The Absolute Best Beauty Tips for Thin Lips

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Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe she’s not. And by “it,” we mean Angelina Jolie’s luscious lips. Whether you have always been thin-lipped or are suddenly experiencing a loss of volume (a common side effect of aging), here are a few makeup and skin-care tips to keep in mind for maximizing what you've got.

I Did a Lipstick Reading (Because Apparently Our Pouts Reveal Things About Our Personalities)

1. Skip Dark Red Lipsticks

Steve Granitz/Getty Images

We love a moody lip color as much as the next girl, but deeper shades tend to recede your pout, making it appear smaller. Instead, nudes and soft pink tones are your best bet. Using a flesh-toned pencil, trace just slightly outside your natural lip line. Then fill in your lips completely with the pencil before topping them off with a lipstick in a similar shade to enjoy the magic of optical illusion.

Shop Neutral Lip Products

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Shaper Plumping Lip Liner

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Dior Addict Lipstick

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MAC Lipstick Cream

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2. Be Strategic About Shine

Jimi Celeste/Getty Images

More specifically, use lip gloss but don’t use it all over. Apply just a touch to the center of your upper and bottom lips. This will reflect light and give them more of a 3-D effect. Finish with a dab of highlighter (or champagne-colored eye shadow) on your Cupid’s bow (the peak of your top lip) to add even more depth.

Shop Lipgloss

NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss

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Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish

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Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper

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3. Bring Focus To Your Eyes

Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Whether it's bold brows, fluttery lashes or statement eyeshadow: Don’t be afraid to go big on the eyes to counteract your petite pout. And since you’re going neutral on the lips, a heavier eye won’t look too overdone.

Shop Statement Eye Products

about-face Brow Artist

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Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara

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Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

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4. Boost Circulation

Before you even put on any lipstick, take a toothbrush, washcloth or lip scrub and gently rub it over your lips in a circular motion. Not only does this help nix flakes (dry lips reflect less light, making them look smaller), but it also promotes circulation (which can temporarily plump them up a bit).

5. Add Moisture

Irina Marwan/Getty Images

Whether you prefer a convenient stick or a thicker salve, keeping your lips hydrated is key to making them look fuller. Slather on your balm of choice after exfoliating and whenever your lips feel dry.

Shop Lip Balms

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

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Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm

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Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm

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6. Protect Your Lips From The Sun

petrunjela/Getty Images

Surprise, surprise, UV rays can age your lips. More specifically, they break down collagen, which leads to thinning over time. Prevent future deflation by wearing a lipstick or balm with a minimum of SPF 15 whenever you’re outside.

Shop SPF Lip Balms

EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF36

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$14 at Amazon

Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 PA+++

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$12 at Amazon

Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Lip Sunscreen

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$6 at Amazon

7. Treat Your Lips At Night

Twenty20

Skincare shouldn’t stop with your eye cream. Consider a nighttime lip treatment that has peptides and hyaluronic acid in it to help plump lips and soften lines while you sleep. This way you’ll be in an even better place to master all the tricks above.

Shop Lip Treatments

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

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Nudestix Nudeskin Hydra-Peptide Lip Butter

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Kopari Beauty Tri-Peptide Lip Cloud Treatment

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Behold: The Top 3 Lipstick Color Trends of 2023 (Plus, One Look to Avoid)

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