It's natural for lips to start thinning as you age.
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There comes a point when your favourite lipstick suddenly does not sit the same way it used to.
The edges of your lips look softer, your top lip seems to disappear in photos and gloss no longer gives you that naturally plump look you once had without trying.
Unfortunately, thinner lips are one of the most common signs of ageing. As we get older, the body gradually produces less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are all responsible for keeping skin firm, bouncy and hydrated.
The lips also lose some of their natural fat and structure over time, while years of sun exposure, smoking and even repetitive movements like sipping through straws can speed up the process.
Unfortunately, thinner lips are one of the most common signs of ageing.
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The good news is that you do not need lip fillers or cosmetic surgery to fake a fuller pout.
A few clever makeup techniques and simple daily habits can make a noticeable difference.
No lip trick works properly on dry, flaky lips. Fuller-looking lips start with prep.
Hydrated lips naturally reflect more light, which instantly creates the illusion of volume. Before applying lipstick, gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or damp face cloth to remove dry skin.
Follow with a nourishing lip balm and give it a few minutes to sink in before starting your makeup.
Products containing shea butter, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil help soften lips and prevent fine lines from looking more pronounced.
Staying hydrated also matters more than people realise. Dehydrated lips tend to look flat and shrivelled, while well-hydrated skin appears naturally plumper.
Gently exfoliate your lips.
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This is probably the oldest makeup trick in the book, but when done properly, it works surprisingly well.
The secret is subtlety. Instead of dramatically drawing outside your natural lip shape, use a lip liner that closely matches your natural lip colour and trace just slightly above the cupid’s bow and centre of the bottom lip.
Keeping the outlining focused on the fullest parts of the mouth looks far more believable.
Avoid dragging the liner too far beyond the corners of the lips because that is where the effect starts looking obvious.
A softly blended liner also helps create dimension and prevents the lips from looking flat.
Dark lipsticks can make lips appear smaller because darker colours visually recede. Softer shades tend to do the opposite.
Creamy nude tones, rosy pinks, peach shades and glosses reflect light and create the illusion of fullness.
Satin and glossy finishes work especially well because shine naturally attracts attention to the centre of the lips.
Matte lipstick is not completely off-limits, but very dry matte formulas can emphasise lines and make lips look thinner.
Opt for lighter shades.
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You do not need to coat your entire mouth in sticky gloss to get the fuller-lip effect.
A small amount placed strategically in the centre of the lips instantly creates dimension. Light hits the gloss and gives the illusion that the lips are rounder and more pillowy.
This trick works beautifully over lipstick or even on bare lips for a more natural look.
Highlighting the cupid’s bow can make a surprising difference.
A touch of highlighter placed above the centre of the upper lip catches the light and gives the lips a lifted appearance. Some makeup artists also dab a tiny amount onto the centre of the bottom lip for extra dimension.
The key is keeping it soft and natural-looking.
While makeup creates the fastest transformation, daily habits can help support the appearance of fuller lips over time.