Scientists Reveal the Most Desirable Lip Shape—Do You Agree?

The Perfect Pout: Study Reveals Ideal Lip Proportions—And Overfilled Lips Are Out

From Angelina Jolie to Megan Fox, celebrities are often celebrated for their enviable lips. But what defines the “perfect” pout? A new study by researchers at the American University of Beirut suggests that balance, not size, is key—and overfilled lips miss the mark.

Using AI-generated images of a woman’s face, the team adjusted lip ratios and fullness to survey 200 participants. Results revealed the most attractive lips have an upper-to-lower lip ratio (U/L) between 0.618:1 and 1:1 and an upper lip height of 25% of the hemi-lip width. Overly plumped lips, however, were deemed “unaesthetic.”

Image Caption: Study participants favored lips with balanced proportions like Image C (upper lip height at 25% width) and Image B (U/L ratio between 0.618:1 and 1:1).

Social Media vs. Timeless Standards

Despite the growing popularity of lip fillers—now likened to routine beauty treatments like manicures—the study found enduring preferences for natural harmony. Researchers noted that while patients often seek “Hollywood star” looks, exaggerated results clash with classic aesthetics.

Image Caption: Stars like Angelina Jolie (left) and Anne Hathaway (right) exemplify the study’s ideal: full lips with balanced proportions.

Why Balance Matters

The top-rated lips in the study mirrored the subtle symmetry seen in celebrities like Scarlett Johansson. Overfilled examples, such as reality star Charlotte Crosby or actress Lisa Rinna, ranked lowest.

Image Caption: Overly augmented lips (left) scored poorly compared to natural-looking proportions (right).

A Nudge Toward Natural Beauty

The findings aim to guide both patients and practitioners. “Lip augmentation should enhance volume while maintaining natural contours—not overshadow them,” the researchers emphasized. Their data underscores that timeless standards still reign, even amid social media-driven trends.

Key Takeaways:

• Ideal lips balance upper and lower proportions.
• Overfilled lips are widely viewed as unattractive.
• Natural enhancement aligns with long-standing beauty norms.

Image Caption: Hollywood’s iconic lips vs. overfilled examples—balance wins every time.

In a world obsessed with plump pouts, the study serves as a reminder: sometimes, less really is more.