The Absolute Best Beauty Tips for Thin Lips

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Published Jan 11, 2019

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Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe she’s not. And by “it,” we mean Angelina Jolie’s lips. Whether you have always been thin-lipped or are suddenly experiencing a loss of volume (an unfortunate side effect of aging), here are a few makeup and skin-care tips to keep in mind.

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Skip Deep Red Lipsticks

We love a dark lip as much as the next girl. But rich shades tend to draw attention to the problem. Instead, nudes and soft pinks are your best bets. Using a flesh-toned pencil, trace just slightly outside your natural lip line. Then fill in your lips completely with the pencil. Top them off with a creamy neutral lipstick in a similar shade and enjoy the magic of optical illusion.

Get the look: NYX lip pencil ($4); Lipstick Queen lipstick ($24); MAC nude lip kit ($43)

Jimi Celeste/Getty Images

Be Strategic About Shine

Don’t add gloss all over. Apply just a touch to the center of your top and bottom lips. This will reflect light and give them a 3-D effect. Finish with a dab of highlighter (or champagne-colored eye shadow) on your Cupid’s bow (the peak of your top lip) to add visual depth.

Get the look: Colourpop ($8); RMS Beauty ($38); Charlotte Tilbury ($38)

Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Bring Focus To Your Eyes

Bold brows, fluttery lashes and smoky shadow: Don’t be afraid to go big on the eyes to counteract your petite pout. And since you’re going neutral on the lips, a heavier eye won’t look too overdone.

Get the look: Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencil ($23); Too Faced mascara ($24); Clarins eye shadow palette ($44)

@sarahapp/Instagram

Boost Circulation Regularly

Before ever putting on lip color, take a toothbrush, washcloth or lip scrub and gently rub it over your lips in a circular motion. Not only does this help nix flakes (dry lips reflect less light, making them look smaller), but it also promotes circulation (which actually does temporarily plump them up).

Get the look: Frank Body ($15); Kopari ($16); Sara Happ ($24)

@eosproducts/Instagram

Keep Lips Moist

Whether you prefer a convenient stick or a thicker salve, keeping your lips hydrated is key to making them look fuller. Slather on liberally after exfoliating and whenever lips feel dry.

Get the look: Eos ($5); Dr. Hauschka ($15); First Aid Beauty ($20)

petrunjela/Getty Images

Protect Your Lips From The Sun

Surprise! UV rays age your lips just like your skin. More specifically, they break down collagen, which leads to thinning over time. Prevent future deflation by wearing a lipstick or balm with a minimum of SPF 15 whenever you’re outside.

Get the look: Supergoop! ($10); Jane Iredale ($17); Coola ($18)

Twenty20

Treat Your Lips At Night

Anti-aging skin care shouldn’t stop with your eye cream. Consider a nighttime lip treatment that has peptides and hyaluronic acid to help plump lips and soften lines while you sleep. Then you’ll be in an even better place to master all the tricks above.

Get the look: Peter Thomas Roth ($15); Kiehl's ($26); Fresh ($36)