Virtual Appointments - Now Available!

Learn More

Four Ways to Achieve Fuller Lips

By: Dr. Christopher Khorsandi

9/21/2015

Clear, well-defined eyes, smooth skin and full lips are some of the classic definitions of beauty in women. If your lips need more fullness to reach the ideal of beauty, you can choose from a number of methods to increase lip plumpness. Some of these have only a temporary effect, while cosmetic fillers, such as Juvederm can last for years.

Make Up Magic

The artful use of make-up can create an illusion of fullness for the lips. Outlining the outer edges of the lips with a dark shade of lip pencil, then carefully blending in the lines, will allow you to fill in with a lighter shade to make your lips appear fuller and more luscious. A white or flesh-colored pencil can also be used to accentuate the cupid’s bow of the upper lip for a fuller and shapelier appearance. In another method, experts recommend covering the lips with concealer and then creating a boundary slightly outside the natural shape of the lips.

Exfoliation

Another way to help your lips to look smoother, softer and more prominent is to use an exfoliant to remove dry, cracked areas. You can use a number of natural compounds such as sugar or salt and olive oil to make an abrasive material that will help to remove flaking skin. Rinse carefully and apply and emollient to keep your lips looking smoother and supple.

Plumping Compounds

Lip plumping cosmetics use compounds that create a slight irritation in the tissues of the lips to make them fuller and more appealing. They may use cinnamon, wintergreen, peppermint, ginger or capsicum to induce more blood flow to the lips. A number of gels, stick, creams or balms are available. Other products use peptides or collagen to create more lip fullness. Although the results are short-lived, they can provide increased fullness quickly for a holiday party.

Cosmetic Procedures

For a more lasting effect for the holiday season and beyond, consider a lip-enhancing cosmetic procedure. Lip augmentation can provide fuller, more kissable lips with the use of cosmetic filler materials such as Juvederm, Restylane or other compounds. The area is first numbed and then injected with these materials, which will give permanent or semi-permanent fullness to the lip shape. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and has few side effects. You can resume your activities immediately afterward.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.