5 Ways To Make Your Lips Bigger Without Using Plumper (Yep, It's Possible)

It's an exciting time in the lip care space: The lip plumping market is practically exploding with innovative technology to smooth fine lines, enhance color, and provide a plush, pillowy pout.

No longer must you resort to a sticky gloss that either doesn't really work or burns with the fire of a thousand suns—now, you can find Hi-Tech formulas that work with the deepest layers of your lip skin to gently encourage volume (gently being the operative word here: These products are sting-free!).  

Yes, topical lip filler is a real thing. Now, instead of invasive procedures or sticky, stingy glosses, you can find Hi-Tech products that make the plumping process totally painless. Many brands call upon small molecules of hyaluronic acid to draw water into the surface of the lips (increasing their volume) and deliver much-needed hydration. 

I cannot say enough good things about my Droplette—it's truly my favorite skin care tool of late. The micro-infuser transforms liquid serums into a vaporized micro mist, which allows active ingredients to penetrate the skin up to 20x deeper than your typical topical. But did you know the beauty tech company also offers lip plumping capsules? 

Your skin thins with age due to a decline in collagen—the same goes for your lips, which tend to deflate over time. That's why plenty of topical products include synthetic versions of collagen (derived using biotechnology) or other collagen-stimulating players. 

You know how you might slap on a sheet mask to plump your skin with hydration pre-makeup? Well, the same goes for lip care: These serum-soaked patches infuse the lip skin with moisture and plumping humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for a smooth and supple pout. 

Recently, though, I've come across some microneedling lip masks: These provide a more direct penetration than a standard lip mask, which generally just sits on the skin. The term "microneedling" might sound scary, but all it entails is a mild prickling sensation when you press on the patches; it goes away as the micro-darts start to dissolve, then it functions just like your regular lip mask. 

And at the end of the day, there's always makeup to help you fake some volume. Just remember to layer on a hydrating lip balm before digging into your makeup bag, or the pigment will surely settle into fine lines.

Bonus points if you choose a balm with hyaluronic acid, which ushers water into the surface of your lips and provides a subtle plumping effect. 

Once you let the lip balm marinate for a bit, grab your liner of choice (I personally love Tower28's One Liner), and trace the perimeter of your pout, going slightly beyond your natural lip border.

Concentrate most of the pigment right underneath the center of your bottom lip—this can create the illusion of shadow, which will give you an even poutier effect.