Creating a spectacularly beautiful look when you have thin lips may feel a bit like mission impossible. Getting the right lipstick shade to match your skin and to make the most of a small mouth area can seem impossible at first. But, contrary to what you may have heard, lipstick can be an important asset for thin lips; when applied correctly, it can create the illusion of pouty, full lips by drawing attention and making them stand out. By following these lipstick tips for thin lips, you’ll be able to create an elegant, remarkable look without looking over-the-top.
How to Choose Lipstick for Thin Lips
Finding the right lipstick for thin lips comes down to learning which colors and tones best flatter your complexion. There are certain shades that give the illusion of fullness, and the key to achieving the desired effect is to know what to look for. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when selecting a lipstick for thin lips.
Select Colors That Compliment Your Skin Tone
Your skin tone impacts the colors and shades of lipstick you can comfortably wear. If you have fair skin, consider lavender, violet and purple shades of lipstick as these will bring out your skin’s beautiful undertone. Conversely, if your complexion is darker, opt for colors such as coral and pink to add an extra bit of contrast.
Choose Matte Textures
Matte lipstick gives thin lips the appearance of fullness since it softens the color and creates a subtle line. Since matte-finish lipstick won’t reflect light, you won’t have to worry about it accentuating the size of your lips. Matte textures are also less prone to smudging and fading over time, so you don’t have to worry about touching up as often.
Look for Neutral Tones
Neutral tones can do wonders for thin lips. Shades like beige and brown have a naturalistic color range that won’t draw too much attention – they’ll make your lips look full and healthy without looking too heavy or too light. You can even layer these colors together to achieve a slightly darker hue that provides just the right amount of contrast.
How to Enhance Your Look with Lip Liners
Although lip liners are not essential for creating a fuller-looking lip, they can go a long way towards achieving a more natural-looking finish. Lip liners help to define the lip contours in order to create the illusion of a bigger mouth. Here are some tips for using lip liners with thin lips.
Choose Soft Liners
For thin lips, it’s important to choose a liner that has a soft texture – otherwise, you’ll end up with an overly defined lip line that can look a bit harsh. Soft liners are easier to apply and they achieve a natural look that doesn’t detract from your overall image.
Pick Light Colors
When it comes to lip liners, light colors are a must for thin lips. Make sure you find a liner that is similar to the color of your lip shade as this will produce a beautiful, seamless finish that won’t draw too much attention to the lines. Choose a color that is slightly lighter than the lipstick color, as this will make the lips look softer and more natural.
Create an Outer Line
For thin lips, creating an outer line can be very beneficial in making them look fuller. Gently apply the liner around the outer part of the lip line and blend it in towards the center before applying the lipstick. This will help to create an illusion of fullness without it looking overdone.
Use Glosses Sparingly
Lip glosses can be tricky if you have thin lips, as too much product can cause your lips to look smaller. Instead, opt for a matte finish that can give the mouth area an extra bit of definition and fullness. If you really want to use a lip gloss, make sure to use a light, translucent color to avoid that overly shiny look.
Lipstick Application Tips
Now that you have the right lipstick in hand, here are a few final tips on how to apply lipstick so that it looks the best on thin lips:
Start by Exfoliating
It’s important to exfoliate your lips prior to applying any lipstick. Doing so will allow your lips to better absorb the product and keep the lipstick from flaking off or smudging. You can use a soft brush or a damp cloth to gently exfoliate the lips to get rid of any dead skin cells.
Apply Lip Balm
If your lips are dry, apply a thin layer of lip balm before the lipstick. This will create a smooth base for your lipstick and will help the color to stay in place for longer. If you want to, you can also use a lip primer to add extra slip and keep the color from fading.
Line Your Lips
Line your lips to add further definition. Trace just around the outside of your lip line and then blend the liner in towards the center. This will give your lips a cleaner and more finished look.
Fill in Color
Once you’ve completed the lip liner step, you can start to apply the lipstick. Start at the center of the upper lip and use a light touch to fill in the top and bottom lip. Use your finger to blend the lipstick towards the inner area of the mouth and keep going until you achieve your desired effect.
Although thin lips can be challenging to make the most of, lipsticks don’t have to be a no-go area. By choosing the right shades and textures, as well as understanding how to apply them, you can easily create the illusion of full and beautiful lips. With a few simple steps and the right lip products, you can turn thin lips into a standout feature that makes your look stand out from the crowd.
