How To Make Your Lips Smaller [Top Tips]

There’s always a lot of talk about how to make your lips bigger, but what if you already have juicy, plumped lips naturally, and you want to know how to make your lips smaller.

I’m going to share some practical tips, to help you learn how to create a smaller lip look, and what options you have available, if you are looking to reduce the size of your natural lips.

What Determines The Size Of Our Lips?

The size of our lips is determined primarily by our genetic make-up.

Though it can be influenced by a variety of external factors, including lip plumping products, our lips are largely determined by the genes we get from our parents.

This genetic make-up can lead to a range of sizes, shapes and coloring variations among those within the same family.

These inherited traits will determine how full or thin our lips look, as well as how pronounced the surrounding wrinkles are.

Lips are also slightly more prominent among women than men, as female lips generally have higher levels of collagen, which provides added volume and lusciousness to each one’s unique shape.

Ultimately, lip size is part of what makes us all individual, and so it should be embraced in all its diversity!

How To Make Your Lips Smaller?

While full, plump lips may be desirable for many people, those who are not attracted to this look may be looking for ways to make their lips smaller.

There are some easy steps that you can take to achieve a smaller lip appearance.

To start, you should use a lighter gloss or lipstick, as dark colors can actually exaggerate fuller lips and make them appear larger than they really are.

Blush applied around the outer edge of the mouth blended towards inwards can also help to reduce the size of your lips slightly.

You could try using a contouring formula on the lower lip line, will highlight the shape of your upper lip while minimizing the size of your lower lip.

All of these ideas are the perfect alternative to something as drastic as lip reduction surgery, or a more permanent solution like a lip reduction procedure.

Do Braces Make Your Lips Smaller?

Braces may temporarily make your lips appear smaller. Braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are affixed to the teeth in order to correct misalignment.

When braces are applied, they put pressure on the teeth, which can cause the lip tissue to stretch.

This can lead to a decrease in the appearance of the size of the lip, especially when a person smiles or talks.

However, this effect is only temporary and shouldn’t be seen as a permanent change in facial feature size.

The effect should subside once braces are removed and the pressure from them is no longer present.

Also, although it is possible to achieve changes in the size of your lips through using braces, this is not a recommended strategy.

Braces are meant to be tools for adjusting dental alignment and should not be seen as a cosmetic tool to change your face.

Can I Reduce Lip Size?

Yes, there are a few ways that you can reduce the size of your lips. Lip reduction surgery is one option, but it is quite costly and carries with it potential risks and complications.

A more conservative approach might be to start with topical treatments such as topical retinoids or chemical peels that exfoliate the top layers of skin, which can help with wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox injections are also an option, however these are temporary solutions that will require frequent maintenance, and are not as permanent as corrective procedures like lip reduction surgery.

Whatever route you decide to take, it is important to consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to schedule a professional consultation.

Can Ice Make Lips Smaller?

Many people are interested if ice can make lips smaller. Ice, or cold temperatures, can temporarily reduce the size of your lips as it causes the blood vessels in your lips to contract.

This is known as vasoconstriction. When the blood vessels in your lips become smaller, your lips appear less full.

Ice cubes can be used directly on the lips for a few minutes to achieve a temporary decrease in lip size.

However, this method should be used with caution as it can potentially cause damage to the delicate skin on your lips.

It is best to use ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth or paper towel and hold them to the lips for 30 seconds or less.

Plus, using cold objects such as facial spoons can also provide a mild cooling effect without any potential damage.

It is important to note that although ice can temporarily reduce the size of your lips, it does not provide lasting results.

As soon as the area warm up, your lips will return to their normal size.

Therefore, ice should not be relied upon as a long-term solution for reducing lip size.

Plus, ice or other cold objects should not be used on broken or irritated skin as this could cause further irritation or damage.

How to Make Your Upper Lip Smaller?

For those looking to make their upper lip smaller, there are a few techniques that can help reduce the size of this specific area.

