The thin nature of lip fullness is usually a distraction to food and speech; however, in a broader context, lip fullness plays an important part in facial aesthetics and nonverbal communication. Lip shape can even affect one’s perception of a person in matters of character, age, and ethnicity. Yet quite apart from aesthetics, the many shapes of the lips interestingly testify to the deep genetic uniqueness within each one of us. This ultimate guide dives into lip shapes, ranging from various types to their characteristics and how makeup application can work to enhance your natural beauty.
The Genetic Blueprint of Your Lips
The shape of your lips is intricately entwined with the genes and the musculo-skeletal make-up beneath. The orbicularis oris muscle, a sphincter enveloping your mouth, has the most important role to play. The various sizes or varying distributions of these muscles define to some extent the distinct projection, rounded feel, and general shape of your lips. Additionally, certain other anatomical features of the face such as the philtrum (the vertical groove that is just above your upper lip), cupid’s bow (the central indentation on the upper lip) are contributors to your unique lip shape.
Also read, Tips to Get Rid of Blackheads on Lips
A Lip Shape Gallery: Full to Heart
The world of lip shapes is full of delightful variety, with a type to flatter every face. Here is a small selection of the more common ones:
Full Lips
Usually regarded as the topmost lusted-after lip in the cosmetic industry, full lips have balanced fullness on an upper and lower lip. They tend to project a little from the face and often possess this well-defined cupid’s bow. Associated with voluptuousness and youth, full lips are seen on celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Rihanna.
Thin Lips
Otherwise somewhat flat and having little projection, thin lips are perceived to have slight appeal in terms of a cupid’s bow on the upper lip with the lower lip appearing fuller. While at times looked on as stern, thin lips can also convey elegance and sophistication. Thin lips are enshrined by actresses such as Emma Watson and Kate Moss.
Heart-Shaped Lips
The upper lip is fuller with a pronounced cupid’s bow dipping in the center to form a heart shape. The lower lip is usually full, yet not as prominent as the upper lip. Heart-shaped lips are often linked to femininity, romance, and innocence and can be found on the faces of Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift.
Cupid’s Bow Lips
Specifically, it denotes the pronounced dip in the middle of the upper lip- very much like a cupid’s bow. The overall shape of the lips may differ, but a well-defined cupid’s bow creates that extra sensuality and fullness to the mouth, a feature that is highly appreciated in the looks of actresses Megan Fox and Kylie Jenner.
Downturned Lips
The mouth develops an impression of being downturned at the ends, which may, at times, take on an aspect of sadness and disapproval; however, a slight touch of makeup can lessen that impression. Actress Kristen Stewart carries off those downturned lips splendidly.
Straight Lips
As you might guess from their name, straight lips have corners that curve very little. Upper and lower lips could be rather thin or full, but then they smoothly maintain a straight line. Straight lips give off an image of determination and seriousness, characteristics that actress Natalie Portman is reputedly bestowed with.
Going Beyond: Embracing the Spectrum
What is important to know is that these are just the most common types of lip shapes, and a beautiful spectrum of variations exists within each shape. Some individuals may have quite a unique blend of combinations; for instance, someone may have full upper lips with a relatively thinner lower lip. Ethnicity also affects the likelihood of certain populations having particular lip shapes.
The Art of Makeup: Bringing Out Natural Beauty
Makeup application can be an effective way to enhance what is naturally there and complement whichever direction you want to take with your lip shape. Here are some tips:
Full Lips
You want to define, then line just off the natural lip line with full lips. Use a lip liner that matches the shade of lipstick you will be using. Fill your lips with a matte or satin lipstick, then dab a little gloss in the center to give a fuller dimension.
Thin Lips
Line ever so slightly outside your natural lip line with a lip liner of your choice complimenting the lipstick shade to enhance fullness. Opt for lipstick in a cream or gloss finish to create an illusion of volume. A matte finish will only highlight thinness. In addition to that, some highlighter just above your cupid’s bow on the lip may also give an even subtler plumping effect.
Heart-Shaped Lips
Accentuate the natural heart shape by taking a lip liner along the outer edges of your cupid’s bow and following this curve naturally. Fill lips with a lipstick that flatter your skin tone. Don’t over-line the outer corners of your mouth, or else it will diminish the appearance of a heart shape.
Conclusion: Your Lips, Your Story
Lip shapes are more than a matter of appearance; they are part of your unique story. With the knowledge of what the different types are and how makeup emphasizes them, you can learn to have confidence in your beauty while also expressing your creativity. The most important thing you carry is self-confidence. So flaunt whichever way your lips are shaped and let them tell the world your exquisite story!
