Use this contouring trick to gain a fuller lip (+6 tips)

Despite what social media says, contouring has been around far longer than most of us realize, and the logic behind its longevity is simple: contouring allows us to reshape features temporarily without a heavy price tag or surgical intervention.

Lip contouring can make the most of your pout without the need for painful injections that sometimes result in an unnatural look. If you want to maximize your lips with makeup, then follow these helpful tips for a fuller pout instantly.

1. Prep and prime every time
Whenever you decide to do more than sweep on a layer of gloss, you need to make sure your lips are in perfect condition. Much like a canvas, the surface needs to be smooth and fully moisturized in order to achieve that beautiful result, so exfoliate and hydrate before applying color.

2. Neutralize your natural color with foundation
Since you're going to be replacing your natural lip line with a new one, it's best to ensure that both surfaces have the same base. Simply dab foundation over your entire lip before beginning, and you'll get better results.

3. Overline with the right shade
Achieving a full nude lip requires using a liner that is just slightly darker than your natural lip color. Picking one that is one to two shades darker will yield the most natural contour.

4. Create fullness with two-toned lip liner
If your lips are thin, then you need to use a lighter shade in the middle to create the illusion of plumpness. Simply outline with pencil that matches your final lip color, then fill in the center of the upper and lower lip with a lighter shade of pencil. You can blur the two together with a touch of lipstick to blend the colors while leaving the center slightly lighter.

5. Highlight the cupid's bow
Interchanging dark and light is the key to contouring. If you accent your cupid's bow with a highlighter or a touch of concealer, it will appear more raised and emphasize the shape of your newly contoured lip.

6. Stick to matte lipstick
Whenever you're overlining to create fullness, you'll want to stick with matte lip color. Glossy shades can emphasize the outline and make your contour look obvious.

7. Clean up the outer line with concealer
If your lip liner isn't perfectly straight, your contouring efforts will be obvious...and not in a good way. Clean up any rough edges with a pointed cotton bud or a clean concealer brush.