One simple technique is to press your lips together and repeatedly use outward pressure in order to shape them over time.

Another great idea is to apply ice or a cold compress for 15 minutes each day; this constricts the blood vessels and reduces any visible swelling associated with an enlarged lip.

You may also want to incorporate a skin-care and/or makeup routine, as highlighting the Cupid’s bow of your upper lip decreases its size by drawing attention away from it.

How to Make Lips Look Smaller with Lip Liner?

Lip liner can be a great tool for making lips look smaller. To start, line the lips with a lip liner that is either the same shade as, or slightly darker than, your natural lip color.

Make sure to choose a lip liner with a creamy formula, so it will go on smoothly and look natural.

Begin at the cupid’s bow and then draw a line along the outer edge of the top and bottom lip.

Keep the line thin and close to the edges of your lips. Then, use your finger or a Q-tip to blend in the line. This will help blend the liner into the lip and make it look more natural.

Finally, fill in the rest of your lips with the lip liner. This will freeze the shape of your mouth and create an illusion that your lips are smaller.

When applying the lip liner, press lightly and build up to get an even coverage.

How to Make Your Lips Smaller in 5 Minutes?

If you’re looking to make your lips look smaller in a matter of minutes, there are a few quick and easy solutions you can try.

First, start by exfoliating your lips. This will help remove any dead skin cells that may be making your lips look a bit too full.

You can use a lip scrub or simply use a damp cloth to gently scrub away any rough patches.

Secondly, apply a light primer or foundation to your lips. This will help to slightly reduce the overall size and will also create a matte base for the rest of your makeup.

Next, line the outside of your lips with a neutral or nude shade lip liner. This will help to subtly make your lips look smaller.

Finally, finish off the look with a sheer lipstick in a light color, such as a pink or peach. This will help keep your lips looking natural while still providing a hint of color.

Why Do My Lips Look Smaller Some Days?

Have you ever noticed that on certain days, your lips look as if they have suddenly shrunk?

This is often due to the amount of moisture present in the air. The drier the air is, the smaller your lips are likely to appear.

Furthermore, other factors such as hydration levels and use of lip products can also affect how large or small your lips look – meaning if you’re dehydrated, or you’ve put on a lot of lipstick and gloss, it can make your lips temporarily smaller.

Why Do My Lips Sometimes Look Smaller In The Mornings?

Good morning! Have you ever noticed that when you first wake up, your lips can look a little smaller than usual?

This is a perfectly natural phenomenon and usually happens because your lips have been in constant contact with the saliva in your mouth all night, causing them to dry out.

As we sleep, our bodies dehydrate, and dryness can cause your lips to look smaller than normal.

This is because when the lips are hydrated, they appear plump and full. However, when they’re dry, they look less full and slightly shrunken.

To counteract this, make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and use a nourishing lip balm before bed to help keep your lips hydrated overnight.

You can also gently exfoliate your lips in the morning to help restore their volume and keep them moisturized.

Why Do Our Lips Get Smaller As We Age?

As we age, our lips tend to get smaller due to a combination of factors. The most notable factor is the loss of collagen and elastin.

Which are substance found naturally in our skin and are responsible for maintaining our skin’s firmness and youthful appearance.

Over time, these substances break down, and our lips become thinner and less plump.

Other factors that can contribute to our lips shrinking as we get older include the effects of gravity, changes in muscle structure, reduced blood circulation, and sun exposure.

It is important to protect our lips from sun damage with a sunscreen or lip balm with SPF to reduce its effects on our lips.

Plus, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants may help support the production of collagen, keeping our skin—and lips—looking youthful for longer.

Summary

Making your lips look smaller doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following our step-by-step guide and making sure you keep your lips hydrated, you can get a more natural, subtle lip look in just minutes.

Plus, keeping an eye on the weather and protecting your lips from sun damage can help slow down any shrinkage that might occur due to natural aging.

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Makeup Muddle

Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.

As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!