Summary
Fuller lips are considered attractive in women, playing a vital role in facial symmetry and aesthetics. A study found that a larger upper lip height relative to the lower lip’s height (with a 1:1.6 ratio) is particularly appealing, especially among young Caucasians. Full lips are associated with youth, femininity, and strong mating potential. Another study from the University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry discovered that the thickness of the upper lip is an essential factor in creating a pleasant smile. Additionally, the thickness of the upper lip is significantly related to the position of the maxillary central incisor. Some suggested that as people age, collagen production declines leading to thinner and flatter lips. These findings suggest that a more prominent upper lip height contributes to overall facial attractiveness and appeal.
Research
The lips are an essential component of the symmetry and aesthetics of the face. A study by Kar at el (2018), concludes that “Fuller lips relative to the width of the face and greater vermilion height are perceived as attractive in women”. The vertical width of the upper lip is regarded as the most prominent feature in smile aesthetics.
Moreover, the authors in the study pointed out that in young Caucasians, the optimal proportion between the upper lip’s vertical height and the lower lip’s height is 1:1.6. Genetically, blacks tend to have more voluminous lips.
A smile consists of various elements, both good and bad. The top and bottom lips outline the area that is visible when smiling. A study by McNamara from the School of Dentistry, University of Michigan found the thickness of an upper lip to be the most attractive aspect of a pleasant smile. Additionally, the thickness of the upper lip is significantly related to the position of the maxillary central incisor.
Full lips have long been desired by women because they signify youth and femininity. Evolutionary psychology also suggests that women with a full pout are often associated with a strong mating potential. One of the most visible signs of ageing is a pair of thin and flat lips. This is because as collagen production slows down, your once-luscious lips become deflated. This Sexually dimorphic feature is an indication of reproductive health (Fink, & Neave, 2005).
References:
Kar, M., Muluk, N. B., Bafaqeeh, S. A., & Cingi, C. (2018). Is it possible to define the ideal lips?. Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana di otorinolaringologia e chirurgia cervico-facciale, 38 (1), 67–72. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5952987/
McNamara, L., McNamara Jr, J. A., Ackerman, M. B., Baccetti, T., (2008). Hard- and soft-tissue contributions to the esthetics of the posed smile in growing patients seeking orthodontic treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 133 (4), 491-499. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889540607013170
Fink, B., & Neave, N. (2005). The biology of facial beauty. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 27 (6), 317-325. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2005.00286.x