The societal pursuit of perfectly pillowy lips has been ongoing for decades—more than a century, actually. In fact, women have been using lipstick to enhance the appearance of their lips since the 1800s. However, now that we’re in the 21st century, lipstick is no longer the only way to create a more shapely mouth. From surgical solutions that last years to lip glosses specifically formulated to create a quick boost, there are more options for achieving a fuller lip look out there than you may think. Here, the experts break down exactly what you need to know about how to get plump lips.<\/p>
Sometimes the solution for plumper lips can be found in the aisles of Sephora. “Lip products containing hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid—a natural sugar found in the skin—absorb water and may give a fuller lip temporarily,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Y. Claire Chang<\/a>. “Other ingredients, like menthol, cinnamon, capsaicin, or wintergreen, can create irritation and inflammation in the skin to create a temporarily volumized look too.” Hyaluronic acid–based lip products, like PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster <\/a>($45), and spicier products, like Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Plumping Gloss<\/a> ($23), are two great options if you’re looking for a quick boost.<\/p> Before applying any lipstick, Mari Shten, a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Mari Shten Beauty<\/a>, recommends exfoliating your lips—it’s a game changer when it comes to faking a more plush pout. “If the lips are dry, exfoliate them for at least five minutes first. I use Fres<\/a>h Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator [$24],” she says. “Then apply a [hydrating<\/a>] lip balm.”<\/p> Once lips have been properly exfoliated and moisturized, blot any excess lip balm and use a touch of concealer to blur the lip contour so you can create a new, expanded lip shape using liner. “Using a lip pencil, overdraw the lips just slightly—concentrate on the upper lip and go just [above] your natural lip line,” says Shten. “For the bottom lip, overdraw only the sides of the lip and not the middle part.” Shten likes to use Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liners<\/a> ($22) because they are soft, with a velvety texture, and come in the “perfect neutral colors to overdraw the lips.” <\/p> Once lip liner has been applied, it’s time to add lipstick. Choose a darker tone for the sides of the lips and a slightly lighter tone for the middle. To make the lips look extra full, use lip gloss on top of your lipstick: it will reflect the light, making the lips look fuller. “I like to apply lip gloss at the cupid’s bow and upper lip line, to make the lips look even [larger].”<\/p> Pro tip: When choosing lipstick, opt for satiny and oily formulas because they make the lips look healthier and plumper. “Only use drying, matte lipsticks if your lips are in perfect condition, otherwise they will look dry [and shriveled],” warns Shten, adding that a good, satiny lipstick option is the Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipsticks<\/a> ($32). “They [come in] beautiful, moisturizing colors with a satin finish,” she says. “And for the gloss, I choose Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss<\/a> [$30], a nonsticky, ultralight formula with coconut oil and vitamin E that leaves lips visibly smooth and plump and gives the lips light color and the perfect shine.”<\/p> Related: How to Make Your Lip Filler Results Last As Long as Possible<\/a><\/em><\/p>How to plump lips with s<\/strong>atin lipsticks, glosses and lip<\/strong> liners<\/strong><\/h2>