There’s absolutely no doubt about the fact that big pouts are IN at the moment, but unless you’re going for Kardashian-style lip filling injections, you may feel like your lips leave you feeling a little bit flat. There are, however, a few things you can do to make your pout look fuller without needing to plump them up surgically, and we’ve got five things you can do for a fraction of the price (and pain!):
Exfoliate
Lips which are covered in dry skin often look tighter and smaller, so it stands to reason that getting rid of dry skin is a good first step to putting some oomph back in your lips. Dermalogica Exfoliating Face Brush is intended for use over your whole face, but concentrate a few extra moments on your lips to keep them flake-free. It will also improve circulation which will also add volume to your lips.
Moisturise
Keeping your lips moisturised is another obvious way to keep your lips as plump as possibe. Many people use petroleum jelly on their lips by default, but these actually dry your lips out more because not only are petroleum products drying, but they also act as a barrier cream which keeps moisture out. Elemis Lip Revive is made from white bees wax which actively nourishes and moisturises the skin white peppermint oil helps to add volume to the lips.
Use a Base
When you apply your foundation or base, make sure you apply it to your lips too as this will blur the lip line and allow you to over-line your lips, giving them a larger appearance. It can take some practice to get right, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to make it look totally natural. We recommend a Dermalogica Sheer Tint which will give your skin a natural wash of colour and help you to blend the colour of your lips into the surrounding skin.
Avoid Dark Lipstick
We’re not sure how it works or the science behind it, but it’s a generally widely accepted piece of knowledge that dark lipsticks make your mouth look much smaller, even if you have a substantial pout in the first place. Nude or paler colours tend to make your lips look much bigger and glossier colours will usually look better than mattes.
Highlight Your Cupid’s Bow
This is a trick that any make-up artist worth their salt uses and it’s easy as pie to do. Take a tiny dab of highlighter on a soft, rounded brush and dab it on your cupid’s bow (that’s the arch of your lips directly beneath your nose). It creates a flash of shimmer which somehow makes your mouth look much fuller.