This is the most attractive lip shape around the world, according to science (2024)

  • A study of 1,000 people in 35 countries revealed that the perfect lip shape is all down to symmetry.
  • More than 60% of respondents thought a 1:1 ratio between the upper and lower lip was the most attractive shape.
  • A cosmetic surgeon in London said a heavily-defined cupid’s bow is the most-requested lip feature.


What’s in a pout?

Well, quite a lot,as it turns out that full and sumptuous lips are the most preferable lip shape of them all — but according to a global study, there’s one key trait that distinguishes the perfect pouts from their equally plump, yet sub-par, counterparts.

A survey of more than 1,000 people from 35 different countries revealed that the key to the ultimate lip shape actually boils down to symmetry.

In the study, which was published in theJournal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, more than 60% of respondents chose the 1:1 ratio between the upper and lower lip as the most attractive shape.

The second highest-rated pouts were those with afuller lower lip, like Kylie Jenner, who has built an entire beauty empire based on her infamous (andsurgically-enhanced) pout.

Red Velvet Holiday Lip Kit is officially available on KylieCosmetics.com 💋

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Nov 22, 2017 at 3:24pm PST

However, lead researcher Dr Paul Heidekrueger added that like with all aesthetic trends, these findings are subject to change.

In fact, according to research conducted by leading Harley Street facial cosmetic surgeonDr Julian De Silva, the ultimate pout belongs to none other than Taylor Swift.

"Taylor's lips are perfect," he said, "she has a gorgeous voluptuous pout and a beautifully-shaped cupid's bow which so many women want."

This is the most attractive lip shape around the world, according to science (1)

Jason Merritt / Getty

A heavily-defined cupid’s bow is the most-requested lip shape in De Silva’s experience.

"Cupid's bows can be enhanced and further defined with the use of specific amounts of filler in the upper lip to enhance the natural vertical columns that lie immediately about the upper lip," the surgeon explained.

"The use of a specific filler can also be used to enhance and redefine the overall contour of the lips."

Other common shapes De Silva's patients request improvements on include the "natural trout pout," when the lips' symmetry is slightly offset by a heavier top lip, and the "flat upper lip" as seen on Julia Roberts, where the upper lip has no defined cupid’s bow,

According to De Silva, lips start to naturally reduce in size from the age of 28 onwards, as this is when collagen and hyaluronic acid production slows — the latter is the most commonly-used product in lip injection treatments.

This is the most attractive lip shape around the world, according to science (2)

Eduardo Parra / Getty

There are numerous lifestyle factors that can affect the fullness of your lips too.

"Don't smoke, stay out of the sun and don't overdo the booze if you want your lips to be naturally full for longer," he toldThe Independent.

Obviously there aresome risks involved with lip-plumping treatments, which can leave patients with severe swelling, bruising and soreness afterwards.

Prospective patients should always seek advice from a medical professional before embarking upon surgical treatment.

This is the most attractive lip shape around the world, according to science (2024)

FAQs

What is the world most attractive lip shape? ›

Science has found that the most attractive lip shape has an upper-to-lower lip ratio of 1:2. Lips are most desirable in different shapes and forms for different people – 60% of people prefer a 1:1 ratio where the lips are completely symmetrical and evenly full.

What is the perfect lip according to science? ›

Science suggests the lips on the left are more attractive than the lips on the right. They also determined that an increase of 53.5% in the total lip surface area with a “linear dimension” equal to 9.6% of the lower face, together with the 1:2 upper to lower lip ratio, makes for the most attractive white lady pout.

Who has the most beautiful lips according to science? ›

However, lead researcher Dr Paul Heidekrueger added that like with all aesthetic trends, these findings are subject to change. In fact, according to research conducted by leading Harley Street facial cosmetic surgeon Dr Julian De Silva, the ultimate pout belongs to none other than Taylor Swift.

Is Cupid's Bow considered attractive? ›

Heart-shaped lips refer are characterized by a pronounced and rounded cupid's bow, which is the center of the upper lip. This is considered a desirable feature in many cultures and often thought of as a sign of beauty and sensuality.

What lip shape is rare? ›

Full lips tend to be the most common shape which includes symmetrical volume on the top and bottom lip, while a defined cupid's bow or heart-shaped lips are rare and harder to come by.

Do guys notice lips? ›

First impressions count, especially when it comes to the laws of attraction. And as shallow as it might be, research reveals the facial feature men find most attractive on a woman: her lips. So when you meet someone new and notice his eyes, he's actually looking at your lips.

Are big lips attractive in Korea? ›

They found that Japanese women prefer thinner lips, while Korean women prefer fuller lips. This also compares similarly with the results from the study by Ioi et al,6 which found that Korean women better tolerate slightly larger lips than their Japanese counterparts.

