How To Determine Your Lip Shape Once And For All

With so many lipstick trends circling the internet at any given time, it's fair to say that your lip game is one that you'll probably want to nail. With resources like our guide to creating the perfect '90s wine-red lip at your disposal, achieving runway-ready puckers is easily within the capabilities of the everyday makeup fan. But the key to any lip craze, whether it's a classic red lip or the natural movie-lips trend, is first understanding what lip shape you're working with. 

"To determine your lip shape, start by looking in the mirror and observing the natural contours of your lips," explains Jackie Spagnuolo, A.G.-N.P., an aesthetic nurse practitioner and owner of Beauty Nurse NYC. In an exclusive chat with Glam, Spagnuolo advises taking into account the "symmetry, fullness, and curvature" of your lips. "Consider the balance between the top and bottom lips, 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 look at family members for additional clues!"

If you're studying your lips in the mirror and still aren't quite sure, Spagnuolo recommends consulting with a professional beautician to help you settle on the correct shape. But before you even begin analyzing your mouth, it's important to get familiar with the various lip shapes. Then, you'll be able to work out where you fit and, if need be, adjust your lip routine accordingly. 

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 that one of the most well-known shapes is the full lip, which is when "both the upper and lower lips are equally plump and balanced, creating a naturally voluminous appearance." By comparison, if only your top lip is plump and the bottom lip is noticeably smaller, you may have top-heavy lips. Full lips are similar to round lips, which, as Spagnuolo reveals, contain "rounded corners and a consistent fullness throughout the upper and lower lips." If you have round lips rather than full lips, they will likely appear circular, and notably, 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 upper lip, often balanced by a slightly fuller lower lip," you probably have bow-shaped lips, according to Spagnuolo. Bow lips evoke Old Hollywood glamour, and many modern celebs like Rihanna and Taylor Swift share this shape. But, of course, all lip shapes are worth celebrating, 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 fullness of your lower lip to make the distinction. 

Thin lips describe a shape where both the upper and lower lips have less volume, while downward-turned lips are pretty self-explanatory: The outer corners turn downward, almost in a slight frown. While some lips are more popular by modern beauty standards, we weren't all meant to have the exact same pout, and your natural lips surely suit your personal proportions. 

The main advantage of knowing your lip shape is being able to handpick the lip trends that will look the best on you, as well as knowing which celebrities to look at when you need lip inspo, but some lip shapes may benefit from a tailored lip-care routine. "The basic care steps — hydration, exfoliation, and sun protection — benefit all lips, regardless of shape," Jackie Spagnuolo tells Glam exclusively. "Lip-care products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and SPF are universally beneficial to maintain a healthy, plump look across all shapes." However, those with full lips may need to adjust their regimen due to an increased tendency for dryness. "Frequent hydration with balms or oils is essential," Spagnuolo explains. The Gisou Honey-Infused Hydrating Lip Oil has particularly high ratings for its ability to lock in moisture.

Additionally, those with thin lips should take care when choosing harsher products since their lips can be more fragile. Spagnuolo suggests looking for lip products that have extra moisture, such as the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. You could also incorporate those that can boost the appearance of the lips to give them a hint of volume if that's the look you want. Again, beauty is subjective, and there are also plenty of celebrities proudly showing off this shape, including Emma Watson, Jennifer Aniston, and Kate Middleton. Finally, Spagnuolo says that downward-turned lips "might benefit from lip treatments designed to lift and enhance the outer corners for a more balanced look." 

Making mistakes with your lip care can age you, so for the pout of your dreams, get familiar with your lip shape, alter your routine if your shape calls for it, and enjoy showing off the best trends on your puckers.