Laura Geller's Top Tip for Fuller Mature Lips

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-04-03

You know that feeling when you're getting ready, and your lips just don't look like they used to? It's a common thing as we get a bit older. The natural definition softens, the color can fade, and that plump, youthful look seems harder to achieve. It can be frustrating, right? You're not alone. But here's the good news: a simple, expert-approved technique can make a world of difference. I was recently reminded of a brilliant piece of advice from makeup artist and brand founder Laura Geller. She shared her absolute number-one tip for making mature lips look as full as possible, and honestly, it's a game-changer. It's not about expensive procedures or complicated routines. It's about one strategic step that reframes your entire lip look. ### The Core Principle: It's All About the Base Laura's secret weapon? A good lip liner. But not just any lip liner, and not used in the way you might think. The key is to use it *before* your lipstick or gloss, all over the lip as a base. This creates a uniform, long-lasting canvas that prevents color from feathering into fine lines and helps any product you layer on top appear more vibrant and, crucially, fuller. Think of it like priming a wall before you paint. You wouldn't just slap color on a porous, uneven surface and expect a smooth, rich finish. Your lips need that same prep work. As we age, the lip border can become less distinct. A liner used as a base helps redefine that border from within, creating an optical illusion of fullness without harsh, overdrawn lines.  ### How to Apply This Tip Like a Pro Let's break down how to actually do this. It's simple, but a few details make it perfect. - **Choose the Right Shade:** Pick a lip liner that matches your natural lip color or is very close to the lipstick shade you plan to use. The goal is seamless blending, not a stark outline. - **Prep Your Lips:** Gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or a sugar scrub. Follow with a light layer of balm and let it sink in for a minute. Blot any excess. - **Fill, Don't Just Outline:** Starting in the center of your lips, use short, feathery strokes to color in your entire lip area. Cover every bit, right up to your natural lip line. This is the "base coat." - **Blend and Layer:** Gently press your lips together to soften the liner. Then, apply your favorite lipstick or gloss directly on top. You'll notice the color looks richer and stays put for hours. This method does a few amazing things at once. It neutralizes any discoloration on the lips, provides a sticky surface for your lipstick to adhere to, and creates a solid foundation that makes the color pop. The result is lips that look defined, healthy, and yes—visibly fuller. ### Why This Works Better Than Overlining We've all seen the trend of overlining lips to make them look bigger. On mature lips, that technique can often backfire, settling into lines around the mouth and looking obvious. Laura's base method is smarter. It enhances what you have by optimizing the texture and color payoff. You're working with your natural shape, not against it. It's a subtle art of enhancement that feels authentic and looks incredibly polished. As Laura Geller herself might say, it's about celebrating your features at every age. A little strategic prep can restore confidence and bring back that "just-bitten" flush we all love. So next time you're doing your makeup, give this base technique a try. Grab that lip liner, fill in those lips first, and see the difference it makes. You might just find your new favorite step in your routine.