Are big lips attractive? ›

Some studies actually saw that big lips contribute to a great extent to our attractiveness level. Why? It's all about the symmetry of course. As you might be aware, the more symmetrical your face is, the more attractive you will appear to other people.

What makes full lips attractive? ›

Full lips have long been desired by women because they signify youth and femininity. Evolutionary psychology also suggests that women with a full pout are often associated with a strong mating potential. One of the most visible signs of ageing is a pair of thin and flat lips.

Are fuller lips sexier? ›

According to Dr Marisa Coen in her essay for The Science of Relationships, fuller lips have long been desired by women because, as evolutionary psychology suggests, they signify strong mating potential. “Facial features serve as a cue of attractiveness,” explains Coen.

What is the rarest lips in the world? ›

Butterfly lip form is the rarest lip shape. This lip shape gives women strong expression and youthful appearance. Women mostly have this type of lip shape during puberty.

Who has the biggest natural lips ever? ›

Meet Andrea Ivanova: Woman with world's BIGGEST lips | Times of India.

How rare is Cupid lips? ›

Cupid is the rarest of all lip forms. Cupid has a powerful, youthful appearance, and is very prominent in pre-adolescent females. Due to the natural growth process in a female's lips, the fullness of the lips fill in the middle first, then the sides.

Is a bigger top or bottom lip more attractive? ›

But what does an ideal pair of lips really look like? When it comes to white women, the most attractive mouth has an upper lip that's half as big as the lower lip, a study published Thursday in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found.

What ethnicity has Cupid's bow lips? ›

The Ancient Greeks' ideal lip featured a dramatic cupid's bow that supported a heavy bulb in the upper lip. The bow matched the upturned corners of the edge of the mouth.

What is the hardest lip shape to fill? ›

M shaped lips refers to the top lip that resembles the letter “M,” and is the most difficult lip shape to treat. This is because the muscles on the upper lip curls inferiorly and the anatomy can be challenging to release.

What lip shape makes you look younger? ›

Protruding Cupid's Bow

The cupid's bow is the area right above the center of your lips, earning its name due to the arch/bow shape it creates. Youthful lips have a projected Cupid's Bow that keeps the lips from sagging, giving them a more voluminous look.

Does lip size affect kissing? ›

Usually, thicker lips are better for kissing, as they are fuller, and it typically feels better to press your lips to lips that are full.

Do guys prefer makeup or natural? ›

40% of the men they asked preferred less makeup to full caked-on coverage. 40% - less than half the group. That means that the majority of the group didn't say they preferred lasses with less. And yet this has has led to a commonly assumed fact through implication, that ALL men prefer bare-faced women.

Why do men stare at lips? ›

He is looking at your lips

If his gaze keeps slipping down to your lips while he's talking to you, it's a sign that he is admiring you, fantasising about you and might even want to start a stable, long-term relationship with you," says Madan.

What attracts a man to a woman physically? ›

Heterosexual men tend to be attracted to women who have a youthful appearance and exhibit features such as a symmetrical face, full breasts, full lips, and a low waist–hip ratio.

Which BTS member has perfect lips? ›

Kim Seokjin, or Jin, the oldest member, born in 1992, had perfect lips and thespian ambitions.

What causes big lips? ›

Lips can become swollen if fluid builds up in the skin tissue or if there is underlying inflammation. Allergic reactions, angioedema, and injuries are among the possible causes. Swollen lips have a range of causes, which vary from normal to potentially dangerous.

Which country has the highest beauty standards? ›

South Korea bags first place for setting one of the most dominant beauty standards in the world. Korean skincare products are today's most preferred beauty essentials to look presentable, without a doubt. The buzzing “glass skin” trend that stirred a fuss in other countries also had its true origin in Korea.

What is the perfect lip size? ›

The width of the lips should be about 40% of the width of the lower face and generally equal to the distance between the medial limbi. The width-to-height ratio of the face is typically 3:4, with an oval-shaped face being the aesthetic ideal.

What are heart lips? ›

Heart-shaped lips are similar to Cupid's Bow lips, as the top lip has a defined dip. The subtle difference is in the bottom lip. Heart-shaped lips have a bottom lip that is fuller towards the middle and thinner at the sides.

Which color lips are more attractive? ›

Red lips have been considered attractive in women in geographically and temporally diverse cultures, possibly because they mimic vasodilation associated with sexual arousal.

Can I change my lip shape naturally? ›

Here are some facial exercises you can perform to make your lips appear more balanced: Tighten your lips as if you are going to attempt to whistle. Hold that position for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat 10 to 20 times a day.

