How to Identify Your Lip Shape

Your lips are one of the most distinct features on your face. From the Cupid's bow to the bottom curve to how full they are, they’re uniquely yours. Identifying your lip shape can help you discover new and flattering ways to use various types of lipstick, liner and gloss to accentuate your natural pout and even upgrade your makeup look.

Spoiler alert — there are many different shapes when it comes to your lips. So, if you find yourself wondering what your lip shape is and how you can make it stand out, grab a mirror and keep reading as we reveal how to identify your lip shape.

What is My Lip Shape?

Take a mirror and really look at the shape of your lips. Do you see a defined Cupid’s bow? Is your top lip fuller than the bottom lip? 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.

1. Full Lips

Full lips are the most common of shapes and are typically defined by lips that are equally plump on the top and bottom. This shape is easy to accentuate and looks great with bold lipstick looks. Choose a shade from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds Of Worth Satin Lipstick line — all eye-catching and ultra-vibrant reds — to enhance your pout’s covetable plump shape and soft curves. 

2. Heavy Upper Lip

This lip shape is identified by an upper lip that is fuller or larger than the bottom lip. To add some definition to your lip shape, grab the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick, which has an innovative slim bullet that allows you to both line and fill your lips with intense, matte color. 

If you prefer to even out your top-heavy lips, use the pointed edge to carefully outline your bottom lip just slightly outside your natural lip line to create the illusion of a fuller pout. Then, fill your upper lip, using the pointed edge to keep the liner within the constraints of your upper lip. Finish with the flat center to fill in your lips with color. 

3. Wide Lips

Wide lips are usually longer than they are full and reach from cheek to cheek to create your signature smile. If you prefer to create the illusion of a pout with more height, try creating an ombré lip to offset your wide shape. Use two coordinating, creamy lipsticks like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Peach Fuzz and Nature's Blush to get the look. 

First, apply the lighter shade all-over your lips. Then, use a small lip brush to apply the darker shade to the outer corners of your lips. Blend the two shades where they meet to create a seamless transition. Finish the look with a clear gloss like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Mirror to seal the lipstick and effortlessly blend the gradient of colors. 

4. Round Lips

Those with lips that are nearly the same width and height, complete with rounded edges are considered to have a round lip shape. While you won’t need help in the fullness department, you can use lip liner to add a bit of width to your pout. 

Grab the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner, to fine-tune and lengthen your natural lip shape. Trace just outside the edges of your lips at the outer corners of your pout to add volume. As you near the center, continue to line your lips by following their natural shape and finish with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Les Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick to fill in the center of your lips. 

5. Heavy Lower Lip

When your bottom lip is larger or fuller than your upper lip, this is considered to be a bottom heavy lip shape. For a lip look that accentuates your upper lip, use the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Anti-Feathering Lip Liner to outline your upper lip, drawing just outside your natural lip line to enhance its shape. Then line your bottom lip, making sure to color only inside the lines. Finish by coating your lips with the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Luminous Hydrating Lipstick + Nourishing Serum. 

6. Thin Lips

Lips that have less volume and are naturally slim are considered to have a thin shape. To accentuate slim lips, you can use a lip liner to slightly overline the lips to make them appear fuller. After you’ve done the overlining, apply a plumping lip gloss like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump for an extra, volumized boost. 

7. Bow-Shaped Lips

Bow-shaped lips are full in size with an upper lip that resembles a bow tie. Give your lips a small upgrade by outlining their shape with lip liner and swiping on a shiny lipstick like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss. This formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract to soothe and moisturize your lips while offering a glossy wash of color.

8. Heart-Shaped Lips

Heart-shaped lips typically have a pronounced Cupid's bow on top, with a sharper bottom lip. To accentuate your defined top lip, it’s as easy as following your natural lip shape with liner and adding a dab of highlighter, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer, to your Cupid’s bow. Finish the lip look with a layer of gloss like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract to bring everything together. 

9. Downward-Turned Lips

This lip shape is defined by lips that face slightly downward at the corners. To define the curves of your pout, you’ll want to use a lip liner like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner and a bit of concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage. 

First, use the concealer to blend the corners of your mouth into your skin. Then, as you can probably guess, use your lip liner to outline and “redraw” the corners of your pout with a slightly upward shape. 

How to Care for Your Lips 

Regardless of your lip shape, chapped lips are never a good look. Before reaching for any type of lipstick, liner or gloss, use a damp towel or a lip scrub to lightly exfoliate your lips and remove any dead skin. Follow up with a hydrating lip balm and let it absorb for a couple of minutes to rehydrate your pout before applying any lip color products. 

Next: How to Get Gorgeous Glass Lips in 4 Easy Steps

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Juli Deng