Make-up artist’s tip: this type of lipstick should be avoided if you have thin lips.

Do you have thin lips and want to enhance them without resorting to invasive techniques? This make-up artist’s tip could change your beauty routine in 2026. Make-up professionals share their tips for enhancing your lips with the right products and the right gestures.

Why some formulas are not suitable for thin lips

Luscious lips have been the trend for several years now. However, some products with such promise are simply not suitable for certain lip types. Make-up artist Jennifer Trotter, interviewed by SheFinds, explains that mattelipstick is the enemy of thin lips.

Indeed, the very nature of its relief-free effect tends to make lips look thinner and flatter than they are. This make-up artist’s tip is simple: avoid matte finishes, especially popular in autumn and winter. For thin lips, the make-up artist recommends lipsticks that create effect and relief.

Creamy, glossy finishes are therefore preferable. If you want a more natural, plumping effect, you can opt for a nourishing gloss or a tinted balm. These textures catch the light and give the illusion of volume.

“To sublimate thin lips, and avoid a yellowing effect on teeth or an impression of aging, turn to shades close to natural lip color.”

Colors to avoid according to professionals

Another well-known mistake among make-up artists is choosing a color that’s too dark or intense. Make-up artist Margina Dennis recommends turning to softer shades. This make-up artist’s tip helps avoid an aging effect on the face.

Pink, peach and berry colors naturally give a healthy glow. They can create a bitten or kissed lip effect. This rendering gives the illusion of fuller lips without overloading make-up.

• Avoid matte lipsticks that flatten lips
• Choose creamy, glossy finishes to create relief
• Choose pink, peach or berry shades close to your skin tone
• Opt for a nourishing gloss or a tinted balm for a natural effect
• Avoid colors that are too dark or too intense, which shrink the mouth.

Prepare your lips before make-up: the detail that changes everything

Just as face make-up is applied to clean, moisturized and prepared skin, lip make-up requires a few gestures of care. This step ensures that the make-up is completely successful. It ensures that the make-up lasts for several hours.

Well-prepared lips are smooth and well moisturized. You can therefore perform a gentle lip scrub once or twice a week. Use a homemade preparation, such as honey and sugar grains, or a product specifically formulated for this area.

Exfoliation should last approximately 30 seconds. It should then be wiped off with a cotton pad soaked in water. This method removes the exfoliating particles without over-aggressing the sensitive skin in this area.

Applying this make-up artist’s tip before every make-up application changes the way your lips hold and look. You need to moisturize your lips regularly, and before make-up, with a moisturizing balm. This simple gesture makes all the difference on thin lips.

Everyday gestures

Regular moisturizing is the key to supple, makeup-ready lips. A balm applied several times a day protects the fine skin in this area. This preventive care prevents chapping and tightness.

Before applying lipstick, wait a few minutes after applying balm. This make-up artist’s trick allows the product to penetrate without creating a greasy film. Make-up adheres better and doesn’t slide off over the hours.

How to create the illusion of fuller lips

Make-up trends for spring-summer 2026 feature ballerina lips. This fresh, natural style is perfect for thin lips. It relies on light shades and luminous textures rather than saturated colors.

The bitten lip effect remains a popular technique with make-up artists. This make-up artist’s trick involves lightly blurring the contours with the finger. The result is a full, natural look, as if the lips had just been kissed.

Glossy textures catch the light and create an immediate volume effect. A gloss applied to the center of the lips accentuates this illusion. This simple gesture can transform a thin mouth in seconds.

Tinted balms offer a practical alternative for everyday use. They moisturize while adding a discreet touch of color. This type of product is ideal for those who prefer quick, natural make-up, while benefiting from a make-up artist’s trick that’s accessible to everyone.

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