How To Determine Your Lip Shape Once And For All
With so many lipstick trends circulating the internet at any given time, it’s fair to say that your lip game is one you’ll probably want to master. With resources like our guide to creating the perfect ’90s wine red lip at your disposal, achieving runway-ready puckers is easily within reach for the everyday makeup fanatic. But the key to any lip craze — whether it’s a classic red lip or the movie-ready natural lip trend — is first understanding what lip shape you’re working with.
“To determine your lip shape, start by looking in the mirror and noting the natural contours of your lips,” explains Jackie Spagnuolo, A.G.-N.P., aesthetic nurse practitioner and owner of Beauty Nurse NYC. In an exclusive chat with Glam, Spagnuolo advises taking into account the “symmetry, volume, and curvature” of your lips. “Consider the balance between your top and bottom lip, the definition of your Cupid’s bow, and whether your lips are full, thin, or somewhere in between,” she adds. And her advice doesn’t stop there: “Lip shape is often influenced by genetics, so check with your family members for more clues.”
If you’re studying your lips in the mirror and still not entirely sure, Spagnuolo recommends consulting with a professional aesthetician to help you decide on the right shape. But before you start analyzing your mouth, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different lip shapes. Then, you’ll be able to determine which one suits you best and, if necessary, adjust your lip routine accordingly.
Learn to recognize with the defining features of each lip shape
There are at least seven common lip shapes, each defined by specific qualities that are easy to recognize once you know what you’re looking for. Jackie Spagnuolo says one of the most well-known shapes is the full lip, which is when “both the top and bottom lips are equally full and balanced, creating a naturally voluminous appearance.” In comparison, if only your top lip is full and your bottom lip is noticeably smaller, you may have lips with a heavy top. Full lips are similar to round lips, which, as Spagnuolo reveals, contain “rounded corners and consistent fullness throughout the top and bottom lip.” If you have round lips rather than full lips, they’ll likely appear circular, and noticeably, the emphasized Cupid’s bow will be absent.
Speaking of Cupid’s bows, if you have a pronounced one “with a noticeable dip in the center of the top lip, often balanced by a slightly fuller bottom lip,” you probably have bow-shaped lips, according to Spagnuolo. Bowed lips evoke old Hollywood glamour, and many modern celebrities like Rihanna and Taylor Swift share this shape. But of course, all lip shapes deserve to be celebrated, including the heart-shaped lip, which is similar to the bow shape. “[The defining characteristics are] a pronounced Cupid’s bow on the top lip and a fuller bottom lip, creating a natural heart shape,” Spagnuolo shares exclusively with Glam. These two shapes are pretty similar, so use the volume of your bottom lip to make the distinction.
Thin lips describe a shape where both the top and bottom lips have less volume, while downturned lips are pretty self-explanatory: The outer corners curve downward, almost into a slight frown. While some lips are more popular according to modern beauty standards, not all of us are meant to have the exact same pout, and your natural lips are sure to suit your personal proportions.
You may need to adjust your lip-care routine based on your lip shape
The main advantage of knowing your lip shape is being able to pick out the trends that best suit you, as well as knowing which celebrities to look to when you need lip inspiration, but some lip shapes can benefit from a personalized lip care routine. “The basic care steps—moisturizing, exfoliating, and sun protection—benefit all lips, regardless of shape,” Jackie Spagnuolo exclusively tells Glam. “Lip care products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and SPF are universally beneficial for maintaining a healthy, plump look on all shapes.” However, those with full lips may need to adjust their regimen due to an increased tendency toward dryness. “Frequent moisturizing with balms or oils is essential,” Spagnuolo explains. Gisou’s Honey-Infused Hydrating Lip Oil gets particularly high ratings for its ability to retain moisture.
Additionally, those with thin lips should be careful when choosing harsher products, as their lips can be more fragile. Spagnuolo suggests looking for lip products that have extra hydration, like Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask. You can also incorporate those that can plump up the appearance of your lips to give them a touch of volume if that’s the look you’re going for. Again, beauty is subjective, and there are also plenty of celebrities who proudly show off this shape, including Emma Watson, Jennifer Aniston, and Kate Middleton. Lastly, Spagnuolo says that downward-curving lips “can benefit from lip treatments designed to lift and enhance the outer corners for a more balanced appearance.”
Making lip care mistakes can age you, so to achieve the lips of your dreams, get familiar with your lip shape, tweak your routine if your shape requires it, and enjoy showing off the best lip trends.