Who else is up on the Khloe Kardashian retouched photo scandal? I mean…she has access to everything a person could want is still not happy with her appearance. So maybe we should change the title of this series to “You’re Not Ugly ?” If you’re not aware, an un-retouched photo was published to Instagram and Team Kardashian, at the time I’m writing this, is actively trying to get it removed.

Khloe looks sensational by any standard, by the way. I understand her wanting to take it down (she’s since released a very honest statement), and, like she says, it’s her body and she shouldn’t have personal photos out there without her permission.

ANYWAY, we’re all poor compared to starlets and celebs, and we can’t spend $$$ on constant updates. But we are human and might not be 100% happy with our looks. And that’s okay.

Oh, what’s that? Makeup has entered the chat.

I adore makeup because: didn’t get enough sleep last night? Allergies? Thin lips? Shapeless cheeks? And a million other things? There’s a makeup technique for that! And this time, I’m sharing all my tips for getting fuller lips.

This is inspired by my stunningly gorgeous, talented and truly kind friend since high school Laruryn (follow her @laurynsnapp on Insta!) who tried overdrawing her lips but didn’t love the results:

What is Lip Filler?

Since I’m not a doctor, It’s a goo that gets strategically injected into your lips to add fullness. Tons of info on the internets if you want to know specifics, but it’s best to book a consult with a licensed professional since there are all different types. And know that you might not be a great candidate!

I met with my dermatologist and said the only reason I’d want lip filler is to even out my top lip since once side is higher than the other…she said it might not be possible based on my anatomy. And, frankly, that’s too expensive of an experiment for me right now.

How Much is Lip Filler and How Long Does It Last?

It depends on where you live, where you go, and maybe how much you get. I’ve been to a few places around Washington, DC (so $$$$) and have spoken with several people who get lip injections, and I’d say the average price for this area is $600.

Also, the life of a filler depends on the human. The general consensus is that lip filler generally breaks down more quickly since we move our lips so often, but it “should” last 6-12 months.

How to Get Fuller Lips with Makeup

I will never judge you for getting lip filler. If I had millions of dollars in disposable income, I’d be first in line. Since I do not, the great news is makeup - specifically lip liner - is great at faking fuller lips. So let’s do it.

Start with Massage

Over the past year, I found Danna Omari and her glorious facial massage techniques. I do many of her massages daily, and, if you go back through my Instagram you’ll see how the shape of my face has slimmed and lifted. I kid you not.

She also has several videos for how to relax the muscles around the mouth, which somehow plumps the lips. I don’t understand it, but I do it, and it works!

Lip Care

Only if your lips need it, do some GENTLE exfoliation, no toothbrushes! At the end of washing my face, when I’m patting my skin dry, I’ll very softly use the towel to buff away any excess skin.

Just know that you shouldn’t regularly have dry lips. If you do, make sure you’re properly hydrated and/or use an occlusive lip product if it’s really cold or really hot outside. Many use Vaseline or Aquaphor OVER, not in place of, their lip balm to seal in all that moisture against protect their lips and skin from the elements. Since they don’t penetrate into the lips, just sit on top, these products won’t help heal your lips.

For that, start regular lip care by introducing a good lip balm into your morning and nighttime skincare routines. Also, right before bed is a great time to top that lip balm with an occlusive!

Prep

Now our naked lips are on point and we’re ready for makeup. Yay!

First, swipe on your favorite lip balm, then blot your lips - you don’t want any excess moisture but you don’t want dryness, either. Tap on a dot of concealer, then pat that all over and around your lips blending well. This creates a clean canvas for your liner.

Line

You have to pick you lip liner wisely, and my favorites for this are from Target and by the brand Pixi. You want a little wax but the ability to smudge.

With a neutral color (I use Soft Nude), line your actual lips. THEN overline where you want. Start small then add. I go really fast in the video above, but you’ll see me go back in just over the Cupid’s bow area because that’s where I want more volume.

Once you get your shape, and this is important, press the liner into your lips/skin. This ensures it won’t move around as much, but also the warmth of your finger will melt the liner together. This helps clear up that sometimes weird line you see between someone’s actual lip line and the one they’ve drawn on.

Clean any crazy edges with a cotton bud, and fill in your whole lip if you want.

Color

Now it’s time to add your lipstick and/or gloss. Make sure to completely cover all the lips and the liner. IF you’re using a more matte lipstick, you can use a fluffy eye shadow brush to really buff everything in together.

Congratulations!

So…this might seem like a lot of work, but this is why you either pay makeup artists for their time or doctors for their lip filler! I’m adding an “all about lips” video tutorial to my library soon, and you’ll be able to purchase that if you want more help in this area.

At the end of the day, you’re not ugly. And you shouldn’t feel that way - especially if you like something about yourself. But if you don’t, and trust me I have a list, there are so many easy, effective ways to tweak those things. As we see, having total access to every cosmetic upgrade in the world still won’t make you 100% happy, so focus on what does and makeup is here to help with the rest!