Lip Style | Tips for Aesthetic Lips

Lips are definitely the facial feature of the 2020s with everyone scrambling to master the perfect aesthetic look for their pout. In this post, I am sharing some of my favorite tips for the aesthetic lip, as well as, my favorite lip colors in each lip style.

Lip Style Looks

Before we dive in to the tips for aesthetic lips, I wanted to share my top 3 favorite lip style looks this year! I am all for the classic red lip, a 90s glossy lip, and a 2020s matte style. sharing all of my favorite products to complete each look below.

THE RED LIP LOOK

Sephora “Bad Apple” Lip Liner – A retractable lip liner with innovative gel-cream formula to enhance the lip contour for a long-lasting, softer appearance. Comes with a built-in sharpener for easy application.

Sephora “Never Underdressed” Matte Lipstick– A soft but powerful formula that delivers explosive, long-lasting color and up to 8 hours of hydration in just one swipe.

THE GLOSSY LIP

THE NUDE LIP

Tips for Aesthetic Lips

Achieving aesthetically pleasing lips involves a combination of skincare, makeup techniques, and possibly cosmetic procedures. Here are some tips to help you enhance the appearance of your lips:

• Hydration: Keep your lips hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a hydrating lip balm regularly. Well-hydrated lips appear fuller and smoother.
  
• Exfoliation: Use a gentle lip scrub or make your own at home using sugar and honey to exfoliate your lips and remove dead skin cells. This helps create a smooth canvas for lipstick application.
  
• Moisturize: Apply a moisturizing lip balm containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, castor oil, or vitamin E to keep your lips soft and supple.
  
• Sun Protection: Protect your lips from sun damage by using a lip balm with SPF or by applying sunscreen to your lips before heading outdoors. Sun exposure can cause dryness, premature aging, and pigmentation changes in the lips.
  
• Lip Liner: Use a lip liner that matches your natural lip color or the shade of lipstick you’re using to define the shape of your lips and prevent lipstick from bleeding. You can also slightly overline your lips for a fuller appearance, but be careful not to overdo it for a natural look.
  
• Choosing Lipstick Shades: Experiment with different lipstick shades to find ones that complement your skin tone and enhance the natural color of your lips. Generally, lighter shades can make lips appear larger, while darker shades can create the illusion of depth and fullness.
  
• Highlighting: Apply a small amount of highlighter or a light-colored eyeshadow to the cupid’s bow (the V-shaped area in the center of your upper lip) to make your lips appear fuller and more defined.
  
• Gloss: Adding a touch of lip gloss to the center of your lips can create the illusion of fullness and dimension. Avoid applying gloss all over if you have thin lips, as it can make them appear smaller.
  
• Cosmetic Procedures: If you’re looking for more permanent results, consider cosmetic procedures such as lip fillers (dermal fillers) to add volume, or lip augmentation surgery. Consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to discuss your options and ensure safe and satisfactory results.
  
• Healthy Lifestyle: Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can contribute to the overall appearance and health of your lips.

Types of Lips

Always wanted to know the classification of your lip shape? I love this graphic I found at Perfect Aesthetics Plymouth!

How Do You Put Lip Liner On

Lip liner is one of the most underrated steps in a makeup routine, yet it has the power to completely transform your lips. Whether you’re aiming for a fuller look, longer-lasting color, or a more defined shape, knowing how to apply lip liner correctly makes all the difference.

Step 1: Start with Prepped Lips

Before applying lip liner, make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated. Gently exfoliate your top and bottom lip if needed, then apply a light layer of lip balm. Let it absorb so your liner glides on effortlessly without slipping. This helps to hydrate your palette and also plump for full lips.

Step 2: Choose the Right Shade

For the most natural, signature lip look, choose a lip liner that closely matches your natural lip color or your lipstick. If you’re trying to create a fuller effect, a slightly deeper shade can add subtle dimension without looking harsh.

Step 3: Outline Your Natural Shape

Start at the cupid’s bow and lightly trace along your natural lip line. Work in short, controlled strokes rather than drawing one harsh line—this gives you more precision and a softer finish.

Step 4: Enhance (Don’t Overdraw)

If you want to make your lips appear fuller, gently overline just above your natural lip line in the center of your top and bottom lips. Avoid overlining the corners, as this can look unnatural. The goal is to enhance your shape, not completely change it.

Step 5: Fill In Your Lips

For longer-lasting color, lightly fill in your entire lip with the liner. This creates a base that helps your lipstick or gloss stay in place and fade more evenly throughout the day.

Step 6: Blend for a Seamless Finish

Use your finger or a lip brush to softly blend the edges inward. This prevents harsh lines and creates that effortless, polished look—especially important if you’re going for a more natural or “your lips but better” vibe.

Step 7: Apply Lipstick or Gloss

Finish with your favorite lipstick or gloss. For a modern look, opt for a slightly lighter shade in the center of the lips to create a subtle plumping effect.

