3 tips on how to have fuller lips without fillers

First, let's consider it a bit scientifically: where does the trend toward fuller lips originate?

While certain social media queens, influencers, may take credit, the desire for fuller lips roots itself in psychology. Various studies have found that people consider women most attractive when their appearance exudes healthiness. Essentially, healthy and youthful appearances—'full lips, smooth skin, and shiny hair'—are deemed most attractive, which, let's admit, isn't an easy task for us women in this fast-paced world.

Of course, beauty is subjective; not everyone is drawn to fuller lips, and not everyone desires them. But if fuller lips offer an appearance and confidence you seek, here are various ways to achieve that (from quick fixes to longer-lasting results).

1: Use a plumping lip gloss to make thin lips appear fuller for a day or a few hours.

If you want your lips to appear fuller, use a lip-plumping gloss that boosts blood circulation in the lips, temporarily increasing their fullness. (These are the ones that tingle a bit.) For instance, cinnamon effectively improves blood circulation, and ginger has similar properties.

2: For long-lasting fullness and hydration, hyaluronic acid becomes your lips' new best friend.

While some are born with thinner lips, others may lose some fullness over time. Similar to facial skin, lips lose their collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid content as age progresses. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid collectively form your skin (the layer containing blood vessels, nerve endings, and pores). These components are responsible for ensuring the skin's firmness, fullness, and elasticity. As their production slows down, lips thin out, lose some of their fullness, and even their color. Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar found in connective tissues, joints, skin, and nearly every other part of the body. It helps maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness, capable of binding 1,000 times its weight in water, hydrating areas where it's lacking.

The quickest way to achieve fuller lips: fake it with makeup (plus a few other tricks).

If you want to enhance your lips for a day or night, a couple of makeup tricks can instantly create a fuller, more defined appearance. Here are some techniques beauty bloggers swear by:

Exfoliate your lips: This promotes blood circulation to the lips and removes dead skin cells that can make lips dull, dry, and rough.

Apply a bit of highlighter or concealer to the dip above your upper lip to make them appear fuller. Then, add a touch of bronzer just below the center of your lower lip to add depth and contrast.

Finish with a dab of lip gloss (just in the center). It helps create the illusion of fuller lips.

Use a lip liner. Liners can help fill in and slightly overline the lips. They're also great for outlining the lips. Choose a shade slightly darker than your intended lipstick to achieve fuller-looking lips.