If you have used lipstick or gloss before, you probably understand the impact your lips can make on your overall look. This is because the lips are a key focal point when communicating. The ‘ideal’ lips, according to a survey of Australian women are full, natural-looking and well-defined, with a strong Cupid’s bow (the v-shaped area of the upper lip).

 Our lip shape and volume is delivered by the presence of naturally occurring complex sugars and elastin in the skin. However, over time the level of these substances decreases. The outer layer of the lips can become thinner and the Cupid’s bow (the v-shaped area of the upper lip) begins flattening out, causing the lips to become elongated and lose their youthfulness.

 You may also notice the appearance and deepening of vertical lip lines around the border of the mouth. These lines are commonly known as ‘smoker’s lines’ and develop over a number of years through the repeated pursing of lips, such as when you smoke or suck on a straw.

 When you are young, your skin easily ‘springs’ back to its rest position. However, as time goes on your skin may become less supple and lines may start becoming evident, even when you are not pursing your mouth. If they become deeper, you may notice your lipstick bleeding up into them.