A Guide to Making M-Shaped Lips Plumper with Lip Filler & Makeup

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How to get full, plump lips with cosmetic treatments & makeup
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M-shaped lips are a common lip shape that resembles the letter “M.” The upper lip has a prominent and full center, defined Cupid’s bow, and narrow sides. While this is a beautiful lip shape on its own, you might be looking for ways to make your lips look fuller and plumper. Well, you’re in the right place! In this article, we spoke with professional makeup artists and plastic surgeons to learn how to enhance M-shaped lips with makeup , filler , and other cosmetic procedures . Keep on reading to learn more!

Ways to Get Full, M-shaped Lips

Get fuller lips with makeup by exfoliating your lips, slightly overlining them with lip liner, and applying lip gloss. Lip filler, specifically ones made from hyaluronic acid like Juvederm and Restylane, can also help your lips appear fuller. This lip shape can be difficult to fill, so go to an experienced injector.

Section 1 of 7:

What are M-shaped lips?

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  1. M-shaped lips are a common lip shape characterized by a top lip that resembles the letter “M.” The center of the lip (called the central tubercle) is fuller and more prominent than the sides of the lip (called the lateral tubercles), which are narrow and taper off into the corners of the mouth. M-shaped lips also have a defined Cupid’s bow with 2 distinct points. [1]
    • Celebrity examples : Anya Taylor-Joy, Lola Tung, Rami (Babymonster), Jada Pinkett Smith, Karlie Kloss

    Meet the wikiHow Experts
    Asif Pirani, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of the Toronto Plastic Surgery Center based in Toronto, Canada.

    Edward S. Kwak, MD, is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon and the owner of ESKMD Facial Plastic Surgery based in New York City.

    Shun Pittman is a master cosmetologist with over 25 years of experience in the makeup and hair styling industry.

    Daniel Vann is a makeup artist and licensed aesthetician with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

    Yuka Arora is a makeup artist with over 5 years of experience in the industry.

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Section 2 of 7:

Makeup Tips for Fuller Lips

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  1. According to master cosmetologist, global salon educator, and author Shun Pittman, exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub removes dead skin and stimulates blood circulation, both of which help to make your lips look plumper, healthier, and rosier. [2] Licensed aesthetician Daniel Vann also recommends having a lip balm or lip oil on hand to keep your lips hydrated and plump-looking. [3]
  2. Grab a lip liner that’s a few shades darker than the lipstick you plan on wearing. Then, makeup artist Yuka Arora says to slightly overline your Cupid’s bow and center of your bottom lip, taking the lip liner slightly past your natural lip border. Simply follow your natural lip line along the sides and outer corners of your lips. [6]
  3. Redugerio recommends applying a slightly lighter lipstick than the lip liner you used over the middle of your lips, as this helps make them appear larger. [9] Then, Arora says to top the look off with shiny lip gloss. She says the gloss highlights your lips, helping them look more voluminous and plump. [10]
  4. According to makeup artist and stylist Frankie Sanderson, anything you highlight with a lighter product brings it forward in space, making that feature look bigger. So, if you want your lips to look fuller, he suggests dusting a bit of shimmery highlight across your Cupid’s bow. [11]
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Section 3 of 7:

How to Get Fuller Lips with Filler

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  1. Choose an injector who has experience filling M-shaped lips and provides their patients with natural-looking results. Look through the injector’s before and after photos and check out reviews to see if patients are happy with their lips. Also, ensure that the injector is qualified to administer filler (i.e., a licensed physician or nurse), operates out of a reputable doctor’s office or med-spa, and uses FDA-approved fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane). [13]
  2. Because M-shaped lips can be difficult to fill, your injector will want to inspect your lip anatomy and go over your goals to see how best to fill them. They’ll work with you to determine which filler is best to use and how much filler they’ll inject to give you the results you want. [14]
    • What’s the best filler for M-shaped lips? Most injectors recommend using a hyaluronic acid filler, which includes brand names like Juvederm and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body and adds structure to the lips, making it a great option for natural-looking results. [15]
    • How much filler is added to M-shaped lips? Many injectors recommend adding a small amount of filler at first, around 0.5 mL (½ syringe, or 0.5 cc), and gradually injecting more at additional appointments if you want fuller lips. This adds structure and volume while reducing the risk of overfilling and migration. [16]
    • Know that these are just general recommendations. Everyone’s lips are different, so your injector may suggest using a different type of filler or amount to get you the results you want.
  3. At your consultation or appointment, your injector will walk you through the process of filling your lips. This typically starts with applying a numbing agent. Then, the injector inserts the needle just under your skin and injects the filler around the sides of your upper lip, Cupid’s bow, and center of your bottom lip. [17]
    • Common injection techniques for M-shaped lips :
      • Lateral fencing : The filler is injected in vertical lines along the sides of the upper lip. This helps add height and volume to your lips without affecting the borders of the lips or resulting in an overfilled look. It can also prevent paradoxical indentation. [18]
      • Lollipop technique : The filler is concentrated in one spot, like the head of a lollipop. As the injector removes the needle, they inject a bit of filler in a straight line. This is typically done above the lip border to add more definition. [19]
      • Cupid’s bow definition : The filler is injected vertically into the peaks of the Cupid’s bow to add definition without adding volume to the center of the lips. [20]
      • Border definition : The filler is injected at an angle along the borders of the lips to create more definition. [21]
    • There are many different types of lip filler techniques, so your injector might use a different one to give you the results you’re looking for.
  4. During your consultation or appointment, your injector will talk to you about any side effects to expect as you recover. They’ll also go over any potential side effects from receiving fillers. [22]
    • Side effects : Bruising, swelling, and redness.
    • Recovery time : 1 to 7 days, but you can return to normal activities immediately. It can take several weeks to see your final results.
    • Potential risks : Bleeding, pain, discoloration, infection, and asymmetry. M-shaped lips can also be prone to paradoxical indentation, which is when the lips turn inward instead of outward. Migration can also be an issue, says board-certified plastic surgeon Asif Pirani, MD, which is when filler travels above the upper lip and creates a shadowed or mustache-like appearance. [23]
    • Note: Fillers made from hyaluronic acid are dissolvable. So, if you don’t like your results or you experience any issues, your injector can reverse the injections.
  5. For the most part, aftercare simply involves applying an ice pack on your lips to help reduce swelling and bruising. Most injectors also advise against drinking alcohol, using a straw, smoking, wearing makeup, touching your lips, or exercising for 1 to 2 days after your appointment. [24]
    • Monitor your lips for signs of infection. Board-certified plastic surgeon Edward S. Kwak, MD, says common signs include excessive redness, swelling, pain, and warmth. [25]
    • How long do lip fillers last? Lip fillers are temporary and typically last for 6 to 18 months.
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Section 4 of 7:

