Lipstick Guide

KEEP YOUR LIPS IN LINE

Lip shapes vary from person to person, and while all of them are beautiful, different shapes can benefit from different lipliner techniques. For example, what looks best on full lips might not work as well on thin lips, and vice-versa. And what about those who want to soften a sharp cupid's bow? The makeup experts at Merle Norman are here to help with these lipliner tips. Learn how best to complement and balance different types of lips in relation to individual facial proportions.

THIN LIPS

Create the illusion of overall fuller lips by drawing just outside the natural lines and blending well. Note that thin lips aren't necessarily the same as small lips; there are lipliner tips specific to small lips included below.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Valentine, Plush Lipstick Perky

THIN TOP LIP

To help balance this lip shape, try lining the upper lip just outside its natural line. Blend well for a more natural look.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Sweet Melon, Plush Lipstick Sonic
thin top lip guide thin top lip guide

THIN BOTTOM LIP

For more top-heavy lip types, create the illusion of balance by lining the bottom lip just outside of its natural line and blending well.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Apricot, Plush Lipstick Daredevil

UNEVEN LIPS

Draw just outside the natural line where needed, then blend. Follow along the natural line everywhere else to give the illusion of a more even lip shape.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Apricot, Plush Lipstick Sonic

SMALL LIPS

Draw just outside the natural upper and lower lip lines, extending the corners slightly to create balance and give the illusion of slightly bigger lips.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Sweet Melon, Plush Lipstick Courageous

DOWNTURNED CORNERS

For this type of lips, line the upper and lower lips, but stop short of lining the corners to take emphasis away from drooping edges.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Peony, Plush Lipstick Perky

SHARP CUPID’S BOW

For sharp cupid's bow lips, soften the look by using rounded strokes. Connect the top edges with a shallow U instead of a deep V.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Baby Doll, Plush Lipstick Coronation

FULL LIPS

There are a couple of different options for full lips, depending on the desired effect. Enhance fullness by lining along the natural lip edge; reduce fullness by lining just inside the natural edge.

SHOWN: Plush Lipliner Sugar Pie, Plush Lipstick Brazen