Let’s talk about Kylie Jenner’s lips. The youngest of the Kardasian klan has caused quite the stir among Internet speculators as to whether or not her newly full, luscious lips are the product of injectibles such as Restylane or strategic makeup application. But after speaking to a few makeup pros (and examining some closely zoomed photos of Kylie), we realized it is indeed possible to make your lips bigger and fuller without booking a procedure. Follow the expert tips below for a plumped-up pout, sans scary needles:
1. Prime the Lips: Before applying color, dot a little pale lipstick or concealer in the center of the lower lip. “Press lips together a couple times to transfer the paler color to the center of top lip — this creates a more 3-D lip effect,” explained celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle. You can also do the same thing with a gloss, the illusion will just be a little more subtle.
2. Choose the Perfect Color: It’s all about striking the right level of contrast. “The lighter the skin, the less natural pigmentation we have in our lips, and the more contrast with a high pigment lip color we get,” explained Hannah Hatcher, Makeup Artist and Global Educator for jane iredale The Skin Care Makeup. But contrast doesn’t necessarily mean a dark color. In fact, Hatcher explains that just like your favorite little black dress can make you look slimmer, dark lipstick can have the same effect on lips: “Dark lipsticks that have undertones of brown, dark pink, blue reds or any other dark color will make your lips look smaller.” Instead, opt for lighter/neutral colors that will stand out against your natural lip color, but are still complementary.”For instance, tan skin with a pale sherbet peach (think Jennifer Lopez),” Buckle suggests. Want to try red, or another brighter color? Go for something a little bit more sheer, Hatcher said. That way, when you shade from the liner into the center of the lip, you can create a natural outline that’s slightly more distinct than the center.
READ MORE: The Most Flattering Red Lipstick For Every Skintone
3. Start With Liner: The only way to really make lips look significantly bigger is to draw them bigger. “Use a pencil that is only slightly deeper than the lip color you’re using,” Buckle said. “Blend the liner onto the lip, drawing a sharp edge on the outer perimeter of the lip to create the shape and a softer, blended edge onto the lip—this creates a more 3-D effect and will be a less obvious ‘overdraw,'” he added. Use your finger to blend so that the liner is harshest at the edges and blends softly into the center where it merges with your lipstick.
4. Choose Your Finish: A matte finish is better when you’re using this overdrawing method, because a glossy finish reflects light and can reveal the natural edge of your lip underneath, blowing your cover, Buckle explained. (If you’re not overdrawing and just want a natural little boost of fullness, simply use a lipstick with a slight sheen, topped with a gloss, which will create a plumper illusion. Hatcher recommends the jane iredale PureMoist Lipsticks and PureGloss Lip Gloss.)
READ MORE: 2 Pro Tips That Will Restore Your Faith in Lip Liner
5. Try a Plumping Product: Not too keen on overdrawing your lips? “Certain peptides, such as palmitoyl oligopeptide, have been shown to plump lips by increasing hydration and stimulating collagen synthesis,” Hatcher said. “Botanical ingredients that stimulate circulation—spearmint and peppermint oils, ginger root extract—also create a temporary plumping as they send blood to the site of application.” jane iredale’s Just Kissed Lip Plumper works exactly that way, while also moisturizing and smoothing the lips with shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe vera.
6. Healthy Lips Are Fuller Lips: No matter which lip-amplifying method you choose, it’s always important to keep lips healthy by exfoliating them regularly and using moisturizing balms and treatments—healthy, smooth lips will already appear a bit fuller naturally.See, no need to stick needles in your lips!
