The What, How And Why Of Lip Contouring

Contouring has come a long way. From being popularized by the Kardashians at the start of the decade, contouring is now being used to shape the strangest of spots like the calves and neck. But it's all not crazy. There has been some good that has come off the contouring craze. One of those things is lip contouring. Yes, you heard us right. Here's a little more about the lip contouring technique and how you can try it for yourself.

At its core, contouring uses light and shadows to create the illusion of shapes. It is done in various fields like fashion and décor but predominantly in beauty with contouring of the face to give it a sharper, more shapely appearance. In the case of lip contouring, it uses the same technique to make lips look fuller and plump using only makeup. Like the trend, it has been present for years now but can actually be used to make lips look full, no fillers necessary.

To try contouring your lips yourself, follow these steps.

Step 1 - Dip the bristles of a soft, clean toothbrush in petroleum jelly and brush it gently over your lips for a few minutes, then wipe your lips clean. This will exfoliate your lips for a smooth surface.

Step 2 - Apply a thin layer of concealer that's the same shade as your skin over the outer edges of your lips and blend thoroughly.

Step 3 - Use a lip liner that's one or two shades darker than your lipstick of choice to overline your natural lip line very slightly at the cupids bow, curve beneath the lower lip and outer ends.

Step 4 - Continue with the same colour to line the rest of the lip area and fill it in a little bit.

Step 5 - Now use your lipstick (which should be a shade or two lighter than your liner) to fill in the remaining central areas of the lips. Use it to blend the edges of both shades together slightly.

Step 6 - Finish off with a clear shade of gloss and you'll be left with fuller looking, shiny lips.