It's highly noticeable on social media that most beauty influencers have enhanced their lips with filler. Many agree that lip makeup looks better on plumper lips and while some won't hesitate to meet this new beauty standard, others prefer natural ways to enhance what they're born with. Achieve fuller lips without fillers with these easy tricks.
Exfoliate.
To achieve fuller lips without fillers, Seventeen advises to exfoliate lips first to get rid of dry, dead and flaky skin that make the lips look even smaller. While there are many exfoliating balms out there, you can make your own by simply mixing sugar with any emollient. Try honey, coconut or olive oil or even petroleum jelly. Massage on lips until all the flakes are gone. You can also use a toothbrush and brush your lips lightly. Physical exfoliation will also improve circulation and will give your lips are rosier color even without makeup.
Try a lip mask.
Just like sheet masks for the face, there are lip masks that are infused with collagen to help plump up the lips. The Zoe Report recommends Skyn Iceland Plumping Lip Gel, Patchology FlashPatch Lip Gels, KNC Beauty All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask and Tony Moly Kiss Kiss Lovely Lip Patch.
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Apply a lip serum.
Lip serums are the easiest alternative to injectibles. While the effect is temporary, the results are fast, and they serve as a great primer before you apply any type of lip makeup. Harper's Bazaar suggests Neutrogena Healthy Lips Plumping Serum, Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Collagen Lip Cushion, Filorga Nutri-Filler Lips Nutri-Plumping Lip Balm and Lancer Volume Enhancing Lip Serum.
Apply your base.
Makeup artist Hillary Kline tells Marie Claire that patting on concealer or a lightweight foundation will make your lipstick go on smoother and last longer. Applying concealer outside your natural lip line also widens your canvas so you can fake a bigger pout.
Lip liner is your best friend.
This tested and proven trick is every makeup artist's favorite. Kline suggests getting a lip liner that's two shades darker than your actual lips color to outline your lips. Make sure to line outside your lips to make them look fuller. Use that same liner to fill in your lips so the effect looks real and natural. If you want top it off with a lipstick, use lighter colors as darker ones will make lips look flatter.
Lip gloss may be a better option than lipstick.
Lip gloss reflects light and makes the lips look plumper. You can layer it over a light-colored lipstick or get a clear gloss and dab it at the center of your lips to serve as a highlighter. A very popular and affordable option ($3!) is the Essence Shine Shine Shine Lipgloss in Behind the Scenes.
Create dimension.
Layering is key to plumper-looking lips. For this trick you'll need two shades of lipsticks and it's going to work better if they're both on the lighter side. Sephora Collection makeup artist Helen Phillips tells She Finds suggests playing with lip liner and different shades of lipstick. You can also choose two nude or light shades from one brand in the same finish for a seamless look. Apply the darker shade first then apply the lighter shade in the middle. You can top it with gloss for the illusion of fuller lips.
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