The duck face pose—puckering up for selfies—underscores our fascination with full lips, a trend that flooded Instagram. Who hasn't coveted the natural pout of Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, or Monica Bellucci? Yet science shows the secret to ideal lips lies in symmetry, not just volume.
A study of 1,000 people across 35 countries found that it's all about symmetry. A majority (60%) chose “mirror lips”—equal-sized top and bottom—as the most attractive shape. Runner-up: a fuller lower lip, popularized by Kylie Jenner, who built a cosmetics empire around her surgically enhanced look.
Experts note preferences evolve with trends. London cosmetic doctor Julian de Silva recently crowned Taylor Swift's lips the prettiest: “Her lips are perfect. Voluptuous and heart-shaped, a look many women desire.” He adds, “Heart-shaped lips can be created and defined with precise hyaluronic acid injections.”
Some patients request erasing the upper lip's heart shape for a fuller, less defined look like Julia Roberts'. Lips begin shrinking around age 28 as natural hyaluronic acid and collagen production slows. Dr. de Silva advises: "Don't smoke, protect from the sun, and drink in moderation to keep your lips fuller longer." Sound advice before considering surgery.
