Different types of lips: shapes, names and how to tell yours

There are different types of lips, and most people have a mix of two or three of the traits below. Lip shape comes from the height of each lip, the width of the mouth, the dip in the upper lip and the way the corners turn. This guide names the common types, shows how to check yours with one photo, and gives care and makeup tips that do not involve procedures.

How to tell which of the different types of lips you have

Relax your face with your mouth closed and take a straight-on photo in even light, then a second one from the side. Do not smile, purse or press your lips, because each changes the outline. Look at four things: how tall the upper and lower lips are, how wide the mouth is compared with the nose, whether the upper lip has a sharp peak, and whether the corners tilt up, down or stay level.

Lip color and lip liner can hide the true edge, so wipe off lipstick before you look. Everyday shadow under the lower lip is normal and does not mean the lip is thin.

Full lips and thin lips: the most noticed of the different types of lips

Full lips have noticeable height in both the upper and lower lip, and the closed mouth looks soft and rounded. Thin lips have little visible red area, and the mouth reads as a narrow line when relaxed. Many people have a fuller lower lip than upper lip, which is common and not a flaw. Most of the different types of lips below are points on a scale, not separate groups.

Fullness depends on more than the lip itself: the teeth behind the lips, the jaw and the chin all change how much the lips show. A face with a slightly recessed chin can make lips look smaller, and a prominent chin can make them look fuller. The perfect side profile tool shows how the lips sit in profile.

Bow lips and flat lips: two different types of lips at the top edge

Bow lips have a clear peak on each side of the center of the upper lip, shaped like a Cupid's bow (an archer's bow), with a dip in the middle. Flat or straight upper lips have a gentle line instead of a pronounced peak. The depth of the peaks varies, and the shape can look sharper in some light and softer in others.

Makeup can change the effect: a liner pencil traced slightly outside the natural edge on the peaks makes a bow look more defined, while a rounded line along the top softens it. Keep the line close to your own edge so it does not look drawn on.

Wide lips, small lips and round lips

Mouth width is judged against the rest of the face. A wide mouth is wide compared with the nose and the space between the eyes, and a small mouth is narrow by the same comparison, though these are loose guides, not rules. Round lips have a short upper lip and full lower lip that curve together into an oval shape. Heart-shaped lips have a prominent bow on top and a rounder lower lip.

The distance from the base of the nose to the upper lip also affects how the mouth looks. A longer gap makes lips look smaller, and a shorter one can make the mouth look fuller. The midface ratio tool measures a related distance on a front photo.

Downturned, upturned and uneven lips

When the corners of the mouth tilt down, the face can look serious or tired even when it is relaxed; when they tilt up, it can look friendly at rest. Uneven lips, where one side is higher or the upper and lower lip differ in fullness, are very common. Few faces are symmetrical, so these different types of lips often appear together on one mouth, and the asymmetrical face guide explains why.

Expression changes the corners a lot, so check them with a neutral face. Small, gentle makeup changes such as a lighter shade in the center of the lower lip or a liner that straightens one corner can balance the look. If an uneven mouth is new, or comes with pain or numbness, see a doctor.

Caring for your lips and styling each of the different types of lips

Lips have thin skin and no oil glands, so they dry out and burn easily. Use a lip balm with sunscreen in daylight, drink water, and avoid licking or peeling dry skin. Exfoliate gently, at most once or twice a week, and stop if the skin stings.

Matte colors often make thin lips look flatter, and glossy or satin finishes add the look of height. Dark shades emphasize shape and can make small lips look smaller, while lighter tones suit most mouths. Fillers and surgery carry risks and need a qualified professional; this guide does not recommend them, and it is not a reason to change something you are comfortable with.

Different types of lips in perspective

Lips are one feature among many, and no lip shape is better. The what kind of nose do i have guide treats the nose the same way, and a PSL rating describes how the whole face reads in one photo, and the full report covers each region with a written note. If you notice yourself fixating on one feature, take a break and talk to someone you trust or a health professional.

Different types of lips FAQ

What are the different types of lips?

Common descriptions include full, thin, bow, flat, wide, small, round, heart-shaped, downturned, upturned and uneven. Most people combine several.

Which lip shape is the most common?

No reliable data ranks them. A fuller lower lip than upper lip is a very common pattern, and unevenness is normal.

How do I know if I have thin lips?

With the mouth closed and relaxed, check whether little red area shows on both lips. Compare photos without lipstick, from the front and the side.

Can I change my lip shape without procedures?

You can change how it looks with liner, color, finish and good care, but not the lip itself. A professional should advise on anything beyond makeup.

Are different types of lips linked to personality?

No. Lip shape does not predict character, and claims that it does have no evidence.

Do lips change with age?

Yes. Lips often lose some fullness over time, and sun, smoking and dryness speed it up. Sunscreen balm helps.