Do you want full and sensual lips? There is no method to permanently plump them, but you can try various short and long-term solutions to make them fuller, more defined and voluminous. Read this article to find out about the different options.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Use Replumping Products
Step 1. Invest in a plumping product
It is available in different forms: lip glosses, conditioners, tubes, gels and jars. Applying it to your lips can temporarily make them appear fuller, but remember that the plumping action often occurs through an irritation.
- The plumping effect lasts only a couple of hours, but you can renew it by applying the product to the lips again.
- Remember that the effects will not be as radical as those obtained with cosmetic surgery.
Step 2. Learn to read the ingredient list of plumping products to buy the right one
Ingredients like cinnamon, mint, Canada tea, and capsicum promote blood flow to the lip area, causing them to redden and swell, so they look plumper.
Step 3. Use a plumper as a primer
If you want to combine the benefits of the volumizer with a lipstick or lip gloss, apply it before applying your makeup for maximum effectiveness.
Step 4. Don't overdo the use of plumping agents
Dermatologists advise against overdoing it because these products can dry out and crack the lips. Save them for special occasions.
Step 5. Consider volumizing treatments
If you want to get a more effective result, you can try a plumping treatment. Cosmetic companies claim it can stimulate the production of more collagen and elastin, making your lips stay plump for longer.
- Plumping treatments can be found online and in stores that sell beauty products. They can be more expensive than classic volumizing products.
- Some of the more common ingredients found in plumping treatments include peptides, marine collagen, and somatotropin.
Method 2 of 5: Create an Optical Illusion with Makeup
Step 1. Get the supplies
To give the impression that the lips are more voluminous you can use makeup. You need a pencil or a pencil, a lipstick or a pencil of the same color as the pencil (but a lighter tone), a lip gloss, a lip balm or an illuminating powder and a special exfoliant (a toothbrush is also fine).
- For a more natural make-up, use a pencil and a 2-tone nude lipstick. If you want a more intense result, use products in bright colors, such as red or pink.
- The intense colors immediately make the lips appear plumper and plump.
- Some cosmetic companies sell double-ended pencils. The tips are the same color in two different shades. This product is a great alternative.
- You may find that matte pencils and lipsticks are the easiest to work with, especially when you want a natural look.
Step 2. Exfoliate your lips
With a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently massage your lips for about 20 seconds to remove dead skin cells. They will thicken slightly, but they can also become dry.
- You can also exfoliate your lips with a damp towel or sugar.
- Some dermatologists advise against exfoliation because over time it can cause them to dry out and crack.
- Remember that it is still possible to exfoliate from time to time. For example, if they are chapped and you need to apply lipstick for a formal occasion, you can. The important thing is that it doesn't become a habit.
Step 3. Apply a moisturizing conditioner
Any one will do - just make sure you avoid those that are waxy or too heavy. In fact, they don't moisturize your lips, they just help them stay hydrated.
Make sure you use the conditioner abundantly. Before applying the pencil, let it absorb for a couple of minutes
Step 4. Outline the lips with the dark pencil
Drawing the outline is a good trick to make them look more meaty. For a natural result, outline the outer edge or slightly overshoot it.
Don't go too far beyond the natural contour of the lips, otherwise you risk looking like a clown
Step 5. Color the lips
With the dark pencil, fill in the corners, then apply the lighter lipstick or pencil to the center of the upper and lower lip.
Someone recommends applying the pencil all over the lips to create an even base. Experiment with different methods to figure out which one gives you the most satisfying results
Step 6. Blend the products you have applied, otherwise you risk having a too defined contour and an unsightly result
For a natural effect, blend the pencil and lipstick well. You can do this with your finger, a cotton swab, or a lip brush.
Step 7. Apply lip gloss all over your lips
You can use a clear one or one in the same color range as the pencil and lipstick.
Step 8. Apply a thin layer of highlighter to the center of the upper and lower lips
You can use a highlighter cream, conditioner, or powder. Gently tap it with your finger.
- You can also use a pearl eyeshadow in place of the highlighter.
- After tapping the highlighter on your lips, gently rub your finger to blend the product.
