inside: Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump gloss + coordinating lip liner.
Why it’s good: This one doubles as skincare. The gloss is loaded with maracuja oil, hyaluronic acid, and a superfruit blend, so it actually hydrates instead of just sitting there shiny. It has that cushiony, juicy texture that went viral for a reason. The liner keeps the gloss contained, so you don’t end up with that messy “bleeding” edge.
When it works best: If your lips are perpetually dry or peeling, this kit makes them look smooth in minutes. It’s also a smart choice for minimal makeup days: liner + gloss is enough to pull your face together without foundation or eye makeup.
Who it’s for: People who put comfort first. If matte lipsticks make you miserable but you still want definition, this is your kit. It’s also a solid pick if you’re ingredient-conscious — vegan, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging.
Tower 28 Beauty Line + Shine Lip Kit
What’s inside: OneLiner in Paint My Number (full-size) + Lip Jelly in Lucky (exclusive sheer baby pink).
Why it’s good: This is the lazy girl’s holy grail. The liner is creamy enough to glide without tugging, but not so soft it smears. The jelly adds a light pink tint with shine, minus the stickiness. Because the shades are designed to work together, you get a polished, “put-together” look in about 30 seconds.
When it works best: Everyday wear when you don’t have time (or patience) for layering products. Pencil + gloss is all you need, and if the gloss wears off, the liner keeps lips looking filled-in. It’s also perfect for people who want shine without committing to heavy color.
Who it’s for: Minimalists. If you hate overthinking your lip routine, this is your streamlined duo. Also good for gloss lovers who want definition but don’t want to fuss with lipstick.
Huda’s Lip Kit
What’s inside: Two Lip Contour Stains (Rich Brown + Cherry Red) + one Faux Filler Jelly Oil in Peach.
Why it’s good: This is the most versatile kit of the bunch. The stains are serious: they last up to 12 hours, resist smudging, and don’t bleed. The red is bold, the brown is dramatic, and both can be softened with the peachy Jelly Oil. The oil itself is hydrating, glossy, and adds dimension to otherwise flat mattes. Together, you can create a full wardrobe of looks from one box.
When it works best: Long days or nights when touch-ups aren’t happening. The stains hold their ground, and the Jelly Oil gives you the option to go glossy without ruining staying power.
Who it’s for: People who want options. If you like switching from bold to neutral without carrying six products, this kit’s for you. Also great for anyone who’s sick of lipsticks disappearing after lunch.
The Verdict
All of these kits solve different lip problems: hydration, staying power, or just having one nude that doesn’t betray you in daylight. But if we had to crown one, it’s the MAKE UP FOR EVER Starlit Lip Set. It’s not trying to sell you a whole new lip wardrobe; it’s giving you tools (two liners, one gloss) that make what you already own look better. You can contour, you can go 90s bold, or you can just gloss and go. It’s versatile without being high-maintenance. That’s exactly what a lip kit should be.