Are eyes or lips more attractive? ›

On average, people found eyes the most attractive, then hair, then the whole configuration then lips and finally nose.

Do full lips make you look younger? ›

Fuller lips can most definitely make you look younger! Some say that fuller lips from lip injections can make you look “fake” or too “pouty”, but it's key to remember one thing; Studies have shown that women who have fuller and firmer lips are seen as younger than they really are.

What does it mean to have hot lips? ›

hot lips (plural hot lips) A person who kisses or is said to kiss passionately. quotations ▼ An attractive or sexy person.

What types of lips are unhealthy? ›

Cracked or peeling lips: Heartache, worry, dryness in the body, feeling cold. Discoloration or faded colour in the lips: Lack of proper circulation throughout the body. Hot/burning/red lips: Inflammation or too much heat within the body due to overly spicy foods, too much sugar, alcohol or caffeine.

Who has the worlds biggest female lips? ›

Andrea Ivanova, the woman with the 'world's biggest lips' has now set her sight on having the world's largest cheekbones, according to the New York Post.

What are monkey lips? ›

Lips form the muscular opening of the mouth and contain numerous tiny capillaries and nerve endings just beneath the thin membrane surface. The center of the lip is comprised of a muscle termed obicularis oris, which helps to hold food in the mouth and form facial expression such as smiling and frowning.

Who has the biggest lips on earth? ›

Andrea Emilova Ivanova, 25 and from Sofia, Bulgaria, had 43 lip surgeries and got four more hyaluronic acid injections in her cheekbones. The social media personality, who transformed into larger lips in 2018, aspires to set a new record with her well-defined facial structure and World's Biggest Lips title.

Who has the most kissable lips in the world? ›

1. Angelina Jolie. She has, without a doubt, the sexiest pout in the history of lips. In fact, there are online tutorials for women on how to get lips like her.

Do cupids fall in love? ›

(Because that'll show Psyche!) Cupid agrees, but, of course, falls in love with Psyche after “accidentally” hitting himself with one of his own golden arrows. Cupid begins to visit Psyche in dark every night but tells her she must never look at his face.

What are rosebud lips? ›

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English rosebud mouth/lipsa mouth or lips that have a small round shape and are very red → rosebudExamples from the Corpusrosebud mouth/lips• Corrie had a short, snub nose and rosebud mouth, and her eyes were a smoky grey. •

Are Cupids boys or girls? ›

For the Romans, the character of Cupid was always a cherubic little boy who followed his mother's wishes to make people fall in love. Venus and Cupid, circa 18th century.

Which lip is darker bottom or top? ›

The upper lip will generally be darker than the lower lip because it angles slightly inward (see illustration below). You'll also typically need some shading right below the lower lip before you get to the chin. At the corners of the mouth there are many connecting muscles.

Do guys like thicker lips? ›

Depends on the guy. Usually, thicker lips are better for kissing, as they are fuller, and it typically feels better to press your lips to lips that are full. Also, often time thicker lips makes for better….

What does big lips mean on a girl? ›

If the shape of your lips is Full Lips, you are an empathetic individual who values relationships above everything else. Women with full lips are extremely confident and courageous. They are social butterflies. They are also very generous and caring in their relationships.

What is the most wanted lip shape? ›

Science has found that the most attractive lip shape has an upper-to-lower lip ratio of 1:2. Lips are most desirable in different shapes and forms for different people – 60% of people prefer a 1:1 ratio where the lips are completely symmetrical and evenly full.

What is the name of the most attractive lip shape? ›

The Blessed Cupid's Bow

As well as having a voluptuous look, the most attractive lips often also feature a striking cupid's bow, which catches the eye due to its sharp points.

Where do Russian lips come from? ›

Russian lips refer to a technique that is supposed to have originated in Russia, and from the traditional babushka dolls that form a heart shape in their center, together with an elevated appearance.

Which race has thick lips? ›

Chinese women had the thickest lower lip, as well as the greatest upper lip volume. Male lips were found to be more similar to each other across ethnic groups; however, Caucasians men had the thinnest lips. Men of Chinese descent had the largest total lip volume.

How rare are cupid lips? ›

Taylor Swift has a famous Cupid's bow, and it's generally viewed as an attractive feature. Cleft lips affect approximately 1 in every 600 babies born. This is a condition that causes a split in one side of the lip all the way through one nostril.

What does it mean when a guy stares at your lips? ›

He is looking at your lips

If his gaze keeps slipping down to your lips while he's talking to you, it's a sign that he is admiring you, fantasising about you and might even want to start a stable, long-term relationship with you," says Madan.

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