This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
If you love the look of full lips ala Kylie Jenner, lip filler continues to be the procedure to achieve them in a flash. But fillers are also expensive, short-lasting, and, unless you’re a fan of needles, can be painful and a little terrifying. If you’d rather not be up close with a needle, there are other ways you can get puffy, pretty lips without pain or the prohibitive cost. If you want fuller, plumper lips, experts say this is the needle-free way to get them fast.
Before moving onto lipstick shades that WILL work wonders on you, don’t neglect lipstick textures. If you’re wondering whether to splurge on a gloss, matte, or semi-matte formula, Davies reminds us that although matte lipsticks are all the rage now, they can be extremely drying and, therefore, aging. “Keep in mind that choosing the right lipstick finish is also an important consideration,” Davies says. “Lipsticks that are creamy or have a hint of gloss in them are best in making your lips look nourished and plump. Also, avoid frosted lipsticks because those can also be unflattering for mature women.”
Whereas lip filler can cost upwards of $1000 per session and lasts three to six months, the LipLase is much more affordable and will run you about $200-250 per session (though, depending on where you live, it can cost more). Sessions are relatively painless, but one of the downsides is that the results only last about two to five weeks. It is recommended that you get one laser session per month for the first three months to help build up collagen.
According to Celebrity Makeup Stylist Victoria Stiles at ShikSong Beauty: “The harsh drama of a deep purple or burgundy lip can expose many flaws including fine lines around the lips, making even the whitest teeth look yellow.. Similarly, red-orange hues can have the same effect, exposing imperfections around the mouth and teeth.”
Davies agrees, adding that the shades drain the fullness out of her “already thinning lips” and can make her complexion look sallow.
So, what colors should you opt for? Think light, with some pigmentation to make your skin tone pop.
“Light-colored lipsticks such as peach, coral, and pink are excellent when I want to look and feel playful, and flirty,” Davies says. “Paired with a peach or pinkish blush-on, these shades help me achieve that fresh, youthful glow.”
When Stiles chooses lipstick shades, she says she leans toward cool toned shades of pink. “Another favorite of mine is red shade with blue undertones,” Stiles says. “These shades really help to give the face a brighter look.”
You can easily trade a darker, more matte and muted lipstick shade for a hue that will instantly update and upgrade your look.
