Lips vary in fullness, width, the shape of the upper lip, and the balance between the top and bottom. All of those are normal. This guide explains the common lip shapes, how to find yours and how lip liner and lipstick can work with them.
How to identify your lip shape
Look in a mirror with a relaxed, closed mouth in daylight.
- Fullness. Compare the upper and lower lip. Are they about equal, or is one fuller?
- Width. Compare the width of your mouth with the width of your face. Wider or narrower is just variation.
- Upper lip shape. Is the cupid's bow pointed, rounded or soft?
- Corners. Do they turn up, down or stay level?
- Symmetry. Most lips are slightly uneven. That is typical.
Common lip shapes
- Full: both lips are full, with a well-defined profile.
- Thin: both lips are narrower, often with a more defined line.
- Full lower lip: the bottom lip is fuller than the top.
- Full upper lip: the top lip is fuller than the bottom.
- Bow-shaped: a pronounced curve at the center of the upper lip.
- Wide: the mouth is wider than average.
- Round: lips have a circular outline, with little curve at the center.
- Downturned: the corners point slightly down.
- Heart-shaped: a deep cupid's bow with a fuller lower lip.
- Uneven or asymmetrical: one side is a little fuller or higher. Most mouths are this way.
Lip shape depends on bone structure and family traits. No shape is better than another.
Lip liner tips for each lip shape
- Full lips: line just inside the natural edge for a defined but not exaggerated look.
- Thin lips: line on the natural edge, not outside it, to keep the look natural. Use a shade close to your lip color.
- Full lower lip: line the upper lip on its natural edge and the lower lip just inside the edge.
- Full upper lip: do the opposite.
- Wide: stop the liner short of the corners to shorten the look.
- Downturned: extend the liner slightly upward at the corners.
- Uneven: use a pencil to even out small differences, but keep it subtle.
Lipstick finishes and colors
- Matte finishes make lips look flatter and suit defined lips.
- Gloss and satin finishes reflect light, so lips look fuller.
- Light colors also reflect light and can make lips look fuller. Darker shades make them look smaller.
For color, undertone matters most. Warm skin suits peach, coral, terracotta and brick. Cool skin suits rose, berry, plum and blue-based reds. Neutral skin suits most shades. If you are unsure, the AI color analysis shows lip colors for your season, and you can read how to find your undertone.
Balance your lips with the rest of your face
A common styling idea is to put the emphasis on one feature at a time. If you wear a bold lip color, keep eye makeup soft, and if you wear defined eyes, choose a softer lip. This works with every lip shape. The shape of your lips also interacts with your face shape: a wider mouth sits well on a wider face, and a smaller mouth suits a delicate jaw. When you take photos, relax your lips rather than pressing them together, which changes their apparent fullness.
If you want to try a new color before buying it, hold a similar shade near your mouth in daylight and check whether it makes your skin look even or sallow.
Healthy lips
Lips have very few oil glands, so they dry out easily. Use a lip balm with SPF in sunlight, exfoliate gently if they flake and drink water. If you have persistent cracks, sores or a change in color, see a doctor or dermatologist.
Find your lip colors
Color matters more than shape. Upload a daylight selfie to the AI color analysis to find your color season and the lip colors in your palette, then read the guide for your season.
Related reading: how to find your undertone, facial harmony and eye shapes.
FAQ
What are the different lip shapes?
Common lip shapes are full, thin, bow-shaped, wide, round, downturned and heart-shaped, with variations in how full the top and bottom lips are.
What is the most common lip shape?
There is no reliable global data. Most people have a slightly fuller lower lip.
How do I find my lip shape?
Relax your mouth in front of a mirror and compare the top and bottom lip, the width, the cupid's bow and the corners.
What lipstick is best for thin lips?
Lighter, glossier shades reflect light and look fuller. Darker matte shades make lips look smaller.