Step 9. At this point, you will have nice plump lips
Method 3 of 5: Caring for Your Lips
Step 1. Drink lots of water
When lips are dry and chapped, they look thinner. It's easy to make them more plump and healthier - you need to take care of them. The first step in doing this is to drink lots of water.
In the United States, a rather simple method is often used to calculate how much water to drink daily. Divide your body weight in pounds by two. The result will tell you how many ounces of water per day you should drink (you can easily convert the measurements on Google)
Step 2. If you live in a hot place or play sports, so you sweat more than usual, you should drink more
A woman weighing 150 pounds (68 kg) should drink approximately 75 ounces (about 2.2 liters) of water per day
Step 3. Don't lick your lips
When you do this, your tongue leaves behind acid-containing saliva residues that can dehydrate your lips and cause irritation.
Step 4. Don't smoke
Smoking can irritate and change the color of the lips, plus it causes fine lines around the mouth. If you don't want to quit, at least try to use the electronic cigarette, which for the lips will not be as harmful as a normal one.
You can try to reduce color changes caused by smoking by massaging sweet almond or coconut oil into your lips every day
Step 5. Apply a moisturizing conditioner
If you have dry or chapped lips, use a balm regularly. Are they healthy? You should use a moisturizing lip balm that contains SPF to protect them from the sun's rays.
- If you have sensitive lips, it may be necessary to experiment to find a suitable balm. Some use natural products containing ingredients such as coconut oil and honey, while others find conditioners with a menthol-based medicated formula to be the best.
- Unless you have well-hydrated lips, avoid beeswax-based balms. They are too heavy to actually nourish the lips. They can simply help form a barrier to keep them hydrated (but basic they should already be).
Step 6. Protect your lips from the sun's rays
You can forgo any lip product, but you shouldn't do without a balm or lip balm with sun protection factor. UV rays can crack and dry out your lips, making them look smaller than they really are.
- Bright products, such as lip glosses, can amplify the sun's rays and damage the lips, so they are not effective in protecting them. To get an idea, exposing yourself to the sun with bare lips is less dangerous than doing it after applying lip gloss.
- According to dermatologists, applying an SPF-free lip gloss can cause far more serious damage than cosmetic damage; in fact, it can increase the risk of getting skin cancer.
Step 7. Don't exfoliate your lips
Exfoliation can make them smoother in the short term, but if done regularly it can damage them. Instead of exfoliating them, try to keep them hydrated.
The lips must be treated differently from the rest of the epidermis: they are formed by a mucous membrane and covered by a thin and sensitive skin layer. When they are healthy, they are naturally smooth
Step 8. Avoid products that may cause allergic reactions
If you take care of your lips but they are still permanently chapped, you may be allergic to one or more products that come into contact with this part of the face.
- Citrus and salty foods can irritate them.
- Some toothpastes can also irritate them. If you think this is the problem, try using one that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol.
- Beware of heavily scented face products - they can end up on your lips and irritate them.
Method 4 of 5: Exercise the Lips
Step 1. Try to exercise your lips every day
It can take a month to start noticing a difference, so you need to be patient. Taking a picture of the before and after can help - observing your progress will help keep you motivated.
- Try to do at least a few minutes of exercise a couple of times a day. You can either run the ones outlined in this article or search online to find more.
- If you want to be guided step by step while exercising your lips, you can find many tutorials with targeted movements to plump them.
- Many people swear they have seen a substantial difference, but there is no official scientific research confirming the validity of these exercises.
Step 2. Make sure your lips are well hydrated
If you do the exercises when they are dry and cracked, they will likely crack and / or bleed.
If they are quite chapped, drink plenty of water and apply a good moisturizing conditioner. Before you start doing the exercises, wait a few days for them to get back on their feet
Step 3. Give kisses
Bring your hand to your face and press your lips to the back, as if you were going to kiss someone. Keep your lips in this position for a few seconds. Repeat 5-10 times.
Step 4. Smile and pucker your lips 5 times
Sit up straight and smile as wide as possible with your mouth closed. Stay in this position for 15 seconds, then relax. Next, pucker your lips: stick them out as much as possible, as if you're accentuating a kiss. Do 10 repetitions.
