What's in a pout? Well, quite a lot, as it turns out that full and sumptuous lips are the most preferable lip shape of them all — but according to a global study, there's one key trait that distinguishes the perfect pouts from their equally plump, yet sub-par, counterparts.
Some studies actually saw that big lips contribute to a great extent to our attractiveness level. Why? It's all about the symmetry of course. As you might be aware, the more symmetrical your face is, the more attractive you will appear to other people.
In the subjective assessments, a lip proportion of 1 to 1.6 (upper lip to lower lip) was rated as most attractive: average score of 4.21 out of a possible 5. The 1:1.6 proportion is widely accepted as the "golden ratio" for beautiful lips.
The study polled over 1,000 people in 35 countries. Of those polled, 60% said they found a symmetrical, 1:1 top to bottom ratio the most attractive lip (think Scarlett Johansson). The next highest-rated, according to the poll, was a larger bottom lip compared to the top lip (like those rocked by Kylie Jenner).
It turned out that the picture on the far-left marked 'A' was actually seen as most attractive. Unsurprisingly to anyone with functioning eye balls, 'D', with a heavy upper lip, was the least attractive look. In fact, it was the heavier lower lip that was rated most attractive.
A study of 1,000 people in 35 countries revealed that the perfect lip shape is all down to symmetry. More than 60% of respondents thought a 1:1 ratio between the upper and lower lip was the most attractive shape. A cosmetic surgeon in London said a heavily-defined cupid's bow is the most-requested lip feature.
'The research suggests that red lips and perceived attractiveness are still inextricably linked, with red lipstick proving to be the most powerful attractor and significantly increasing visual fixation. '
Plastic surgeon Julian De Silva told Business Insider that the most sought-after shape is a full, symmetrical upper and lower lip with a strongly defined cupid's bow.
According to Dr Marisa Coen in her essay for The Science of Relationships, fuller lips have long been desired by women because, as evolutionary psychology suggests, they signify strong mating potential. “Facial features serve as a cue of attractiveness,” explains Coen.
If we follow the Phi Ratio of Beauty, otherwise known as the “Golden Ratio” of 1.618, the perfect lips would be 1.618 times larger than the top lip and 1.618 times wider than the width of the nose. If you're determined to accentuate your lips, you may find it helpful to keep these proportions in mind.
The possible science behind it
It is thought that females desire fuller lips because it signifies strong mating and maternal potential. Basically, the research indicates that we are more likely to be more affectionate towards an adult with softer, childlike features such as jutting cheeks or plumper lips.
While some people may have naturally thin lips, they can also be a sign of ageing, sun exposure or a result from smoking. As you get older the collagen in your lips breaks down and the muscles tire, leaving your lips looking and feeling thinner. This can also lead to wrinkles around the lips.
Women with full lips are extremely confident and courageous. They are social butterflies. They are also very generous and caring in their relationships. When they care, they care very deeply.
A natural-looking lip enhancement can balance other facial features, bringing your face into better harmony. Changing your lips' size and proportion can make surrounding features like a prominent nose or jawline look smaller, creating a more feminine appearance.
Large beautiful lips bring a striking and pleasing balance to the face. However, when the lips are too large, various functional challenges can result, including labial incontinence, problems eating and drinking, speech impediments, and/or drooling. The technical term for overly-large lips is “macrocheilia”.
First impressions count, especially when it comes to the laws of attraction. And as shallow as it might be, research reveals the facial feature men find most attractive on a woman: her lips. So when you meet someone new and notice his eyes, he's actually looking at your lips.
Psychologists say that the first thing a man pays attention to when meeting a woman is her lips. That's why lips are considered to be a symbol of femininity, sensuality and seduction!
Cupid is the rarest of all lip forms. Cupid has a powerful, youthful appearance, and is very prominent in pre-adolescent females. Due to the natural growth process in a female's lips, the fullness of the lips fill in the middle first, then the sides.
Full Lips
Full lips are the most common of shapes and are typically defined by lips that are plump all-around on both the top and bottom, with no gap between.
Cupid or Cupid's Bow is the rarest of all lip shapes.
Cupid's Bow on lips is usually very prominent in pre-adolescent girls. As an individual grows old, the fullness of the lips fills in the middle first.
So, eyes are definitely an asset to consider. Lipstick and lip gloss were made for a reason, you know. Guys do like to look at women's lips, especially if they look thick and youthful. Acne is never sexy, ladies.
Full lips were deemed the most attractive feature but the appeal of thin lips increased by more than 40 per cent once make-up had been applied.
Deep, bold and beautiful lips are are making a comeback for 2022. Mandatory wearing of face masks and prolonged periods of lockdowns did not stop devout makeup enthusiasts from adding a pop of color or an extra layer of gloss to their puckers.