Lips as a Marker of Attractiveness: What Men and Women Truly Prefer

Modern beauty standards are constantly evolving, and the perception of appearance has become increasingly important not only for women, but also for men. Physical appearance is no longer seen as just a surface — it’s how people perceive, judge, and remember us. And one of the key elements in this equation is the lips.

Modern beauty standards are constantly evolving, and the perception of appearance has become increasingly important not only for women, but also for men. Physical appearance is no longer seen as just a surface — it’s how people perceive, judge, and remember us. And one of the key elements in this equation is the lips.

A recent study by researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland offered deeper insight into how we perceive attractiveness. It revealed that lip size significantly influences how attractive a face is perceived — and that perception varies depending on the observer’s gender and who they are evaluating.

What Does the Science Say?

In the study, 16 men and 16 women were shown 168 facial images with varying lip volumes — from thin to very full. Participants were asked to rate which faces they found more attractive. The results were telling:

• Men tended to prefer natural-looking, slightly plump lips on women.

• Women, in contrast, favored fuller lips on other women.

• Male faces with thinner lips received higher ratings from both men and women.

These results suggest that attractiveness is influenced by both social and biological factors. Men continue to value natural features, while women seem guided by trends as well as internal comparisons with other women.

Self-Image and Perception

Another key finding: participants more often preferred lips similar to their own. Those with fuller lips favored fuller lips in others, and those with thinner lips preferred thin ones. This suggests that our brain treats lips as an independent visual cue, separate from the rest of the face.

Additionally, people tended to rate members of their own gender more favorably — likely due to trust, familiarity, or a sense of social identification.

What Does This Mean for Men?

If you’re a man considering cosmetic changes, especially to the face, this study offers a clear message: natural features are more attractive. Thin lips are still associated with masculinity, restraint, and seriousness, and are appreciated by both genders.

Chasing beauty trends may be tempting, but the real key to attractiveness lies in confidence, naturalness, and authenticity. In a world where filters dominate social media, being genuine is becoming rare — and that’s exactly what makes it stand out.