Men prefer natural lips on women over ‘fake’ pouty ones, study reveals

New York Post - Apr 11th, 2025

A new study from the University of Sydney reveals that men find 'natural-looking' lips most attractive on women, despite the ongoing trend of plumped-up lips on social media. In the research, 32 students evaluated computer-generated faces with varying lip sizes, showing a clear preference among male participants for more natural appearances. Women, on the other hand, rated fuller lips higher when assessing other women. The study highlights significant gender differences in lip attractiveness perceptions, with both sexes favoring thinner lips on male faces.

The findings come amidst a booming market for cosmetic lip procedures, expected to grow by 3.6% annually from 2024 to 2034. The researchers caution against the potential mental health risks associated with excessive lip enhancement, warning of 'lip dysmorphia,' where individuals develop a distorted self-image and pursue unnecessary cosmetic changes. This issue is compounded by the risks of allergic reactions to lip fillers, exemplified by a Brazilian woman's near-fatal experience. Despite the prevalence of enhanced lips on social media, the research underscores a preference for natural beauty, raising questions about the societal pressures driving cosmetic trends.

University Of Sydney Lip Aesthetics Cosmetic Procedures Gender Differences Beauty Standards Lip Dysmorphia Allergic Reactions

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely exploration of a study on lip attractiveness, supported by credible sources like the University of Sydney. Its readability and clarity are strong, making it accessible to a general audience. However, it lacks balance and depth in exploring alternative perspectives and broader societal implications of cosmetic procedures. The anecdotal evidence provided is not well-supported, which affects the overall accuracy. While the article is engaging and addresses topics of public interest, its potential impact on broader debates or policy changes is limited. Enhancing source transparency and including diverse viewpoints could improve its comprehensiveness and reliability.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on a study conducted by the University of Sydney, detailing the preferences of men and women regarding lip size. The claim that men prefer 'natural-looking' lips is supported by the study's findings, which involved 32 students. However, the sample size is relatively small, which might limit the generalizability of the findings. The article also cites a projected growth rate for the lip filler market, referencing GlobeNewswire, which adds credibility to the economic context provided. However, the anecdote about a Brazilian woman's allergic reaction, while potentially true, is not directly linked to the study and lacks broader statistical context, which could mislead readers about the prevalence of such reactions.

Balance

The article primarily presents one perspective on attractiveness and cosmetic procedures, focusing on the study's findings and the potential psychological and physical risks of lip fillers. It briefly mentions women's preferences for fuller lips but does not explore why this might be the case or include perspectives from professionals in the cosmetic industry or psychology. This creates a somewhat unbalanced view, as it lacks counterpoints or alternative interpretations of the data, such as cultural or social factors influencing beauty standards.

Clarity

The article is generally well-written and easy to follow, with a clear structure that guides the reader through the main findings and implications of the study. The language is accessible, avoiding overly technical jargon, which makes the content approachable for a general audience. However, the transition between discussing the study and the anecdotal evidence about lip fillers could be smoother to maintain coherence.

Source quality

The article references a study conducted by a reputable institution, the University of Sydney, which lends credibility to its claims. It also cites GlobeNewswire for economic data, a known source for market research. However, the lack of direct quotes or detailed methodology from the study limits the depth of source attribution. Furthermore, the anecdotal evidence about the Brazilian woman's experience is not backed by a primary source or medical expert, which weakens the overall reliability.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the study's methodology, mentioning the sample size and the nature of the experiment. However, it lacks detailed information about how the study was conducted, such as the criteria for selecting participants or the specific questions asked. The absence of these details makes it difficult for readers to fully understand the basis of the study's conclusions. Additionally, the potential conflicts of interest, such as the motivations behind the study or any affiliations of the researchers, are not disclosed.