How To Define Your Cupid's Bow Like a Pro

If you make it a point to stay on top of beauty trends, then you know that having a defined Cupid’s bow—that little dip in the center of your upper lip—is one that’s been around for quite some time (as in, decades). And it’s easy to see why: With a prominent Cupid’s bow, lips look defined and shapely, almost doll-like. The catch, of course, is that not everybody has this feature. But if you love the way pouty lips look, you’re not out of luck: It’s easy to fake a prominent Cupid’s bow with makeup. Here, we’ll show you how, plus share some of our favorite products for showing off your shapely smile.

What Is a Cupid’s Bow?

The term “Cupid’s bow” refers to the dip in the center of your top lip, where the two arches of your upper lip meet. Supposedly, the name comes from the feature’s resemblance to a classical bow—like the one depicted with the Roman god of love, Cupid. Though many people have a slight Cupid’s bow, the term is often used to describe lips that have a prominent V-shaped dip.

How To Define Your Cupid’s Bow

Whether you have a straight upper lip or simply want to emphasize your existing Cupid’s bow, you’ll need the right products and techniques. Here, we’ll show you how.

Step 1: Prep your pout

Before applying any lip makeup, it’s a good idea to ensure your pout is smooth and hydrated. Use a lip scrub (or a damp washcloth) to buff away any dead skin, then apply your favorite lip balm to help moisturize your lips. Make sure to give the balm adequate time to absorb before applying your lip makeup

Step 2: Draw an ‘X’ on your Cupid’s bow

Next, decide which color lipstick you’ll be using, then grab a lip liner in a similar shade (we recommend snagging one from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner collection).

Then, identify where your Cupid’s bow is—even if it’s not super defined, you should be able to locate a dip in the middle of your upper lip. Using the tip of your lip liner, lightly draw an ‘X’ on the center of your upper lip. The top points of your X should align with the two highest points of your top lip.

Step 3: Line your lips

From here, line your lips as usual, taking care not to disrupt or soften the ‘X’ defining your Cupid’s bow.

Editor’s tip: If you’d like to make your lips appear plumper, feel free to overline a touch—just be sure not to overdo it, as doing so can result in an unnatural lip look.

Step 4: Color your pout

By now, your lips should be primed, lined, and ready for color. L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick is our go-to product to complete this defined lip look, as its slim bullet allows for a precise application. The creamy formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and delivers up to 16 hours of non-drying, smudge-proof wear that feels comfortable on the lips. Plus, the 22 vibrant shades in this collection pair perfectly with the lip liner mentioned earlier, ensuring a seamless lip look that lasts. If you favor a glossier lip look, try painting your pout with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick, which comes in a range of flattering shades, including reds, pinks, nudes, and browns.

Step 5: Blot your lips

Next, use a clean tissue to blot your lips and get rid of excess product. This little trick helps reduce the risk of your lip color transferring or feathering throughout the day (though your lip liner will help with that, too). If needed, clean up the edges of your lips with a clean cotton swab for an extra-defined finish.

Step 6: Add highlighter

To make your Cupid’s bow pop even more, apply a touch of highlighter to the “peaks” of your upper lip. We love using L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer for this, as it offers a radiant finish for a healthy-looking glow. To ensure a precise application, dip a clean eyeliner brush (or even a cotton swab) into the illuminating lotion and lightly tap it onto your Cupid’s bow. If you’d rather use a powder highlighter, we’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24HR Highlighter Longwear Powder, which comes in two luminous, waterproof shades.

Step 7: Play with finishing touches

The devil, as they say, is in the details—and the right finishing touch can take your defined lip look to the next level. One way to play up a shapely Cupid’s bow is with a clear or lightly tinted lip gloss. The high-shine finish will catch the light, emphasizing your lip shape and helping to make your lips appear slightly plumper. A glossy lip oil will do the trick, too—try the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil if you want shine with an added boost of hydration. Alternatively, you could try playing with an ombré lip look for added emphasis. Lining your lips with a lip liner a shade or two darker than your lipstick will make your pout pop—and make your Cupid’s bow appear even more prominent.

Our Best Lip Liner To Define Your Cupid’s Bow

You can fake a defined Cupid’s bow with nearly any lip liner, so long as you have the technique down. With that said, we do have a favorite:

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner

This lip pencil delivers rich, creamy color while perfectly defining the lips. Formulated with omega 3 and vitamin C, the liner glides on smoothly to enhance lip contours and prevent smudging. It also nourishes lips while providing a flawless outline. Plus, it boasts a twist-up applicator, so you can apply your lip liner on the go—no sharpener needed.

The lip liner comes in an array of rich shades that coordinate with the iconic L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick. Like our pencil, this lipstick doesn’t feather. It also offers vibrant color in a single swipe and leaves lips feeling moisturized.

Next Up: Here’s How To Determine Your Lip Shape

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris