Overview
Do you wonder what lip shape you have and if it’s attractive? Then, this lip guide is for you!
Yes, the shape of your lip contributes to your overall appearance, influencing how the makeup appears and how your smile is framed. Some of us are born with naturally full lips, while others have thinner or more delicate shapes. And that’s quite okay.
In this guide, you’ll learn about lip shapes, tips to identify your own, and natural ways to enhance your shape.
Moreover, consider lip fillers if you’re interested in a subtle change to the shape of your lips with a soft, natural touch.
Here are 12 Different Types Of Lip Shapes
Everybody has a different lip shape. Although most people have a combination of features, most lips can be classified into a few typical shapes. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
1. Heart-Shaped Lips (Cupid’s Bow)
A prominent Cupid’s bow characterises heart-shaped lips and a slightly thicker lower lip, which is why they are also referred to as ‘Cupid Bow Lips’. They project a romantic, feminine look. Makeup artists favour this lip shape due to its structure. With a lip liner softly defining the upper curve, and a lighter gloss on the lower lip, it may add to their beauty.
2. Full Lips
Full lips are spontaneously chubby on both the upper and lower sides, i.e., 1:1 lips. They tend to be rounded and proportional, with no corner seeming too thin or flat. Individuals with full lips often have a youthful, tender appearance. Although such lips require minimal enhancement, defining their shape with a lip liner will enhance them further.
3. Heavy Upper Lip
Here, the upper lip is noticeably fuller than the lower, i.e., 2:1. This can create a pronounced Cupid’s bow or soft droop at the corners. Celebs like Priyanka Chopra and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have this shape. To balance it out, a makeup tip is to use slightly brighter or glossier shades on the bottom lip.
4. Heavy Lower Lip
A fuller bottom lip creates a pouty appearance. It draws attention downward and often looks best when the top lip is slightly defined. Think Sofia Vergara or Lana Condor. These lips look amazing with ombré lip techniques that bring harmony to both lips.
5. Round Lips
Round lips are more like a circle in shape, usually with a smooth and less defined Cupid’s bow. They provide a soft and youthful look. Individuals with this shape may prefer to add more definition using a pointed lip liner to replicate a Cupid’s bow or lengthen the corners slightly to broaden the appearance.
6. Thin Lips
Thin lips have less volume overall. Both the upper and lower lips are slender, remarkably so when relaxed. This shape may sometimes appear smaller in photographs or when paired with certain makeup styles. Thin lips do, though, still have the potential to look great with the proper techniques. Overlining just beyond the lip edge with a glossier look may make them look fuller.
7. Wide Lips
Broad lips spread wide and may look longer than they are plump. The shape emphasises the smile and is usually found in lively, expressive features. To counteract the width, a valid method is to use darker colours at the corners and a light touch in the middle, pulling attention inwards.
8. Downturned Lips
These lips slope slightly downward at the corners, which may make the face appear more serious or tired. Brigitte Bardot and Aubrey Plaza have this shape. Using lip liner to lift the corners gently can help add a more refreshed look.
9. Asymmetrical Lips
One side of the lips may be fuller or shaped differently than the other. While asymmetry adds a unique character, Kristen Stewart is a great example. Many individuals choose to correct it subtly using dermal fillers. Highlighting the fuller side and underlining the thinner one with a pencil can help visually balance the shape.
10. Pouty Lips
These are plump, full lips often enhanced with fillers. Both the upper and lower lips have a soft, “bee-stung” appearance. Kylie Jenner popularised this look. Glossy finishes and soft pink shades amplify the effect beautifully.
11. Russian Lips
A trending shape, especially in aesthetic clinics, Russian lips are defined by a high Cupid’s bow and vertical height. The look is doll-like and elegant. Achieved through a specific filler technique, this style lifts the centre of the lips without adding horizontal width.
12. Tented Lips
With a raised centre and softly arched upper lip, tented lips give an elegant and voluminous appearance. This look is often the result of filler enhancement. Megan Fox and Hailey Bieber are usually seen with this sculpted style.
How Lip Fillers Enhance Your Lip Shape
Makeup can work wonders, but it can’t actually alter your lip shape. If you want more permanent balance or fullness, lip fillers are an option to consider.
Here’s what you need to know about lip fillers:
- Personalised to You: Fillers can provide fullness, define the Cupid’s bow, smooth out asymmetry, or lift the corner, all depending on your lip shape and objectives.
- Natural Look: Trained practitioners apply gentle fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, to create subtle volume, so your lips continue to look like your lips, only more refined.
- Flexible & Reversible: Fillers are not permanent. They typically last 6–12 months and may be tuned or dissolved when necessary.
- Quick & Easy: The average appointment time is about 30 minutes. There is little downtime, and most individuals recover fine the following day.
You don’t have to commit. Many clinics offer consultations where you can sit down and discuss possibilities without any obligation.
How to Enhance The Shape of Your Lips?
You don’t have to be dramatic to maximise your lip shape. These tiny tricks can make a huge difference in how defined, even, and flattering your lips look:
Use Lip Liner like a Pro
Lip liner is your ultimate ally for enhancing your shape. Select a liner that matches your natural lip colour for a natural look. You may outline your lips with the liner for a fuller and defined lip shape.
Highlight your Cupid’s Bow
Applying a small amount of highlighter to the V-shaped area of your upper lip gives immediate lift and catches the eye. This is particularly effective for bow or heart-shaped lips.
Put on a Gloss for Volume
Placing a clear or light gloss solely in the centre of your lips creates the illusion of full lips, making your lips appear fuller without the need for surgery.
Choose Lip Colours Wisely
Dark colours can make the appearance of lips appear smaller, while light and shiny shades can make them appear bigger. Match your shade with your desired effect.
Follow a Lip Care Routine
Healthy lips always look better. Follow these tips to take care of your lips and keep them pretty:
- Exfoliate once or twice a week with a sugar scrub or soft toothbrush.
- Keep them moisturised with a hydrating balm.
- Use SPF lip balm during the daytime, as sun damage can age the lips and dull their shape.
How Do I Identify My Lip Shape? (In Under 1 Minute)
Understanding your lip shape begins with a brief and candid glance in the mirror.
- Stand in natural light, with your face relaxed and your lips softly closed.
- Take a good look at the symmetry. Is your upper lip more defined or fuller? Do you notice a Cupid’s bow? Are the corners downturned or spread wide?
- Take a selfie and trace your lip line. Or digitally print the photo and outline it with a pencil. This helps you see the exact shape without movement or shadow.
It’s absolutely fine to fall into more than one category. Others have a heart-shaped top lip but a fuller, round bottom lip. The goal isn’t to fit nicely into one box; it’s to know your features so you can make the most of them naturally.
Your Lip Shape Is Uniquely Beautiful, But You May Always Enhance It!
There is no such thing as the “perfect” lip shape. Some lips are full, others are thin, and some are a combination of both; all are lovely. The trick is knowing what you have and how to make the best of it, whether that’s with a splash of gloss, a sneaky liner hack, or a subtle tweak.
Now, if you are in London and seeking lip filler treatment let the experts at AMS Aesthetics guide you! No pressure, just useful, honest guidance based on you.
FAQs
1. What is the most attractive lip shape?
Studies show that lips with a symmetrical 1:1 ratio of upper to lower teeth, or those close to the golden ratio (1:1.6), are perceived as most attractive. However, some people consider heart-shaped lips the most appealing shape.
2. Which is the rarest lip shape?
The heart-shaped (Cupid’s bow) lip is the rarest. It has a pronounced dip in the upper centre and fuller middle, tapering to the edges.
3. How to have beautiful lips?
To have beautiful lips:
- Keep them moisturised with lip balm
- Exfoliate gently to remove dry skin.
- Drink water to stay hydrated.
- Use SPF lip balm to protect from sun damage
- Choose flattering lip colours for your skin tone.
- Avoid licking your lips; it dries them out.
Consistency is key to achieving soft, healthy-looking lips.
4. Are thin lips attractive?
Thin lips are generally seen as less attractive. Full, well-defined lips convey youth and fertility, while thin lips may be viewed as ageing
