From injectable lip flips to filler, it seems like everyone is in the pursuit of fuller, more shapely lips. But did you know you can contour your lips using a simple lip pencil? The result might not be as permanent, but for those scared of needles, it's a great everyday option — and much cheaper than getting filler.
Fuelled by the obsession with ‘Nina Park lips’ — the makeup artist known for creating a blurry semi-matte lip look that leaves stars like Margaret Qualley, Emma Stone and Greta Lee with lips that look luscious and just-kissed — the contoured lip look is easy, quick and affordable to achieve. This year, the trend is all about subtle volume, leaving behind sharp or extreme liner shades of years gone by. The result gives ‘just stepped out of the clinic’ fullness, but with your bank account intact. You're welcome!
Below, we share our full guide with makeup artist hacks for getting the best pout of your life.
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Compared to the 2010s, which focused on immaculate eyeshadow, sharp cheekbones and voluminous, meticulously symmetrical lips (think Kylie Jenner's lip kit era), the 2020s have moved in a softer direction that focuses on faded, soft-focus finishes, in line with clean, minimalist makeup movements — hello, Hailey Bieber! Launches from brands like Merit, Rhode and Refy confirm this: volume is good, but the key now is that it has to be balanced.
How to contour your lips
Lip contouring is a makeup technique that has gained popularity in recent years, allowing you to enhance the natural beauty of your lips and effectively. It involves using different products and shades to create the illusion of more defined, voluminous, and attractively shaped lips. It's not just about lining — but also about playing with light and shadow to give them a fuller and more sensual appearance. In addition, this technique is ideal for those who have thin lips and want to give them more volume, as well as for those who simply want to enhance their natural shape and get a more defined mouth.
- Make sure your lips are perfectly moisturised before you start. A good moisturiser helps to evenly distribute the colour and helps your lips feel comfortable all day.
- Choose a lip liner that is one or two shades darker than your lipstick — you don't need a crazy contrast here (though that can look good for more bold makeup looks). Start by outlining your Cupid's bow, following the natural line of your lips. Next, line the bottom of the lip, extending the line slightly towards the corners to create a fuller look.
- Once you've lined your lips, it's time for the key part — contour them to create dimension and depth. Use the same liner to lightly fill in the corners of your lips, blending the colour towards the centre with a brush or your fingers. This will create a shading effect that will make them appear fuller and more defined.
“I wanted there to still be that staying power of a liner, but with the creaminess of a contour.”
A controversial technique, but overlining your lips can look amazing when done correctly. This makeup technique is designed to give your lips a fuller, more defined and voluptuous look through the magic of illusion. The essence of overlip lies in the art of illusion. Using a combination of contouring, colour and light, we can create the appearance of naturally voluminous lips.
- Before you start with the makeup, make sure your lips are soft and perfectly moisturised. If you like, you can gently exfoliate with a toothbrush before applying a moisturising balm.
- Start outlining your upper lip in the Cupid's bow area and follow its natural contour, making sure to define and shape it. For that subtle hint of volume, you can line slightly above their natural line — but remember not to go overboard for a natural finish. On the lower lip, do the same. What we're looking for is to highlight the upward lines for a lifting effect.
- Finally, to make the result even more natural, you can blend the contour with a lip brush. Always from the outside to the inside, creating an ombré effect.
This story originally appeared on Glamour ES.
