Smaller Lips are Coming Back; Here's What I Know
As an Aesthetic Nurse Injector, I live up-to-date on beauty trends. My business literally has "injection" in the name, and it's no surprise that I've been an advocate for lip injections for years. However, aesthetic beauty trends are changing so I wanted to share my thoughts.
Before you run out to get your lips plumped, keep reading because smaller lips are coming back into style. Let me explain.
Beauty trends come and go
All trends are cyclical; fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. Today's thick eyebrows came from razor-thin styles. Bold, tiger-striped highlights turned into ombre. Flare jeans are suddenly back and outdating skinny jeans. You get it - trends come and go.
Recently in the beauty world, I've noticed we're returning to the '90s and early 2000's hair and makeup styles. The past few years have praised a puffy pout, but over-plumped lips might be coming to an end here in 2021. More and more women have come to me asking for a subtle enhancement. They want more of a natural look.
Social media and celebrities drive trends now
Traditionally, beauty trends were developed behind the scenes at NYFW and runway shows then emerged through the pages of glossy magazines. Models and magazine editors no longer hold the power of setting beauty trends.
Today, celebrities and influencers are the driving factors of beauty trends according to research. Trends are dictated by what exists in Instagram feeds. So where did “big lips” come from?
In 2006, Angelina Jolie was crowned People's "World's Most Beautiful Star" and was praised for her luscious lips. Then in 2014, none other than Kylie Jenner shared her selfie with new, giant lips that single-handedly powered the craze for injectables. Since then, celebrities, influencers, and the girl next door have been wanting bigger lips.
Shaped, smaller lips are replacing puffy pouts
The low cost and safety of injectable lip fillers was something attainable to the masses, so big lips became, well, BIG. The problem is that with this low barrier to entry, so came inexperienced injectors wreaking havoc on people’s faces. Additionally, many clients seem to want more and more filler for each touchup. Bigger isn’t always better.
I think it's safe to say, some have taken the big lip trend too far. I've been dissolving and reshaping countless overfilled lips of people backpedaling from filler mistakes. I love a cute, puffy pout but the magic lies in natural-looking lip injection. It's truly an art form.
But lip correction is only one part of it. I’ve found clients aren’t looking for big lips as much as before.
Clients are now looking for more shapely lips over a puffy pout. They're not interested in pumping them up every few months like they used to be. I'm also taking the marionettes and chin into consideration.
Have you heard of lip reduction procedures?
That may seem crazy here in the Western world, but this craze is popular in Asia. Lip reduction surgery is the opposite of fillers and works to thin the lips and define the cupid's bow.
Finding your best lip size
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and lips of all shapes and sizes are beautiful. As an academically trained artist, I admire natural beauty and have learned to embrace our imperfections. Whether you want big or smaller lips, it's up to YOUR unique beauty standards.
Brydie explained it well, that "there appears to be an overall shift in the culture of beauty trends toward embracing an inherently less "trendy" sense of individuality."
Rather than jumping on any beauty bandwagon, think about what's best for YOU. What aesthetic services will complement and enhance your natural beauty? Do you really want bigger lips or do you actually want more shapely and defined lips?
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Where to get natural-looking lip injections in Philadelphia
If you didn't know, my name is Jennifer Perry and I'm a Registered Nurse, RN First Assistant, and top Aesthetic Nurse Injector. I treat patients at Art of Injection® at multiple locations here in Philadelphia.
Book a FREE consultation and let's discuss your beauty goals together. I want you to feel your absolute BEST self - no matter what size lips that requires! - xoxo Jen