Why are M-shaped lips hard to fill?

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  1. Paradoxical indentation is when the lips turn inwards instead of outwards at the injection site, which can make the lips look thinner. [26] This can be more common in M-shaped lips due to the narrower sides of the upper lip compared to the full center, as well as the tendency for the lips to curl slightly inwards. [27]
    • Paradoxical indentation is often the result of injecting the filler too deeply into the lips and hitting the muscles. Again, this is why it’s important to go to a skilled lip injector with experience filling M-shaped lips.
Section 5 of 7:

Other Cosmetic Procedures for Fuller Lips

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  1. A lip flip is a nonsurgical procedure that uses Botox (or another neurotoxin injection) to help your lips look fuller. A licensed physician or registered nurse injects the Botox into the edges and corners of your lips. This relaxes your lip muscles, which causes your lips to flip outward and appear more voluminous and plump. [28]
    • Duration : A lip flip is temporary and typically lasts for 2 to 5 months.
    • Side effects : Swelling, numbness, and pain.
    • Recovery time : 1 to 2 days, though it may take 1 week to see your full results.
    • Risks : Fever, headache, discoloration, and tenderness. In some cases, your lip muscles may relax too much, which can lead to drooling and difficulty speaking or drinking.
  2. A lip lift is a surgical procedure that can help your lips appear fuller. A plastic surgeon puts you under local anesthesia and makes an incision along the base of your nose. They remove excess skin to make your philtrum shorter and lift up your lips. Then, they stitch up the incision. [29]
    • Duration : A lip lift is permanent.
    • Side effects : Swelling, bruising, pain, and soreness.
    • Recovery time : 6 to 8 weeks, though it can take up to 4 months to see your final results.
    • Risks : Infection, nerve damage, and asymmetry. The surgery also usually leaves a faint scar.
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Section 6 of 7:

Are M-shaped lips attractive?

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  1. M-shaped lips are often associated with youthfulness, fullness, and aesthetic appeal. Some people naturally have this lip shape, while others opt for lip filler or other procedures to achieve their desired look.
Section 7 of 7:

Final Takeaways

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  1. If you’re happy with your lips, regardless of their shape, you don’t have to change them to fit current beauty trends. There are plenty of natural ways you can enhance your lips’ shape, like with makeup.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12105999/
      2. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Daniel Vann. Licensed Aesthetician. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Daniel Vann. Licensed Aesthetician. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Yuka Arora. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Daniel Vann. Licensed Aesthetician. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ Charina Redugerio. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Charina Redugerio. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ Yuka Arora. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/dermal-filler-dos-and-donts-wrinkles-lips-and-more
      5. ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/consultation
      6. ↑ https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/injectables/injectable-hyaluronic-acid
      7. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12105999/
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22133-lip-fillers
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/ffVUM5F5YmI?si=_ASz-kXJYRRWusq6&t=30
      10. ↑ https://youtu.be/0b9iq3vde-g?si=bdx9DWfyT4tb0xB7&t=213
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/wh1w89OEo1Y?si=nsuwjR2p5PCeo8iF&t=264
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/ffVUM5F5YmI?si=s4xrhxiUck4IyD1k&t=43
      13. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22133-lip-fillers
      14. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      15. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/lip-filler-aftercare
      16. ↑ Edward S. Kwak, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      17. ↑ https://youtu.be/GJL3IO5ejo0?si=M4gJ2A7sf4Civzxs&t=350
      18. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12105999/
      19. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22362-lip-flip
      20. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/lip-lift

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