- After smiling, pucker your lips and hold this position for at least 30 seconds. Then, relax your muscles and push your lips into your mouth, gently squeezing them with your teeth. Hold this position for 10 seconds.
- Repeat the whole process 5 times.
Step 5. Smile with your lips folded in
Bend them over your teeth, then lift the corners of your mouth to smile. Maintain this position for at least 10 seconds. Do 10 repetitions.
Step 6. Press your lips together 10 times
When you press them, create a straight line. To perform this movement, imagine that something is resisting, preventing you from pressing your lips. Keep them in this position for 5 seconds. Do 10 repetitions.
Step 7. Pretend to rinse with mouthwash
Close your mouth and pucker your lips slightly. Gently move them from left to right, alternately filling the cheeks with air. Imitate the motion you make to rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Do 10 repetitions.
Try to move your lips by creating an 8; alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise
Step 8. Make an accentuated duck face
Press your lips together and lift them towards your nose. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Do 10 repetitions.
Step 9. Breathe deeply
Inhale deeply, then puff out your cheeks and make an O with your lips as you prepare to exhale. Breathe out gradually: expel the air completely in 2-3 puffs.
Step 10. Pretend you are blowing a candle
Accentuate this movement by poking out your lips as much as possible. Relax them and do 5 repetitions.
Step 11. Take a break
If your mouth, face, or lips start to hurt, stop for a while. As with any type of muscle, those in the face can also tire. If you try too hard and ignore fatigue, you risk getting hurt.
Method 5 of 5: Consider a Cosmetic Procedure
Step 1. Think before you act
If you absolutely want to have fuller lips and no method tried so far has given you the desired results, you can consider a cosmetic intervention.
- Before choosing this path, inform yourself about the various methods, read reviews and personal experiences online, but also consult different doctors.
- Since the procedure is relatively short and non-invasive, this decision is sometimes taken lightly. However, as with any other cosmetic surgery, it needs to be weighed well: it can have lasting effects on your health and physical appearance.
Step 2. Learn about this cosmetic surgery operation
The surgery usually consists of injecting a dermal filler into the lips and perioral area.
- Today the most used dermal fillers contain substances similar to hyaluronic acid, naturally produced by the body.
- In the past, the most popular dermal filler was collagen, but it is no longer the favorite. In fact, there are now safer and more lasting solutions.
- Lipofilling consists in taking fat from another part of the patient's body through liposuction, and then injecting it into the area to be plumped. Being the most invasive surgery, it requires longer healing times.
Step 3. Find out about the actual surgery
It is a relatively quick procedure that can be done in an aesthetic doctor's office in no time:
- Before injections, the lips are usually numb.
- Before injecting the filler with fine needles, the doctor will mark the areas he will be treating.
- After the injections, ice can be applied to the area to relieve discomfort and swelling.
- Immediately after the procedure, you don't have to apply any substance to your lips. Ask your doctor for advice on which products you can use and when.
- Lipofilling is a less immediate alternative. In fact, it requires liposuction to remove fat from a part of the patient's body. Afterwards, it is injected into the lips.
Step 4. Know the risks
Hyaluronic acid fillers are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. In fact, they are composed of substances similar to those already produced by the body. In any case, allergies should not be excluded a priori.
- Some of the more common side effects: bleeding, redness and soreness in the areas where the stings were made, swelling and bruises.
- Some of the more serious side effects include the following: severe and prolonged swelling and bruising that persist for more than a week, lip asymmetry, lumps and irregularities, infections, scarring and ulcers that can cause the lips to stiffen.
- Each dermal filler contains specific ingredients. Some products are based on lidocaine, which can cause an allergic reaction.
Step 5. Discuss the allergy risk with your doctor
If you think you may be allergic to any ingredient in the filler, talk to your specialist prior to the procedure.
Warnings
- If you suffer from prolonged burning, discomfort, redness or swelling, stop using plumping products.
- Cosmetic surgery can cause the following side effects: soreness, bruises, bleeding, redness, discomfort, infection, lumps and irregularities. If you are unwilling to risk these possible adverse effects, it is best not to consider the surgical procedure.
- If you notice severe swelling or fever after having a cosmetic procedure, see a doctor immediately.
