Unfortunately, it's less a genetic certainty and more a myth that all black people are endowed the the bee stung lips and booties that are supposed to be our ancestral right. So what's a black girl to do when she's born with lips that are thinner than Nicole Richie? For the rich and often ill-advised, the solution is frequently one of the plastic surgery variety and results in swollen lips that resemble the painted-on mouth of a UniverSoul Circus clown.

Take Vivica Fox and her collagen-filled lips, for instance. I wish Viv had put more faith in lip plumpers (and designated drivers, but that's another story), which are a natural, temporary and cheap way to enhance your assets without looking like you're suffering from an allergic reaction to shellfish. Tia Williams, beauty expert and author of It Chicks and beauty blog Shake Your Beauty,* recommends Too Faced Lip Injection ($18.50, www.toofaced.com) or DuWop Lip Venom ($16, www.duwop.com). "Usually infused with peppery cinnamon oil, the plumpers increase circulation in the lips, causing them to become flushed and appear fuller," says Tia. They smell and taste good, too, but beware the temporary tingle. Do you guys have any favorites?

*and my sister