11 Beauty Secrets That Will Rejuvenate Thinning Lips Without Having to See a Dermatologist

Make your own lip scrub.

Your lips could use a good exfoliation every now and then, as dead skin cells can make lips look rough and dry. If you're a fan of natural beauty products, you'll love that it's so easy to make a DIY lip scrub from natural ingredients — all you need is honey and sugar. The best part is you can lick off the scrub, making it totally mess-free! For an even easier option, gently rub your lips with your toothbrush. 

If you don't have the time to make your own lip scrub, treat yourself to this Sugar Lip Scrub by Hanalei Company ($14.25, Amazon). It's made with Hawaiian kukui nut oil and shea butter, so it will leave your lips feeling soft, supple, and moisturized. 

Find the right shade.

Though we're all for rocking whatever shade you prefer, peachy pinks and warm nudes flatter fairer skin tones, while deep plum tones and browns suit darker complexions. A natural-looking lipstick shade should only be one or two shades darker than your normal lip color, according to lipstick guru and makeup artist Bobbi Brown. If you need help finding the best lipstick color for your skin, don't be afraid to ask for assistance from store or makeup counter employees

Use a lip primer first.

Chances are you've heard of lip primers before, but you may not be 100-percent sure what their purpose is — and it's a crucial one. So what are lip primers good for? Applying a lip primer before you swipe your lip color ensures that the application process is smooth and even. If you have cracked or dry lips, going in with a lip primer first adds a thin layer for your lip color to sit on so it doesn't seep into the cracks of your lips. 

Our favorite budget lip liner is the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip Primer in Nude ($4.89, Amazon) because it's velvety smooth and costs less than a fiver. If you're looking for a more luxurious option, we recommend the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer ($16, Amazon)   

Know the different lipstick finishes.

Because feathering can age your lips and make them appear thin, you want to opt for a lipstick finish that won't budge all day. We recommend something with a matte finish, which means it's not shiny. It won't be as moisturizing as other finishes, like satin or gloss, but it will stay in place. A matte red lipstick is a makeup bag staple, and we're big fans of Mac's Ruby Woo ($27.98, Amazon). It's a bit of a splurge, but the color payoff can't be beat!

Apply lip gloss to the center of your lips.

Adding a dash of clear gloss in the middle of your lips will give you a fuller pout because the shimmer draws attention to the center, which is the plumpest point. Apply the gloss to your fingers first and then dab it on your lips to ensure you don't go overboard with the shine. 

Stop lipstick from bleeding with translucent powder.

Once you've applied your lipstick, you'll want to add a thin layer of translucent powder to prevent it from bleeding. Trust us: As weird as this sounds, it will save you from having to reapply your lipstick a few hours later. But don't apply the translucent powder right on top of your lipstick; first, take a tissue and peel it in half so it's one-ply. Next, hold it against your lips lightly. Then dip a soft makeup brush in the powder and apply it to your lips over the tissue. Et voila! Enjoy long-lasting color for the rest of the day. 

Don't forget the lip liner, either.

Now that you've got your lip primer on, you're ready to apply the color, right? Not so fast! Don't forget you need lip liner first. Lip liner will help prevent feathering, but you can't just apply any old liner willy-nilly. First, you need to match your lip liner to your lipstick color. Then, make sure you line your entire lip. If you don't, the color will bleed, which will make your lip color look patchy. 

Fake fullness by overdrawing your lips.

Thanks to the magic of makeup, you can fake fullness in your lips by overdrawing them with liner — but be careful, or you could easily end up looking like a clown. The secret to overdrawing lips is to draw a bit above your cupid's bow and the fullest part of your bottom lip and nowhere else. If you overdraw the sides, that's when you veer into dangerous territory, but slightly overdrawing above your cupid's bow and the middle of your bottom lip will make make your lips appear a tad more plump without looking cartoonish. 

Clean up any messes with concealer.

Tidying up your lipstick is another tip that will make your think lips appear fuller. To prevent your lipstick from feathering, which automatically makes your lips look thin, tightly line the area around your lips with concealer. This will hide any lipstick that has escaped your lips, giving you a clean, crisp line. 

Use two different colored nude lipsticks.

Because this trick is mimics the same effects as adding gloss to the center of your lips, it's perfect for ladies who don't happen to have a shimmery lip gloss on hand. Apply the darker nude all over your lips, but focus the lighter nude shade only in the middle of your pout. Blot the lighter shade with your finger to blend it with the darker nude. If one of your lips is noticeably larger than the other, this trick will make them appear more even. 

Protect your lips with balm — but make sure it has SPF.

To prevent dry, chapped lips, keep a lip balm on hand. You'll want a formula with SPF because it will protect you from the skin's harmful rays (and potentially skin cancer!), even during the winter.