Laura Geller's Top Tip for Fuller Mature Lips

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-04-03

You know that feeling when you look in the mirror and your lips just don't look like they used to? It happens to all of us as we get a little older. The definition softens, the color can fade, and that plump, youthful look seems harder to achieve. It's a common concern I hear from clients all the time. Well, legendary makeup artist Laura Geller has shared her absolute number-one secret for making mature lips look as full as possible. And honestly, it's a game-changer. It's not about expensive procedures or complicated techniques. It's about one simple, strategic step that makes all the difference. ### The Core Principle: It's All About the Base Laura's golden rule? You have to start with a clean, smooth canvas. Think about painting a wall. You wouldn't just slap color over old, peeling paint, right? You'd prime it first. Your lips need the same kind of prep, especially as they mature. As we age, the natural pigment in our lips can diminish, and fine lines around the mouth become more noticeable. Lipstick can bleed into those lines, and colors can look uneven or dull. The key is to create a neutral, even base that allows your lip color to shine and stay put.  ### The Simple, Powerful Technique So, what's the actual tip? It's beautifully straightforward. Before you apply any lip color—liner, lipstick, gloss, anything—you gently pat a tiny amount of your foundation or concealer onto your lips. Just a dab. You're not caking it on; you're creating a sheer, blank slate. This does two critical things. First, it neutralizes your natural lip tone. This is huge because it allows the true color of your lipstick to show through without being altered by the color of your lips underneath. That vibrant berry or perfect nude will look exactly as it does in the tube. Second, and this is the magic part, it creates a slightly tacky surface. This gives your lip liner and lipstick something to grip onto. It prevents feathering and bleeding into those fine lines around your mouth. Your lip color will stay within the lines you draw, giving you a crisp, defined look that lasts hours longer.  ### Building on the Base: The Full Routine Once you've prepped with that light layer of foundation, you can build your perfect lip. Here's how Laura suggests proceeding: - **Start with liner:** Choose a liner that matches your natural lip color or your lipstick. Outline your lips, and don't be afraid to slightly overline if you want a fuller effect—just keep it subtle. Then, fill in your entire lip with the liner. This acts as a long-wearing base color. - **Apply your lipstick:** Blot your lipstick on with a brush for precision, or apply directly from the bullet. The color will appear more vibrant and true against the neutral base. - **Add dimension:** For extra fullness, dab a touch of a lighter, shimmery shade or a clear gloss just in the center of your bottom lip. This catches the light and creates the illusion of a plumper pout. Laura puts it perfectly: "It's like priming a wall before you paint. That base layer is what makes the color pop and last. Without it, you're just putting color on top of color, and it never looks quite right." I've tried this method myself, and let me tell you, it works. It takes an extra 10 seconds, but the payoff is a lip look that's defined, vibrant, and doesn't migrate south by lunchtime. It's one of those small adjustments with a massive impact. Give it a try tomorrow morning. You might just find your new non-negotiable first step.