7 Expert Tips to Get Naturally Plump Lips

1. Exfoliate to Circulate Blood Flow

“Exfoliating your lips will not only help to smooth the lips by removing flaky, dry skin but it will also help to increase circulation in the process. This is beneficial because the lips will appear more radiant and plump,” says aesthetician educator Ivey Rogers. Here’s a simple DIY lip scrub that boosts circulation to increase blood flow, exfoliate dead skin cells, and help give your lips a plumping effect with just a few basic kitchen ingredients. Combine 1 teaspoon of any oil ( we prefer coconut oil or olive oil), a pinch of cinnamon or Tajine with brown or raw sugar. Dampen your lips with warm water, then smooth it on in circular motions for 30 seconds. Rinse and follow up with a peppermint oil based lip balm for extra “plumpage”. No time to diy? We love the cooling and hydrating feeling after trying out NAKED COSMETICS Peppermint Lip Scrub.

2. Do the Massage and Pinch

This tip from Rogers is actually kind of fun (and relaxing). “Massage your lips and do it in a continuous circular motion. Do this for about 1-2 minutes. I like to also do about 5-6 quick pinches using my thumb and forefinger on the bottom and top lips before following up with a hydrating lip mask or moisturizer,” says Rogers. We tried this right before heading out the door and it worked! Here’s another tip: To off your lips with a clear emollient like Vaseline or Aquaphor for a plump, just-bitten look that also accentuates your natural lip color.

3. Up Your Hydration

This one may seem like a given, but it’s totally relatable since keeping up with our water intake can sometimes be a struggle. Depriving your body of much needed H2O can leave your lips looking dry, cracked, and lacking bounce (kind of like a dehydrated piece of fruit). The fix? Stay on top of your water intake or sub it with coconut water for extra hydration . “If you’ve been slacking on your daily water intake and your lips are dry and flaky, you’ll need to drink about 8-10 glasses of water to ramp up your lips hydration. It’s best to think of drinking water as a preventative measure instead of after the fact. Dry lips are typically the first signs of dehydration, so consider drinking coconut water to boost moisture a bit faster due to its minerals and electrolytes ”says Rogers.

4. Try a Spicy-Sweet Lip Mask

Rogers recommends making a DIY lip mask and adding fruit or spices to your base to help plump up, hydrate, and brighten lips. These ingredients also have added benefits. “Oatmeal, avocado, aloe vera, and yogurt can be soothing and hydrating options for the delicate lip skin. Adding other ingredients like crushed pineapples or papaya help to further gently exfoliate and brighten the lips. Turmeric is also great for brightening,” Rogers adds. Here’s a quick recipe that gave our lips a little extra oomph: Mash up a tablespoon of avocado and pineapple. Add in a splash of avocado oil. Smooth onto lips and leave it on for five minutes before removing with a damp cloth.

5. Chill Out With an Ice Cube

If you’re as obsessed with ice rolling as we are, the little beauty hackmight be right up your alley (and it works instantly). Grab an ice cube out of your freezer and let it warm up in your hands for 15 seconds (so it doesn’t stick to your lips). Then, rub it around your lips in circular motions for 30 seconds for a quick pillowy pout. Want to up the plump? Make your own lip plumping ice cubes by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to an ice cube tray before freezing it. Then, follow the same steps to add a little extra bounce.

6. Add Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is essential for keeping our skin hydrated and healthy-looking so be sure not to skip the nourishing ingredient when looking for lip products. As time goes on, our bodies make less and less hyaluronic acid and crave more of it. The same goes for our lips. To keep your lips hydrated, which helps ward off fine lines and feathering and keeps them looking full, be sure to incorporate hydrating lip care into your daily routine. Look for a hyaluronic acid-based lip treatment (we love the added shine in THRIVE COSMETICS Glossy Lip Hydrating Serum). Healthy, moisture-rich lips equals more lip volume.

7. Go for Your Gua Sha

While it’s been a tried and true technique for ages, gua sha has gone viral for its amazing ability to help promote lymphatic drainage, de-puff tired skin, help boost circulation, and snatch jawlines around the world. Turns out, it can create a temporary look of bigger lips too. Grab a Gua sha tool (our go to is COMPLEX CULTURE’s Rose Quartz Gua Sha) and a light lip oil. Apply your lip oil to your upper lip. Then, gently glide your Gua sha tool from the outer corners of your lip to the center following your natural lip line, 10 times. Do this to your lower lip too. You’ll love how this trick accentuates your lip shape and helps plump and juice them up too.

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