HOW TO LIP CONTOUR
When we say Kim, Kylie and Megan Fox... what’s the first thing you think of? Plump, defined and luscious lips, right? Whether you’re a fan of overlining, prefer something more subtle or have never dabbled with nude hued lip liner, we’re about to introduce you to the latest trend in lip dimension... Say hello to: lip contouring.
If you're looking to perfect the shape of your pout or learn how to maximise your lips, we sat down with Philomene Autef – an MUA and European coach from beauty brand Make Up For Ever – to uncover exactly how to lip contour... like a true make up professional.
In This Article:
- What Is Lip Contouring
- How To Do Lip Contouring
- What Are The Dos and Don'ts Of Lip Contouring</a
- How To Lip Contour FAQs</a
WHAT IS LIP CONTOURING
Essentially, lip contouring is “a technique that aims to redefine our lips and create a plumping effect.” Explains Philomene. “In the last few years, the lip trend has been toward plumper lips with maximum volume. Lip Contouring is a simple technique to get fuller lips without needing cosmetic intervention.”
HOW TO DO LIP CONTOURING
Now we know the what, let’s get into how to lip contour... correctly. You may think that simply applying your favourite lipstick and lip liner is enough, but Philomene explains that “Using a single lip liner will "only" redefine our lips. The goal with this technique is to create an optical illusion by using light and dark shades to create a more voluminous effect.”
1.Start by choosing the lip liner shade you want. If you want to keep your lips looking more natural, pick a colour that perfectly matches your natural lips. Then, apply it over your entire pout, keeping within the natural shape of your pout.
2. Then, for the contour, pick a lip liner 1-2 shades darker. Apply this above the natural shape you drew with the lighter lip liner but then also fill in the corners of your lips.
3.Blend the light and contour shades together using either your fingers or a small blending brush.
Finally, using a light hued lipstick or lip gloss, apply only to the centre of your pout. By doing this, you’re highlighting only the middle of your pout, creating the illusion of fuller, plumper lips.
Et voila! You’ve successfully done a lip contour.
Pro tip: lip contouring doesn’t have to be strictly natural or subtle. Philomene encourages everyone to have fun and get creative. Experiment with pinks, peaches, purples, or even browns. She explains that the first shade you choose (the lighter contour shade) sets the tone for the other two lip products, which should all stay within the same colour family.
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WHAT ARE THE DOs and DONTS OF LIP CONTOURING
“The ultimate goal is to achieve a lip contour that remains undetectable. The pencils must be perfectly blended together so that there is no demarcation but only a plumping effect.” says Philomene.
DO: choose the right colour combo for your skin tone and blend the pencils together.
DON’T: overline your lips too much and avoid lip liner textures that are too rich and creamy as these risk settling into fine lines.
And is it better to contour lips before or after using lipstick? Philomene explains that “the first pencil you use replaces the lipstick (because you apply it over the whole lip area.) If we change the pencil for a lipstick, you keep all the steps the same and add volume with the contour colours using a pencil 1 to 2 shades darker than our lipstick.”
HOW TO LIP CONTOUR FAQs
What is the difference between lip liner and lip contour?
The difference between lip liner and lip contour is that lip contour is a technique and not just a product (like a lip liner). It’s an application method that uses shading and shaping to sculpt and enhance your pout. Lip liners are creamy pencils or crayons that are used to outline the lips.
Why is overlining lips a thing?
Overlining lips has become a ‘thing’ within the beauty community because it’s a quick and easy way to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips. With an association to youth and sensuality, overlining lips allows you to reshape and enhance your natural pout and tap into the trends popularised by celebrities like Kylie Jenner.
How to line your lips to look natural?
Start by exfoliating your lips and applying a lip balm to give you a soft and smooth base to work with. Then, pick a lip liner that matches your natural lip colour. Starting at the cupid's bow, follow your natural lip line using soft, feather-like strokes. Once you’ve lined your lips, soften any harsh edges with your fingers and finish with a lipstick or lip gloss that is as close to the lip liner shade you've used as possible. If you want to keep everything clean and sharp, use your concealer to clean up around the edges and dust lips with translucent powder before your lipstick to keep the pigment in place for longer.
Now that you're armed with the secrets of how to lip contour, go forth and sculpt those smackers like the make up Michelangelo you are. Remember: life’s too short for thin and undefined lips—learning how to lip contour is your new beauty routine superpower.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
