4. Lip contouring.
Contouring is a hugely popular makeup technique right now but you may not be aware of the visual trick of lip contouring. It has been popular through the ages, apparently Marilyn Monroe swore by it and it was also a huge fad in the 90s (although to the extreme – with black eyeliner!).
Lips naturally thin with age and contouring is a great trick to restore volume. To do this, you will need a liner of a complimentary shade to your lipstick, plus a concealer and possibly even a second,lighter shade of lipstick. Line your lips just slightly outside of the lip line – this doesn’t mean that you go outside of the mouth, but rather, right over the edge where there’s a slight ridge before the pigment of your lips begins. Now draw lines going inward toward the center of your mouth.
Using the dark lipstick, apply to the outer half of your lips. Carefully fill in the center with the second, lighter shade. Use a sponge or brush to blend the two shades together, making sure not to verge too far into the others’ territory. Clean up the edges with concealer for a perfect, plump pout.