Laura Geller's Top Tip for Fuller, Youthful Lips After 40

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-04-03

Let's be real for a second. As we get a little older, our lips can start to feel like they're playing hide and seek. That plump, defined shape from our twenties? It can seem like a distant memory. The natural collagen starts to dip, the lip line softens, and sometimes it feels like your favorite lipstick just doesn't sit the same way anymore. You're not imagining it, and you're certainly not alone. But here's the good news—it's absolutely something you can work with. Celebrity makeup artist and brand founder Laura Geller has spent decades in the beauty chair, and she's seen it all. She recently shared her absolute number-one, go-to trick for making mature lips look as full and luscious as possible. And honestly? It's simpler than you might think. ### The Core Principle: It's All About the Base Laura's golden rule isn't about loading on more product. It's about strategic placement and one key prep step. She emphasizes that the secret to a fuller-looking lip starts *before* any color touches your mouth. "The most important thing is to exfoliate," she advises. "As we age, the skin on our lips can become dry and flaky. Color will just cling to those dry patches and emphasize lines, making lips look thinner and less smooth." Think of it like painting a wall. You wouldn't slap a fresh coat of paint on a cracked, uneven surface and expect a flawless finish, right? The same logic applies to your lips. A smooth canvas is non-negotiable. - **Gentle Exfoliation:** Use a soft toothbrush or a dedicated lip scrub in gentle, circular motions. Do this 2-3 times a week, not every day. - **Hydration is Key:** Immediately follow with a rich, nourishing lip balm. Let it sink in for a good five minutes before moving on to lipstick. - **Prime the Canvas:** For an extra-smooth base, you can lightly dab a tiny amount of your face primer or concealer on the lip line and blend. ### The Application Technique That Makes All the Difference Once your lips are prepped, it's time for the main event. Laura's application method is a game-changer for creating the illusion of volume. She suggests using a lip liner that's just one shade deeper than your natural lip color or your chosen lipstick. Start by defining your cupid's bow clearly. Then, instead of just tracing the very outer edge of your natural lip line, you're going to draw *just slightly outside* it. We're talking a hair's width—maybe one-sixteenth of an inch. This isn't about creating a dramatic, overdrawn look from a decade ago. It's a subtle, strategic nudging of the boundary. "The goal is to reinforce the shape that's naturally fading," Laura explains. "It gives your lip color a clean, crisp edge to sit on, which instantly makes everything look more defined and therefore fuller." After lining, fill in the entire lip with that same liner. This creates a long-wearing, stain-like base that prevents color from feathering into fine lines. Then, apply your lipstick or gloss directly over the top, staying within the newly defined line. ### Choosing the Right Products for Mature Lips Your product choices matter just as much as your technique. Heavy, matte formulas can be unforgiving. Laura often recommends creamier lipsticks, satin finishes, or hydrating glosses for a more youthful effect. "A little shine in the center of the bottom lip catches the light and creates a beautiful, plumping effect," she notes. "It's an old Hollywood trick that still works perfectly." So, the next time you're doing your makeup, give Laura Geller's method a try. Prep, line with intention, and choose forgiving formulas. It's not about fighting the natural aging process—it's about enhancing your beautiful features with a few smart, simple steps. Your lips will thank you.