Pro Tip: Lip liner isn’t just for bold looks. When used correctly, it creates structure, enhances symmetry, and gives your entire makeup look a more refined, finished feel.

How To Have Bigger Lips Naturally

Full, plump lips don’t have to come from injections. With the right techniques, products, and a few strategic habits, you can naturally enhance your lips and create a fuller, more youthful appearance.

1. Hydration Is Everything

One of the easiest ways to achieve fuller-looking lips is to keep them deeply hydrated. Dry, cracked lips appear thinner, while smooth, moisturized lips reflect light and look naturally plumper. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or natural oils.

2. Exfoliate for Instant Volume

Gently exfoliating your lips removes dead skin and boosts circulation, giving your lips a slightly swollen, fuller look. You can use a lip scrub or even a soft toothbrush in circular motions. This simple step instantly creates a smoother canvas and enhances your natural lip shape.

3. Use Lip Liner to Create Dimension

Strategic lip liner application can make a dramatic difference. Lightly overline the center of your lips and keep the corners more natural. This technique enhances fullness without looking obvious, creating that “your lips but better” effect.

4. Highlight and Contour Your Lips

Just like your face, your lips can benefit from subtle contouring. Apply a small amount of highlighter to your cupid’s bow and a touch of bronzer or contour just under your bottom lip. This creates the illusion of depth and makes your lips appear more prominent.

5. Choose the Right Lip Colors

Color plays a major role in how full your lips appear. Lighter shades, glosses, and satin finishes reflect light and make lips look bigger, while darker matte shades can make them appear smaller. For the most flattering effect, apply a slightly lighter shade in the center of your lips.

6. Add Gloss for a Plumping Effect

A swipe of lip gloss—especially in the center of your lips—instantly creates a fuller appearance. Look for glosses with light-reflecting properties or natural plumping ingredients like peppermint or cinnamon for an added boost.

7. Try Natural Plumping Ingredients

Certain natural ingredients can temporarily enhance lip fullness by increasing circulation. Ingredients like peppermint oil, cinnamon, and capsicum create a gentle tingling sensation that can give lips a subtle plump effect without harsh chemicals.

8. Don’t Forget Lip Care Over Time

Consistent care leads to long-term results. Using treatments with collagen-supporting ingredients, peptides, and antioxidants can improve the overall texture and appearance of your lips, helping them look naturally fuller over time.

Pro Tip: Fuller lips aren’t just about size—they’re about shape, hydration, and light. When all three are working together, your lips naturally look more defined, youthful, and voluminous.

Lip Color Tips

Choosing the right lip color can completely transform your look. The perfect shade doesn’t just complement your makeup—it enhances your natural features, brightens your complexion, and pulls your entire look together. Here’s how to find the most flattering lip color for you.

1. Know Your Undertone

Understanding your undertone is the key to choosing lip colors that truly flatter you.

• Warm undertones (yellow, golden, or olive): Look best in peachy nudes, warm reds, corals, and terracotta shades.
• Cool undertones (pink, red, or blue): Shine in rosy nudes, berry tones, mauves, and blue-based reds.
• Neutral undertones: You can wear almost anything—lucky you. Try both warm and cool shades to see what you love most.

2. Match Your Lip Color to the Occasion

Not every shade works for every moment.

• Everyday wear: Soft nudes, pinks, and “your lips but better” shades
• Work or polished settings: Mauves, rose tones, and muted berries
• Evening or events: Bold reds, deep plums, and rich browns

Think of your lip color as part of your outfit—it should match the mood and setting.

3. Use Your Natural Lip Color as a Guide

Your natural lip tone is the best starting point. Shades that are one to two tones deeper or brighter than your natural lips will always look the most effortless and flattering.

4. Consider Your Skin Tone Depth

Beyond undertone, your overall skin tone depth plays a role:

• Fair skin: Soft pinks, peaches, and light berries
• Medium skin: Rosy nudes, warm corals, and rich pinks
• Deeper skin tones: Bold berries, deep reds, chocolate browns, and vibrant plums

The goal is contrast—enough to enhance your features without washing you out.

5. Balance Your Makeup Look

If your eye makeup is bold, opt for a softer, more neutral lip. If your eye makeup is minimal, a stronger lip color can become your statement. This balance keeps your overall look chic and intentional.

6. Don’t Forget Finish Matters

The finish of your lip product can change the entire effect:

• Glossy finishes: Make lips appear fuller and more youthful
• Satin or cream: Classic, flattering, and versatile
• Matte: More dramatic and long-lasting, but can make lips appear slightly smaller

Choose your finish based on the look you want to achieve.

7. Test in Natural Light

Lip colors can look completely different depending on lighting. Always check your shade in natural light before committing—this helps you see the true tone and how it complements your skin.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, a rosy nude or soft pink is almost universally flattering. It enhances your natural beauty without overpowering your look—making it a go-to shade for any age or occasion.

Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.  

Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.