As we age, our lips naturally lose volume and can start to look thinner. I’ve always had fairly thin lips, so I’ve definitely noticed this myself! While nothing can mimic the results of a lip flip or filler, there are a few simple makeup tricks I’ve learned that create the illusion of fuller, more defined lips.
My 3-Step Process for Fuller-Looking Lips
Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple makeup tricks that make my lips look a little fuller—and I use this 3-step process almost every day.
1. Line your lips with a neutral lip liner
First, I trace right along the outer edge of my natural lip line to define the shape (but resist the urge to overdraw; it’s always noticeable and never looks quite right). Then I fill in my entire lip with the liner. This not only gives your lipstick something to cling to, but it’s also the secret to making your color last so much longer.
2. Fill in with lipstick
I stick with lighter or mid-tone shades in a moisturizing formula because they make lips look softer and a little fuller. Dark colors tend to have the opposite effect, which is probably why you’ll almost never catch me in a bold lip.
3. Finish with a tinted plumping gloss
A layer of gloss on top catches the light and gives lips that extra dimension. I usually go for a tinted plumping gloss. I can’t say that I see a dramatic change, but it gives a little boost and feels nice on the lips.
One Lip Set, Everything You Need
If you want an easy way to try this technique, the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Original Lip Kit (part of the #NSale and still in stock!) is a great option. It comes with a liner, lipstick, and gloss in the brand’s bestselling shade—everything you need to create the illusion of fuller lips in one set.
Along with my 3-step makeup routine, there are a few simple habits that can make a big difference too. Think of these as extra tips for keeping your lips soft, healthy, and naturally fuller.
More Tips for Fuller-Looking Lips
- Keep your lips moisturized.
When lips are dry, they lose their softness and can appear thinner and less plump. I use the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask every night before bed to keep mine soft and hydrated. - Exfoliate regularly.
A quick lip scrub (like the hanalei Vegan Sugar Lip Scrub Exfoliator or Burt’s Bees Conditioning Honey Lip Scrub) or even a soft toothbrush can gently buff away dry skin and improve circulation, leaving your lips smoother and a little plumper. - Use a hydrating balm during the day.
Keeping lips soft and supple throughout the day helps them look naturally fuller. I’m a longtime fan of the tarte maracuja juicy lip plump, an an all-in-one plumping balm, gloss, color, and hydrating treatment. - Skip matte formulas.
Ultra-matte lipsticks tend to flatten the look of lips. Stick to creamy or glossy finishes for more dimension. - Stay hydrated.
Dehydration can make lips look shriveled, so drinking plenty of water helps keep them plump from the inside out.
✨ What tips would you add to this list? And do you have any lip products you love and recommend?
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36 Responses
Love the bracelet you are wearing. Do you have a link?
It’s this one. https://shopstyle.it/l/csyno I love it. It’s an additional 40% off right now.
Great info on lips! I have the same problem. The lady at Estee Lauder counter taught me this about 10 years ago…….to do as you do with lining & filling then add a light coat of lipstick then blot with tissue but lightly doing so with mouth open and not the old school way, then add another light layer of lipstick and repeat blot. then by the time you add the 3 rd time of light lipstick it will be a stain. It lasts much much longer. I find mine dry out during the day and keep a lip balm . I have Paula’s Choice right now. I put on at night and in the mornings and have Anatasia lip prep also but nearly out of that one. I use a sugar scrub like you. I will try the ones you recommended too. I have Clinique Black Honey lip balm/stain too. It turns to your own lip color depending on chemistry of your body they say. I like the look of your Tarte ones. Thanks for all the choices!!
Great tips! Never thought of the neutral lip liner. Always looked for one to match the lipstick.
Sorry you’re having so much rain. Thankfully we’ve had sunny hot humid weather but I think we have a rainstorm coming Friday!
I was SOOOO scared to try a lip flip! Now I’m absolutely sold. It disappears quicker than normal Botox/dysport but I truly love how natural it looks! It’s ever so softly fuller. When I wear lips, I do the same 3 things you do, especially outline right at the outside edge, but careful not to overdraw. Often I’ll wear a lip colored neutral liner and clear gloss also. It’s a bit more subtle than a full on lip, and honestly probably my preferred look.
Hope your weather is stable and your day is great!
I need to google it. What is involved in a lip flip?
