What is your lip shape and how to do makeup accordingly

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A big hello to all the pretty ladies out there. Let me start this article with an interesting fact. Did you know that just like everyone has a fingerprint, we also have a lip print which is unique for each individual?

pic: Charlotte Tilbury

Our lips play a significant part in our everyday makeovers. For example, if you feel that you look dull, just wearing bold-colored lipstick will make you look refreshed. Wearing a subtle lip color gives a subtle overall look. So, you must know what your lip shape is and how to do makeup accordingly.

Different lip shapes

There are nine different lip shapes, including full, wide, narrow, round, heart, bow, heavy upper, heavy lower, and downturned.

Full Lips

Both lips are almost equal in size and are voluminous giving a full plumpy appearance. The cupid's bow is well defined giving a youthful appearance.

Wide Lips

If you have wide lips the width of your lips will be more than the height which results in a wider smile. The upper and lower lips may vary in size.

Narrow Lips

Also known as thin lips, this shape is the opposite of full lips. Both lips are less voluminous and are less prominent.

Round Lips

If both your lips are voluminous, almost equal in size and the width of the lips is almost equal to the length giving a rounded look, then you fall under this category. The cupid's bow is less prominent in this shape.

Heart-Shaped Lips

If you have a very prominent cupid bow with a “V” shaped center resembling a heart then this is your lip shape. For this shape usually, both the lips are of equal size and are plumpier at the centre.

Bow-Shaped Lips

As the name suggests if your upper lip is bow-shaped with a well-defined cupid's bow then you fall under this rare lip shape. Normally the size of both lips is equal.

Heavy Upper Lips

If your upper lip is bigger when compared to your lower lip then this is your lip shape.

Heavy Lower Lips

Opposite to the previous shape, if you fall under this category your lower lip will be heavier than the upper lip.

Downturned Lips

In this lip shape the corner of the lips look downturned usually due to genetics or as a result of overactive lip muscles.

How to find your lip shape

Now that we know what the nine different lip shapes are, we will proceed to the steps in identifying your lip shape.

The very first step is observing your beautiful lips in front of a mirror. You can also take a picture and compare it with the lip chart below.

You have to take into consideration the height, width, and plumpness of your lips. Don’t forget to check what your cupid's bow (the center dip of the upper lip) looks like.

Some General Makeup Tips for All Lip Shapes

Before getting into the detailed makeup tips for each shape let's look into some general tips that apply to all lip shapes.

Always prep your lips before applying lipstick for a smoother finish. You can start by exfoliating your lips with a soft baby brush or using a mixture of sugar with honey or coconut oil. Next, moisturize your delicate pouts with your favourite lip balm and your lips are ready to be painted.

Start with a lip liner that closely matches your natural lip color or with your lipstick. Always choose a lipstick that suits your lip shape like matte, satin creamy, glossy, etc., always start applying your lipstick from the center and blend it toward the corners for a smooth finish.

Makeup Tips for Each Lip Shape

Full Lips

As your lips are already voluminous line your lips just on the natural lining. Satin/creamy or matte lipsticks of bold colors will make your alluring pouts stand out.

Avoid over-dark colors and glossy lipsticks as they can make your already full lips look larger. If you prefer a glossier finish, consider applying a thin layer of lip gloss over your lipstick.

Lori Harvey

Wide Lips

If you fall under this category then your lips will be the most prominent feature on your face so avoid over lining and follow the natural lip line. Vibrant colors like Ruby red, Crimson, dark purple, warm brown, hot pink, etc., can be striking choices.

To enhance the height of your lips, you can apply a highlighter or a lighter shade of lipstick to the center. Choose dark colors for the corners and lighter colors for the center to create an illusion of full lips.

Rosario Dawson

Narrow Lips

As the height of your lips is lesser slightly overline your lips, especially in the center to give a fuller appearance. You may choose a glossy or creamy lipstick as the extra shine can create an illusion of voluminous lips. Lighter colors and nude shades work well for your shape.

To add a bit of dimension, you can apply a little highlighter to the center of your lips.

Rose Leslie

Round Lips

For this shape, you can line your lips following the natural lip line in the center and slightly extend the corners. You should also avoid over-rounding the liner from the center to the corners.

Apply dark colors to corners and light colors at the center for a balanced, full look. Creamy or matte lipsticks of dark colors and complementing light colors serve the best for your shape.

Kerry Washington

Heart-Shaped Lips

You can use a dark-colored lip liner to enhance the heart-shaped cupid bow. A combination of dark and light-colored satin or matte lipsticks can be used to create dimension. A shimmery gloss can make your pout look voluminous.

Rihanna

Bow-Shaped Lips

As your lips are naturally balanced and full, line your lips following the natural lip line. For your lip shape, glossy lipsticks help highlight your natural pout. While darker shades also work, lighter shades suit the best.

Kylie Jenner

Heavy Upper Lips

To balance your heavy upper lip with your lower lip, line your upper lip slightly inside your natural lip line and your lower lip following the natural liplike. Satin or matte lipstick of a lighter shade for the upper lip and a slightly darker shade for the lower lip helps balance out both lips.

Apply highlighter or a shimmery gloss at the center part of the lower lip for a plump balanced look.

Priyanka Chopra

Heavy Lower Lips

You can start by lining your lower lip on the natural lip line and slightly overdraw your upper lip. For your shape too a combination of lighter and darker shades helps even out the heaviness of the lower lip.

You can also highlight the center of your upper lip and use a lighter shade for your lower lip.

Lana Condor

Downturned Lips

You can start by overlining the center part of your upper lip for a lifted appearance. Slightly line inside the natural lip line at the corners of your lower lips. Avoid applying lipstick till the very corner of your lips.

Use a light shade for your upper lip and a darker shade for your lower lip. Apply a highlighter to the center of your lower lip or a lip gloss at the center of both lips.

Bianca Balti

Now that you found out what your lip shape is use these simple makeup tips to make your lips stand out. Do write to us about the compliments you receive about your lips. Also don’t forget to take care of your gentle pouts.

I will come back to you with another interesting article very soon. Toodles…