In 2023, bold lips are back in style and bigger than ever. While a plump pout has always been desirable, this time it’s not just about injectables and lip liners doing the trick. Lip contouring, an early 2000s trend, is making a comeback as the go-to technique for enhancing lip shape and size. According to J. Brandon Correa, National Makeup Artist for YSL Beauté, people are seeking ways to accentuate their lips without relying solely on fillers. Lip contouring demonstrates the transformative power of makeup.
Talia Cich, Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Artist, declares that lips have made a comeback following the pandemic. Lips have always been a focal point that people can effortlessly highlight or incorporate into their unique style. Now that makeup is back in play, lips are taking center stage. There is an abundance of viral lip trends, which makes experimenting with new looks or methods to achieve the perfect pout fun. The trends are reminiscent of the ’90s, but with a contemporary twist.
Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on the lip contouring resurgence, along with tips for doing it yourself.
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♬ original sound – OMA
What is Lip Contouring?
In case you didn’t get the memo the first time, lip contouring is a makeup technique that enhances the fullness of the lips. “It’s the use of light and dark shades to create a fuller-looking effect,” Cich says. “Lip contouring can also help to correct lip shape (like unbalanced or downturned) or create a specific lip shape (like round or sharp).”
@ivistefanovaa You don’t need a lip filler, you need a good contour. ???? #contour #lipcontour ♬ original sound – DJ L BEATS
How to Contour Your Lips
To begin, it’s essential to prepare your lips properly. Before applying any makeup, exfoliating and moisturizing your lips will create a smooth and even base for application and improve its longevity. Talia Cich recommends the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer ($16) for its hydrating properties. Next, to create a blank canvas, apply a thin layer of concealer that closely matches your skin tone. Her favorite is Magic Touch Concealer ($29). Cich says, “This helps to achieve a smooth blend and color payoff.” The next step is to create fullness. She suggests using cream bronzer as it is effortless to apply, blends seamlessly, and has an ideal shade range for lip contouring. Choose a shade two to three shades deeper than your skin tone, depending on your preference.
See also: 5 Methods to Plump, And Smooth Your Lips
To achieve a fuller-looking pout, first, use a small flat brush to apply bronzer around the perimeter of the lips. Cich highly recommends using Cream Bronzer ($35) for this step. Additionally, she suggests using the A2 Pro Brush ($25) as it effectively hugs the lip shape and maintains precision. To enhance the effect, overline the area above the cupid’s bow and across the center of the bottom lip.
According to Cich, overlining the center of the lips accentuates them, creating a pouty look. It’s best to keep the corners closer to your natural lip line. She advises not to worry about perfection since the cream product is easy to blend and has buildable intensity. Use a beauty sponge or brush to gently blend the edges of the contour. To ensure it lasts longer, set it with powder. The next step is to line and define your lips with lip liner. For more fullness, slightly overline above your natural lip line, or focus on precisely where you want more volume. Use the side of the pencil to shade inward from the corners.
To achieve a more prominent cupid’s bow, use the lip liner to draw an “X” shape. For an advanced level of contouring, apply a darker shade of lip liner to the corners. Finally, fill in your lips with lipstick in a color that complements your desired look. If you’re aiming for a contoured effect, use a darker shade of lip liner and a lighter shade of lipstick.
See also: DIY Lip Scrub: How to Exfoliate Lips The Right Way?
To create volume, utilizing light and dark shades is crucial. Start by applying lipstick to the center of your lips and blending towards the edges. To achieve an even fuller-looking pout, consider using Magic Touch Concealer to highlight the center of your lips, according to Cich. She also suggests using highlighter on the cupid’s bow for an extra emphasis. Finally, add a touch of lip gloss to the center of the lips for a high shine finish that perfectly complements the overall look.
If you’re in a hurry, try a quick lip contour by using a lip pencil or a deeper matte lipstick to fill in the corners of the lips, leaving the center open. Apply a lighter shade of lipstick with a soft shine or gloss to blend the deeper shade and create a contour, suggests Correa. His favorite hack is YSL Beauté Slim Velvet for a deeper matte look, while Candy Glaze or Rouge Volupte Shine ($47)can be used for a softer effect.
Lip Contouring Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a seamless look, it’s important to avoid common lip contouring mishaps. One of these is not blending enough, which can make the shadow appear too harsh and unnatural. It’s also crucial to blend the lip liner properly to prevent it from looking too intense in comparison to the lipstick. Additionally, selecting the right shade that complements your skin tone and depth is essential. For a more natural look, opt for a lighter shade, while a deeper shade can add drama.
Make sure to avoid choosing a hue that is too deep. The goal is to mimic shadows on the lips, and if the color is too dark, it can become unclear and untidy, according to Correa. For a gentle and natural look, choose lip shades that are only one to two shades apart from each other. If you want a more striking and bold statement, select colors that differ by three to four shades. Additionally, it’s crucial not to go for a finish that is overly shiny or flat. As Correa explains, contrasting textures in this technique is essential because if you use only matte or only shine, you will lose the dimension.
Photo: Pexels/ PETRA BAUMAN
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