How to Apply Lipstick to Make Thin Lips Look Fuller

If you have thin lips, applying lipstick can be tricky since you have less space to work with. You may have wondered about the best way to apply your lip color, and you may be curious about how to do it  in a way that will give you the appearance of a plumper, fuller pout. 

Well, with the right makeup products and techniques, you can paint your pout with ease and be well on your way to creating the illusion of fuller lips. Below, we’re sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply lipstick for thin lips so you can put your best pout forward as part of your next makeup look.

1. Apply Lip Balm 

Whether you have thin or full lips, it’s always a good idea to start by applying a lip balm — you don’t want to apply lipstick on dry, flaky lips. Not to mention dry lips tend to look less plump. Smooth on your lip balm of choice to give yourself a hydrated canvas.

2. Line Your Lips 

To create lips that appear fuller and more defined, you’ll want to enlist the help of a lip liner. Use a lip liner, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner, in a hue close to your natural lip color to trace the outline of your natural lip shape. If you want to make your lips appear larger, very slightly over line them at your cupid's bow. Don’t overline the sides however — over lining them on the sides will make them look fake rather than naturally full. 

3. Choose Your Lip Color Wisely 

Regardless of your lip size or shape, wear whatever lip color makes you feel beautiful. However, if your goal is to make your lips look fuller, opting for a nude lipstick that’s just a few shades deeper than your skin tone is your best bet. If you choose a color that contrasts your skin too much — like a red lipstick paired with fair skin, or baby pink on dark skin — your lips will look smaller. 

The less contrast between your skin and your lip color, the fuller your lips will look. 

It’s also wise to choose a lipstick with some shine to it rather than a matte formula. Shiny lipsticks, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick or the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract, reflect light which help to make the lips appear more plump.

4. Apply Your Lip Color With a Lip Brush 

While applying lipstick straight from the bullet is the fastest way to do it, using a lip brush helps with precision. Rub your lip brush onto the lipstick bullet to pick up some product and start brushing it from the center of your lips working outwards towards your lip liner. Once you’ve evenly applied the product with the lip brush, you can swipe the bullet on the center of your lips for added color. 

5. Highlight Your Cupid’s Bow

Applying a subtle glowy product to your cupid’s bow can help make your top lip appear fuller. Use your fingertip to pop the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer onto your cupid’s bow and blend it slightly to diffuse the glow. 

6. Finish the Look With a Lip Gloss 

Light reflection is key when it comes to making the lips appear juicier so Add an ultra-shiny gloss to your pout. We love  the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Mirror. It’s a clear gloss with a glassy shine and a plumping effect that provides a slight tingling sensation and helps make the lips appear larger. 

Next: The Best Color Lip Glosses to Try This Year

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: iStock