Just Swell: 3 easy ways to plumper, fuller lips

Think fast!  What immediately comes to mind if I were to mention Angelina Jolie?  I know some of us might let out a sigh and say “that hottie Brad Pitt”, but more often than not I think the answer is– her lips.  Considered by many to be perfectly swollen, and the epitome of sexy lips all while making popular tabloid news, whether we want to admit it or not!

Over the years, the formulas for lip plumpers have been improving perpetually with no signs of slowing.  First-generation lip plumping glosses focused solely on immediate gratification, using capillary dilating ingredients like niacin and cinnamon oil which temporarily cause a lip swelling/tingling/burning sensation.  The downside, they’ve proven they aren’t for everyone.  I enjoy a little lip burn myself now and then– but it’s also considered an intolerable effect by many consumers who have sworn they’d never subject their poor pouts to the torture again!  With entire websites devoted to showcasing bad plastic surgery and celebrities constantly being scrutinized for going under the knife, or straight up becoming the butt of all jokes for their “trout pouts”– what’s the best way to achieve a plump pout without going too far?

Unless I’m wearing a vampy or red lipstick, I’m honestly not a fan of powdering my lips or putting foundation on them prior to applying my lip color– not just for staying power, but some swear it makes their lips look fuller.  It’s a little too much work for me and doesn’t work with glosses in my opinion because it can look chalky and a little clumpy.  There’s also the lip liner route, but if not done strategically I’m afraid it looks a little harsh and outdated.  Sorry!  The goal here is a full lip that looks the most natural for your shape, not like you painted them on or stuck your mouth in your vacuum cleaner hose for 5 minutes!

• Exfoliate your lips prior to your lip color application. Not only does it help remove any dry and flaky patches, but it gets your lip circulation going and can temporarily induce a slight swelling effect.  Gently rub them with a dry toothbrush or try mixing a little sugar with lip balm or Vaseline to make an inexpensive lip scrub.

• Look for lip plumping glosses using the newest technologies for both cumulative and instant benefits. One of the most current advances in the quest for fuller lips comes from Lip Fusion.  INFATUATION claims to promote and store your lips’ own natural fatty acids to achieve a long-term firming and fattening effect with both irritant-free and paraben-free ingredients.  It pulls double duty since it comes in 6 high shine shades for anytime wear!

• Keep those lips moist! Let’s face it, dehydrated lips aren’t such hot stuff and look pretty deflated.  Liberally apply a lip balm at bedtime that’s sure to protect your kisser.  Try Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, or popular favorites like Carmex and Burt’s Bees Medicated Lip Balm.