Everyone has a different perception of beauty.
The meaning of “beautiful” can change from one person to the next, whether they’re male or female, from one part of the world or another.
There truly is no way to measure what is attractive or not, is there? Using the power of science and statistics, as well as the hard work from researchers…not necessarily.
Surveys that are done with the help of a variety of different people across different cultural backgrounds can provide information on a wide range of topics, however, including perceptions of beauty.
A recent survey done on over 1,000 respondents throughout 35 different countries found new, striking information about people’s perception of beauty when it comes to lips.
This survey found that people prefer lips that are perfectly symmetrical along the horizontal line.
This means most people prefer lips that are the same level of fullness on the upper and lower portions. However, there are lots of other lip shapes that have their own beautiful characteristics too.
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Are lips really that attractive?
When it comes to being attractive, it can be a mystery for women to know which part of themselves captures the attention of men. Is it the way they walk?
The way they talk? The way they smell? Perhaps! It all depends on the person looking at you and their individual interests.
However, a recent study done by the QVC showed that men actually stare at the lips of a woman more so than other areas of the face!
This means that more attention is focused on this area of the face and is crucial for men to find a woman attractive.
This might come as a surprise to some women, but it really shouldn’t.
Men might be drawn to lips more so than any other facial feature simply because a woman’s lips are part of her smile!
The lips act as a shield over the teeth, meaning it is one of the most looked at places when talking and interacting with a woman.
In addition, looking at someone’s lips is a subtle way of flirting with them…and it can be a sensual experience to stare at a woman’s lips (although you shouldn’t be too creepy about it).
Yes, the lips are one of the most focused features on a woman’s face, and for good reason. So, if men notice lips, why is it that they prefer symmetrical lips?
Do men like other types of lips too? And how can you attract men (and women) even more with your pout?
The symmetrical lip
A symmetrical lip is a type of lip shape that has a perfect 1:1 ratio. This means that the top part of the lip is of equal fullness to the bottom part of the lip.
When this happens, you’ll notice a good balance between the lips, and it can be attractive for men and women who like symmetry.
Symmetry is also thought to play a role in attractiveness, with studies showing time and time again that people love symmetrical faces.
This is across most cultures, and it is due to the human brain interpreting things that are asymmetrical as being flawed or wrong.
On the contrary, some people with perfect faces might prove to be terrible partners, while others with asymmetrical faces (and lips) can be the best people in the world!
Again, although facial symmetry is a universal factor in attractiveness, cultural perceptions can start to change these beauty ideals.
Below are some other desirable lip shapes that are now becoming more and more prevalent in Hollywood.
Whatever your lip shape is, remember one thing: although symmetrical lips can be attractive, there’s nothing wrong with your natural lips, and you can choose to augment them or keep them natural as you see fit! The choice is yours.
The pouty, full bottom lip
Pouty lips that have a fuller bottom portion and a thinner upper portion are now becoming more and more popular among celebrities and influencers.
Young billionaire Kylie Jenner made her riches by sporting a full bottom lip, which was influenced by the help of some talented surgeons.
Full bottom lips can be attractive to people who enjoy sensual kissing sessions, as well as those that enjoy a unique facial composition.
Did you know that heavy lower lips can also be a sign that there is great blood flow coming to the facial area?
To our primitive side, this can be a good sign of a healthy human being and future partner.
The sensuous, full upper lip
A fuller upper lip can also be attractive, giving off a look of beautiful innocence and curiosity.
In addition, there’s no telling what goes on under that full smile, making women with full upper lips a mystery!
Fuller upper lips can also be even more attractive if you have that natural “Cupid’s bow” hovering over your lips.
The Cupid’s bow is the shape that makes up the upper portion of the lip. In most people, you will notice that there is a natural dip below where the nose sits.
In some people, this indent is more pronounced than in others, and it can be quite a beautiful shape to look at!
Celebrities such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift are great examples of pronounced upper lips with Cupid bows.
Indeed, there is nothing wrong with having a thinner lower lip but a fuller, more pronounced upper lip.
Not only can this be attractive to men and women, but sporting a full upper lip with a Cupid’s bow can also give you an iconic look!
Classic thin lips
Although many women might opt to augment their lips with fillers and get that desired, full look, did you know there is also surgery available to reduce the size of the lips?
In addition to reducing the size of the lips, other surgeries are available to help reduce the pronunciation of the Cupid’s bow on the upper lips.
This thin, flat look can be attractive to certain men and women, and there’s nothing wrong with having this classic look!
Thin lips can be great at accentuating the rest of the face, such as striking eyes.
Thin lips don’t need much maintenance, and they can be accentuated with makeup if need be.
However, there are lots of celebrity examples of beautiful women with gorgeous thin lips. Think of actresses like Amy Adams and Michelle Pfeiffer!
These are gorgeous actresses with decorated careers who all sport their natural thin lips.
Even if you have thin lips, the same study of attractiveness done to determine which shape is desirable also found that thin lips with a symmetrical ratio are still as attractive as fuller lips with a 1:1 ratio!
Accentuating your natural lips
It doesn’t matter what your lip shape is – confidence is everything when it comes to being considered attractive.
You can have confidence with thin lips as much as you do with fuller lips!
You can also be confident sporting a fuller upper lip or fuller bottom lip and still be able to attract men and women just the same.
It’s important to do what’s best for you and do whatever helps you feel more confident!
However, if you’d like to accentuate the shape of your lip or even the color, you can take several steps.
Makeup and lipstick
Wearing lipstick. Studies showed that men who saw lips with pink lipstick on them held their attention for around 6.7 seconds, and 7.3 seconds with red lipstick!
Lipstick has long been used by women to attract a mate, feel more beautiful, and add a dash of color to their face.
A makeup artist can help you figure out which color would best suit certain facial features, such as your eye color, skin tone, or even your hair color.
Nowadays, however, why use this traditional advice?
Bold lipstick colors such as silver, gold, glitter, and even black are all excellent ways to boost attractiveness, and you can wear any color you want!
Keep lips hydrated
In addition to opting for bold lipstick choices, you can also practice good hygiene to keep your lips hydrated and plump.
If you feel your lips dry out, it’s never a good idea to run your tongue over them.
Saliva can actually dry out your lips more, causing them to become cracked and look unhealthy.
Instead, use a little bit of lip balm and drink lots of water to keep the skin on your lips healthy and hydrated!
Another way to keep your lips hydrated is to stay away from harsh environmental conditions, such as excessive dry heat and excessive cold.
During the winter months, wearing a ski mask in extremely harsh conditions can help protect your skin.
If you’re still having issues with dry lips, talk to a dermatologist who can recommend the best products for your particular skin type, or prescribe medication to stop your lips from cracking and bleeding.
Lip augmentation
For many women, getting lip fillers is a simple way to boost confidence and drastically change the look of their lips.
Speak with a licensed plastic surgeon about the specific look you want. Take pictures of desirable lip shapes with you to your appointment.
Your plastic surgeon can help you decide which lip shape can suit your face.
Three-dimensional imaging technology can also help you preview what your new set of lips will look like before you even get them done!
Keep in mind that lip augmentation does have a small recovery period after your procedure.
It’s best to visit a highly reviewed and accredited plastic surgeon if you decide to pursue lip augmentation.
Final Thoughts
Although 60% of respondents in a recent survey found symmetrical lips to be attractive, this means there are another 40% of people that think other types of lip shapes are just as beautiful!
No matter what shape or size lip you have, you can always dress your lips up using makeup or choosing to change their shape with the help of a surgeon.
Do what you love when it comes to your lips, and know that lip shape is just one of many factors to consider in your overall attractiveness!