It’s just Botox or dysport (this is what my derm uses on me) injected right at/slightly above your upper lip line. It causes your upper lip to be more “full” by helping it to move toward the nose maybe?!?! It gives more upper lip. It’s really good if you have a more gummy smile too!
Interesting!
Thanks for the great tips! I will confess that I did my first lip flip a few weeks ago. The numbness does feel a little weird, but I’m very happy with the results! 👄
So it stays numb?
The numbness has mostly gone away. My lips are fuller and appear more youthful. It also helps hide the tiny lines above my lips. I’m very happy with the result and will definitely continue doing it!
I thought I already responded, but I don’t see it. The numbness is mostly gone now. It gives my lips a fuller and more youthful appearance and also seems to diminish the annoying lines that have formed above my lips. I’m extremely happy with the results and will definitely continue doing it! I highly recommend.
Thanks for the helpful lip tips! Would you mind also sharing a link for your blouse? It’s beautiful!
It’s this sweater. https://shopstyle.it/l/csyq1
The other day you shared a look a like for the suede Nordstrom dress that is sold out. I can’t find that link now. I ordered a large and it was too big but it is still sold out so I thought I would try this alternative dress! Thanks!
It’s this one. https://shopstyle.it/l/csytX
Yes! Thank you. Just ordered it.
What a great topic for a post, Jo-Lynne. I’m light-skinned with freckles, and by the time I was 50, my thin lips were the same color as my skin. I looked so washed out without lipstick that I had my lips tattooed. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. They are still thin, of course, but the permanent color keeps me from feeling like I’m fading into the background, especially when I go makeup-free, which is happening more frequently these days. The tattooing suits my simple, active lifestyle and helps me feel comfortable in my skin as I’ve age. I’m 63 now. I wear moisturizing lip balm if my lips feel dry. Occasionally, if I’m going out, I’ll wear a plumping gloss.
My lips are pretty full so at age 63 I don’t have this problem….. yet. lol I love the Primally Pure lip balm in Creamsicle. All natural and keeps my lips hydrated and protected from the sun. There are other flavors too. Prayers for Becca.
Thanks for the tutorial! I just purchased the kit; after my NAS purchase, I had a $10 note waiting for me this morning, so it was a no-brainer to apply my discount to the kit and get it coming my way.
I have an inexpensive, small red light therapy wand I got from Amazon that I use for a couple minutes around my chin and upper lip area. Red Light brings a lot of blood flow to the area and helps with collagen production. I feel it makes a difference in making my lips look fuller.
Interesting. Good to know!
Thinking ahead to the holidays for gifts for my granddaughters who are around the age of your daughters. Looking for suggestions around $50 or a bit more. Do your daughters like anything from the Nordstrom sale?
Thank you
Emily
Yes, my daughter loved these – https://shopstyle.it/l/cszdI
And this – https://shopstyle.it/l/cszft
Pretty much the whole BP. line, lol! https://shopstyle.it/l/cszfv
Pencil lip liners tend to drag my lips. Do you have a recommendation for another liner?
The tarte one might be softer? I use that a lot – https://shopstyle.it/l/cszdV
Thank you.
Gosh, I am way too lazy to line my lips, but always annoyed that my lipstick or gloss wear off so fast. *insert laughing with tears face* That said, I most often default to wearing tinted lip balm, because it’s quick and easy.
Thanks. My basic three are the same as yours except I first start with a “lip fix” along the lip line to stop any feathering. (I’m still using the long-time gold standard Elizabeth Arden.) I didn’t know there was a Burt’s Bees exfoliator. Off to track it down!
I recently went through a few weeks of very dry lips–I tried everything–here’s what finally worked! Cerave Healing Ointment at night–its like vaseline but its formulated with petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for these tips! Now this mature lady needs to follow them. I hope that Becca’s flight landed and that they make it back to your home safely!
Always appreciate your post. Thank you for sharing with us. x
Jo Lynne, I thought of you and this post when I was at Sephora recently – I bought the nude lip kit and love it!
https://www.sephora.com/product/it-s-giving-nude-lip-P518479?
Ohh thanks for the rec!
Thank you bunches for sharing these steps and tips! I just received the CT kit from Nordstrom. Followed your step by step instructions and love it.
Thank you! 💕
Cheers!
So happy to hear that!