How to Make Lips Look Larger with Makeup

Thanks to women like Angelina Jolie, big lips are in high demand, here's how you can fake them without injections.

Don't Let them Dry Out

Keeping your lips hydrated will not only make them look healthier, but it will also make them look slightly fuller than when they're dry and chapped. Just think of how much better a plump grape looks compared to a wrinkled raisin.

So make sure to apply some balm to your lips prior to a shower. At the end of the shower exfoliate your lips with a wet towel to slough off dead skin.

Plump Them Up

Next, apply a plumping lip balm like DuWop's Prime Venom. A plumping lip balm will seal in moisture while also smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. It also temporarily stings the lips to make them appear slightly fuller. The effect will only last a few hours so keep it on hand to re-apply.

Draw the Line

This step isn't completely necessary because it's a little high-maintenance, but I'd recommend it for very thin lips. Use a lip liner that matches the lip color you're going to wear.

Now, instead of tracing your natural lip line, line the area slightly above it to make your mouth look fuller. And by slightly I mean about a tenth of an inch above your lip line. You seriously don't want to go much farther than that, because it will be noticeable and your lips will look fake. Don't go overboard and try to keep the look as natural as possible.

Fill It In

Depending on your preferences, you can use a gloss or a lipstick to add color to your pout. If you choose a lip gloss, instead of choosing a creamy one, use a gloss that's very shiny. It will reflect more light and make your mouth look plumper.

However if lipsticks are your thing, choose a moisturizing lipstick, not a matte version. And if possible choose a slightly shimmery one like L'Oreals Colour Riche Lipstick in Kerry's Rosewood that will reflect a ton of light.

Next apply a clear shiny gloss, or a shimmery one (even better if it's a plumping gloss) that matches your lip color to the middle of both your top and bottom lips. Blend it in only in the center, so it can create the optical illusion of a fuller pout.

Whatever You Do... Don't

Don't choose really dark colors like chocolate brown, plum, or wine. Dark shades will only make a thin pout look even smaller not full and luscious, and it will also give you a harsh, stern look. Always err on the side of caution and choose lighter shades of pinks, peaches, and nudes.