6 Simple Makeup Tricks That Make Your Lips Look Fuller

16 Dec 2021

IT Cosmetics guide to plumper, fuller lips

By IT Cosmetics Pro Beauty Team

Full, kissable, luscious lips never go out of style. Some say that fuller lips can help create more facial symmetry, and many also consider plump pouts a sign of youthfulness and vitality. Alas, not everyone’s blessed with naturally full lips, which is where makeup products like lip liner, lip gloss, and even gentle lip plumpers can lend a helping hand. Follow these makeup tricks and you’ll be on your way to fuller-looking lips.

Tip #1: Use Ultra-Hydrating Lip Products

Following a proper lip care routine is key to creating gorgeous lips After gently exfoliating with a lip scrub, soft-bristled toothbrush, or clean washcloth, follow up with hydrating lip products as part of your ongoing lip care routine. These include lip balms, lipsticks, and lip glosses formulated with natural oils and butters, as well as hyaluronic acid.

We recommend Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Lip Balm Treatment, a lip-reviving, color-infused balm that delivers intense hydration and a naturally flushed lip color. It’s infused with essential butters and oils, hyaluronic filling spheres, and antioxidants. Pillow Lips Solid Serum Lip Gloss is another go-to goodie. It's a 5-in-1 lip moisturizer that combines the hydrating care of a lip balm with the sheer tint of gloss. You'll get up to 24 hours of hydration, instant shine, and no feathering.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stay hydrated from the inside-out. You should aim for between 11 and 16 cups of water per day. Boosting the humidity in your home with a humidifier can also help prevent your skin from getting too dry.

Tip #2: Slightly Overline With Your Lip Liner

It doesn’t matter what size your lips are—you can always take them to new levels by slightly overlining with a lip liner. The key to mastering this ‘90s era trend that’s still popular today is to use a shade that matches your lipstick perfectly, and to not go overboard. Even a very slight overline can create the illusion of fuller lips.

Starting at the cupid's bow (the little hollow just above the center of your top lip), draw a light line slightly beyond your natural lip shape. Fill in the rest of your lips with the liner, then follow up with your lipstick.

Pro Tip: Overlining is something you might need to experiment with to get it right. The goal is to create the illusion of slightly more pronounced lips without looking unnatural. Send a selfie to a friend for feedback if you’re feeling unsure.

Tip #3: Wear Several Layers of Lipstick

Take a page from Marilyn Monroe’s beauty book! Makeup historians say this bombshell consistently wore five coats of lipstick in order to help achieve her iconic full lips. We’re not saying you have to go five layers deep, but a second or third coat of lipstick can help create the look of full lips. Between layers, place a tissue between your lips and press down to blot.

Tip #4: Create Some Subtle Contour

A more low-key way to make your lips look even more luscious is to contour the area just underneath your bottom lip. You’ll need a face contour color that’s one to two shades darker than your complexion and a small makeup brush (try the Superhero 4-in-1 Eye-Transforming Super Shadow and Liner Brush). Using a light hand, apply a touch of the contour just underneath your bottom lip. This creates the subtle illusion of a shadow, which can trick the eye into seeing your lips as fuller than they truly are.

Tip #5: Apply Highlighter to Your Cupid’s Bow

If there’s contour, you bet there’s going to be some highlighting action, too! Using a fluffier makeup brush, apply a touch of highlighter to the bottom of your cupid’s bow. A tiny amount is all you need to make your lips pop.

Pro Tip: We recommend applying highlighter after you’ve applied your lipstick. The Hello Light™ Anti-Aging Powder Luminizer offers the perfect amount of subtle radiance.

Tip #5: Add Gloss to Your Center Bottom Lip

As the final method in your mission to achieve the look of full lips, apply a small amount of lip gloss to the center of your bottom lip and then blend it out with clean fingers. This trick works the same way the highlighter does on your cupid’s bow and makes the area visibly “pop” for juicy-looking, big lips. If the gloss has a hint of radiance, that can add to the effect. Try Vitality Lip Flush Stain Hydrating Serum Gloss Stain, a hydrating gloss that's never sticky or tacky.

While we’re on the topic of lip care, read through our guide on how to soothe chapped lips, then check out our roundup of collagen-infused lipstick and other lip care products your lips will love.