How to Contour Lips

Want fuller, more luscious lips without the need for fillers? Lip contouring is the perfect way to achieve a more defined pout using the right makeup products. In this guide, we'll show you how to contour lips with makeup, including tips and tricks for creating both matte and glossy contoured lip looks. Plus, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about lip contouring, so you can master this technique and achieve your best lips yet.

What Is Lip Contouring?

Lip contouring is a makeup technique that uses different shades of lipstick, lip gloss, or lip liner to create the illusion of fuller, more defined lips. You can also contour your lips to make them appear wider or thinner, correct asymmetry, or add definition. It's a great way to enhance your natural lip shape and create a more polished look. 

By using a darker shade to outline the edges of your lips and a lighter shade to fill in the center, you can create a subtle or dramatic contoured effect that will make your lips look their best. And the best part? It's easy to do at home with just a few simple products.

How to Get a Matte Contoured Lip Look with Liquid Lipstick

This 3D lip look packs the same sexy punch of a classic nude lip, but layers it with interesting, of-the-moment edge thanks to a special-effect play with color. And, though it looks hard-to-do, it’s actually surprisingly simple once you get the step-by-step breakdown. Best of all, it’s done entirely in long-lasting lipstick and liner formulas, so your contoured lip look will stay on all night, no worries!

For a matte contoured lip look, you'll need a lip liner in a brown shade and a liquid lipstick in a lighter shade and a darker shade.
  1. How to Contour Lips Step 1: Outline Edges

    Outline lips with a warm brown lip liner, lightly buffing the edges so that the line is soft and diffused, not hard-edged. Be sure to stay within your natural lip line, and don't go too far outside of your lips. If you have Color Sensational Lip Liner on hand, this will work great for this step.
    Color Sensational®
  2. How to Contour Lips Step 2: Start with Dark Pink

    Apply dark pink lipstick all over your lips, concentrating color at the outer corners of the upper and lower lips. Go light on this color in the center of your lips.
    Super Stay Matte Ink®
  3. How to Contour Lips Step 3: Finish with Light Pink

    To finish off the look, apply a light pink lipstick in the center of your lips. Lightly diffuse the edges with a makeup sponge so that there’s no line of demarcation.
    Super Stay Matte Ink®

How to Get a Glossy Contoured Lip Look with Lip Gloss

For a glossy contoured lip look, you'll need a lip liner in a darker shade and a lip gloss in a lighter shade.
  1. Step One: Outline Edges with Lifter Liner

    Start by outlining the edges of your lips with the lip liner. Be sure to stay within your natural lip line, and don't go too far outside of your lips. If you have Lifter Liner Lip Liner with Hyaluronic Acid on hand, try using this — it's a creamy and comfortable lip pencil that glides on easily and comes in a variety of shades to match your skin tone.
    Lifter Liner
  2. Step Two: Fill In the Center with Lifter Gloss

    Next, fill in the center of your lips with the Lifter Gloss lip gloss color of your choice. This hydrating lip gloss with hyaluronic acid visibly smooths your lips and enhances your lip contour for a fuller look. Start in the center of your upper lip and work your way out, then repeat on your bottom lip.
    Lifter Gloss®
  3. Step Three: Add a Glossy Plumping Top Coat

    Want even fuller-looking lips? To finish off the look, apply a layer of a coordinating shade of Lifter Plump Lip Plumping Lip Gloss over the entire surface of your lips. This lip plumping gloss with chili pepper works overtime to maximize your pout.
    Lifter Plumpâ„¢

And there you have it! With a little practice, you'll be able to master the art of lip contouring and achieve the fuller, more defined lips you've always wanted. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!

Lip Contour FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about lip contouring:

Lip contouring can help to create the illusion of fuller, more defined lips. It can also help to correct any asymmetry in your lips, and it can be used to create a variety of different lip looks. To contour your lips to look bigger, use a dark shade of liquid lipstick or lip liner to outline the edges of your lips, and then fill in the center of your lips with a lighter shade. You can also add a small amount of highlighter to the center of your upper lip to further enhance the illusion of fullness. To contour around your lips, start by outlining the edges of your lips with a dark shade of liquid lipstick or lip liner. Then, blend the edges of the dark shade into your skin using a small brush. You can also add a small amount of highlighter to the Cupid's bow of your upper lip to further enhance the contour.