Coordinating one’s lipstick and manicure—aka lip and tip—has gone from old-fashioned to totally en vogue

Trendsetters who before wouldn’t dare to match their makeup and nails are now singing the praises of color-coordinated polish and pouts. The newly contemporary look was popular on plentiful Spring/Summer runways: Dior, Jason Wu and Jean Paul Gaultier models sported shades of juicy red, while Donna Karan and Loewe painted on burgundies and Giorgio Armani matched nudes. “We all love a little history repeating and this theory holds true with the resurgence of the matching lip and nail tip,” says MAC senior artist Keri Blair. “The origins of this trend can be spotted as early as the ‘50s, ensuring every woman would purchase a nail polish to match her favorite lipstick shade.” And helping to prove this pairing of lacquers and lipsticks has legs off the catwalk—and in 2012—are two brand-new spring collections by MAC and Butter London.

Says the latter’s marketing director Sarena Kirby, “this elegant, classic look is making a comeback, but modernized with fresh new colors. This isn’t your granny’s matchy-matchy—the colors are bolder and the look is more deliberate, high-fashion and luxe.” Their fresh take on the lip-mani duo is via a five-shade line called Lippy, comprised of paraben-free, longwearing lacquer-esque glosses that go perfectly with some of Butter London’s top nail hues. Snog, a magenta-red shade might be the closest to tradition, while Yummy Mummy (a beige-y taupe) and Teddy Girl (pale pink) hit on the season’s neutral and pastel trends. Try painting on the Trout Pout for a wash of ever-flattering corals perfect for summer.

Debuting May 3, MAC’s limited-edition Fashion Sets collection also capitalizes on some of the brand’s best-selling favorites. “The color options are endless,” says Blair of the seven-tone line that sees “tried-and-true shades like Spice and Chestnut being matched and formulated into lip and nail colors.” Those who wished the iconic Russian Red lipstick came in lacquer form can now rejoice as that is one of the classically tinged new trios consisting of a nail polish, Satin Lipstick and Lipglass. Myth provides the ideal nude à la Armani, while those looking for a pop of pink can try a pout in the hot Girl About Town or the more delicate, peachy-tinged Snob. Whatever the hue, one thing is for certain—this new match certainly makes it easier to choose a lip color!