The desire for voluptuous lips has an equally full history. From classic bombshells like Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren to today’s starlets such as Margot Robbie, Angelina Jolie, and Rihanna luscious, kissable lips is a trend that never goes out of style. Social media has made lip enhancements more socially acceptable with Kylie Jenner openly discussing her experience and countless selfie pouts shared with millions of Instagram followers. Why such an obsession with a perfect pout? We spoke to John Zannis, M.D., board-certified plastic surgeon in New Bern, NC, to see if there is substance behind the lip service for lips and what women can do to achieve the look. “The more that celebrities admit to having lip injections and the more attention this particular procedure gets in the media, the more accessible it becomes,” says Zannis. “The danger is that the procedure is complicated. Not just anyone can do a lip augmentation.” Here are his tips for clients considering lip injections and other enhancing procedures.
1. Matte liquid lipstick. Liquid lipstick is popular because it’s easy! It goes on like a lip-gloss but dries matte on like a lipstick and is nearly impossible to smear or take off without makeup remover. Liquid lipstick is ideal for creating a bombshell look for night out or special occasion where you want lipstick to stay put for a long time. Clients can use it to make lips appear fuller, shapely, and defined, giving them a better idea of whether a more long-lasting enhancement is the right choice.
2. Contouring techniques. Contouring isn’t limited to cheekbones, and it is another awesome makeup trick to achieve a fuller look for lips. It involves using lighter and darker lipcolors to play up features and give a more defined, chiseled look. Clients likely already have everything they need in their makeup. There are plenty lip-contouring tutorials on YouTube for free.
3. Use a lip plumper. Lip plumpers are easy to use, non-invasive, work fast, and are affordable. They’re typically infused with lip-tingling ingredients like cinnamon, pepper, and peppermint which leads to an instant yet slight swelling. When used both morning and night the difference is noticeable fast.
4. Lip fillers. Zannis, who works with fillers, explains that lip fillers are a great option for clients who want to alter the shape and volume of their lips semi-permanently. “They mostly contain hyaluronic acid, which can be injected safely in multiple sessions,” he says. “The amount is easy to control by a skilled cosmetic surgeon or licensed professional, which allows clients to achieve their goal gradually. The effects last around six months, at which point you may do another round of injections.” Remind clients that achieving a natural look is the goal and that over-filled cartoon mouths look distorted.