The plumping effect will only last for a couple of hours, but you can renew it by reapplying the product to your lips. Note that the effects won’t be as drastic as those achieved through cosmetic surgery. [3] X Research source
Treatment plumpers are available for purchase online and in person at shops that carry beauty products. [6] X Research source They may be more expensive than traditional plumpers. Common ingredients in treatment plumpers include peptides, marine collagen, and human growth factors. [7] X Research source
For a more natural look, use two nude shades of lipliner and lipstick; for a more dramatic look, use vibrant reds or pinks. Dramatic colors will immediately make your lips look fuller and more prominent. Some makeup manufacturers sell double-sided lip crayons in complementary shades of the same color. These are great options. You may find that matte lipsticks and crayons are easier to work with, particularly when going for a naturally bigger lip.
You can also exfoliate your lips with a damp washcloth or sugar. [8] X Expert Source Charina RedugerioMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 26 May 2020. Some dermatologists advise against exfoliating one’s lips, as this can cause them to become dry and chapped over time. [9] X Research source Exfoliating your lips is fine to do once in a while if your lips are flakey and you need to wear lipstick (for example, if you’re going somewhere formal); just avoid it whenever you can!
Be sure that you’ve saturated your lips with the balm, and that you let it sit for a couple of minutes before applying the liner.
Don’t go too far outside the natural lines of your lips otherwise you may look like a clown![10] X Expert Source Charina RedugerioMakeup Artist Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.
Some people recommend filling in your entire lips with a lip pencil to create an even base. Experiment with different ways of lining your lips to see what you like best!
A shimmery eyeshadow will also work as a highlighter. After dabbing the highlighter on to your lips, rub your finger lightly over the dabs so that they’re nicely blended.
A popular method for calculating how much water you should drink each day is to take your weight in pounds and divide it in half; the result is how many ounces of water you should drink each day. [11] X Research source
A 150-pound woman should drink roughly 75 ounces (about 2,200 ml) of water each day.
You may be able to reduce smoking-related discoloration by massaging almond and coconut oil on your lips each day. [13] X Research source
If your lips are sensitive, it may take some trial and error to find a lip balm that works for you. Some people use natural balms containing ingredients like coconut oil and honey, while others find that medicated balms containing menthol are best. Unless your lips are already well-hydrated, avoid beeswax lip balms. Beeswax lip balms are too heavy to actually impart moisture to your lips; they can only seal in the moisture that’s already there.
Shiny products such as lip glosses can actually magnify the sun’s rays, causing them to harm your lips more than if you had nothing on your lips at all. Dermatologists warn that wearing lip gloss without an SPF can do more than damage your lips: it can actually cause skin cancer. [14] X Research source
Unlike your regular skin, your lips are made of a sensitive mucous membrane. When this membrane is healthy, it’s naturally smooth. [15] X Research source
Citrusy and salty foods can irritate lips. Some toothpastes can irritate lips. If you think your toothpaste may be causing problems for you, try switching to one that doesn’t contain sodium laurel sulphate or alcohol. Be mindful of heavily scented facial products, which can wind up on your lips and can cause irritation.
Aim for at least a few minutes of lip exercises 1 to 2 times per day. You can pick and choose from the exercises in this article, or do an online search for more exercises. There are many instructional videos on lip-plumping exercises, if you’d like someone to follow along with. While many people swear they’ve seen a difference, there is insufficient scientific research to suggest that lip exercises actually work.
If your lips are quite chapped, drink lots of water and apply a good lip moisturizer, then wait a few days until they’re in better shape before starting lip exercises.
After smiling and puckering your lips, hold the puckered position for at least 30 seconds, then relax and pull your lips inside your mouth, letting your teeth gently clamp down on them. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat the whole process 5 times.
Try to move your lips in the shape of a figure 8, in both directions.
Before choosing lip augmentation, read about the different methods, read online reviews and personal experiences, and consult a few different doctors. Because lip augmentation is a relatively short and non-invasive procedure it may be tempting to make the decision lightly. As with any cosmetic procedure, however, it’s a decision that needs to be well thought out, as it can have lasting effects on your health and appearance.
The most commonly used dermal fillers today contain substances similar to hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in your body. [24] X Research source Collagen was once the most common dermal filler, but it is no longer the No. 1 choice as there are now safer and longer-lasting options. [25] X Research source Fat grafting involves transferring fat from one part of the body to the lips through liposuction. [26] X Research source It requires a longer healing time than other methods, as it is the most invasive. [27] X Research source
Your lips will likely be numbed before the injections. The doctor will then mark the areas that he/she will inject before injecting them with fine needles. After the injections, ice may be applied to ease discomfort and swelling. You’ll need to avoid putting any products on your lips immediately after the procedure. Ask your doctor for advice on what’s okay to put on your lips, and when. The exception to quick lip augmentation procedures is fat injection, which requires some liposuction to remove fat from one part of your body before injecting it into your lips. [29] X Research source
Common side effects include bleeding, redness and tenderness at the injection sites, and swelling and bruising. More serious side effects include severe and prolonged swelling and bruising lasting longer than a week; lip asymmetry; lumps and irregularities in the lips; infections; and ulcers and scarring that can cause the lips to become stiff. The specific ingredients contained in your dermal filler will depend on the product used. Some contain lidocaine, which can cause an allergic reaction.
