How to Draw Lips Step by Step
Follow these lips drawing step by step instructions carefully. The most important thing to remember is that lips are made of gentle curves, not straight lines — so relax your hand, draw slowly, and let the curves flow naturally. Every step builds on the last, so take your time and enjoy the process.
Step 1: Draw the Upper Lip Curve
Start by drawing a gentle wavy line across the middle of your paper. This soft, shallow wave will become the top edge of the upper lip. Keep it light and flowing — think of it as a very gentle wave on calm water. Do not press too hard at this stage as you may need to adjust the width.
Step 2: Draw the Cupid’s Bow Left Side
At the top center of your wavy line, draw a small curved dip going upward on the left side. This is the beginning of the Cupid’s bow — the distinctive double-peaked shape at the top of the upper lip that gives lips their beautiful and recognisable silhouette.
Step 3: Complete the Cupid’s Bow
Mirror the curve on the right side to complete the Cupid’s bow. The two small peaks should be roughly symmetrical and meet at a gentle dip in the very center. The Cupid’s bow is the most distinctive feature of the upper lip, so take your time to get this shape feeling right.
Step 4: Draw the Left Corner
From the left end of your upper lip line, draw a small gentle curve downward and inward to form the left corner of the mouth. The corners of the mouth curve slightly inward where the upper and lower lips meet. Keep this curve soft and natural.
Step 5: Draw the Lower Lip
Below the upper lip, draw a wide, gently rounded curve for the lower lip. The lower lip is generally fuller and more rounded than the upper lip. Connect the curve to the left corner you drew in Step 4 and let it sweep out wide before curving back up to the right corner.
Step 6: Close the Right Corner
Complete the right corner of the mouth by connecting the upper and lower lip on the right side with a gentle inward curve. Your lips now have a complete outer outline. Step back and check that both corners look roughly symmetrical before moving on.
Step 7: Draw the Center Line
Between the upper and lower lips, draw a slightly wavy horizontal line. This is the center line — the line between the closed lips. It should follow a similar gentle wave to the top of the upper lip and be slightly closer to the upper lip than the lower lip, which gives the lips a natural and realistic appearance.
Step 8: Add the Upper Lip Inner Shape
Inside the upper lip area, draw a smaller curved shape that follows the Cupid’s bow. This inner shape defines the front plane of the upper lip and is a key detail that makes lips look three-dimensional rather than flat. Keep this inner line soft and slightly lighter than the outer outline.
Step 9: Add Highlights and Final Details
Add small oval or teardrop-shaped highlight marks inside the lower lip to show where the light catches the surface. Lips are shiny and round, so adding a highlight in the right place makes them look immediately more realistic and three-dimensional. You can also add a small shadow line under the lower lip.
Step 10: Trace and Color Your Lips
Go over your favorite lines with a black marker or fineliner, then gently erase any leftover pencil marks. Now for the most exciting part — coloring! Lips look stunning in classic red, soft pink, coral, nude, berry, or any color you love. Leave the highlight areas white or very pale to give your lips that gorgeous glossy shine. Your lips drawing is finished and ready to display!
Fun Facts About Lips
- Lips are the most visually prominent feature of the lower face and one of the most expressive parts of the human body.
- The reddish-pink color of lips comes from the underlying blood vessels showing through the very thin, almost translucent skin on the surface.
- The philtrum is the small vertical groove between the nose and the top of the Cupid’s bow — one of the most distinctive features of the human face.
- Lips have no sweat glands, which is why they dry out more easily than the rest of the face and need moisture to stay soft.
- In art, the study of facial features including lips is called feature drawing, and it is one of the foundational skills in portrait art and figure drawing.
More Easy Drawing Tutorials to Try
Once you have mastered lips, keep building your portrait drawing skills! You can practice drawing eyes, eyebrows, a nose, an ear, or a full face. Each facial feature has its own unique set of curves and shapes that become easier and more natural with every drawing you complete. At KidsColoronline, we love helping artists of all ages and skill levels grow their confidence one drawing at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you draw lips easily? Start with a gentle wavy line for the top of the upper lip, then add the Cupid’s bow double peak in the center. Draw the corners of the mouth curving gently inward, then add the full rounded curve of the lower lip below. Connect the corners, draw the center line between the lips, add inner detail shapes and highlights, then trace and color. Ten simple steps from start to finish!
What is the Cupid’s bow on lips? The Cupid’s bow is the distinctive double-peaked curve at the top of the upper lip. It gets its name from its resemblance to the bow of Cupid, the Roman god of love. It is the most recognisable and defining feature of the upper lip and the key to making lips look realistic in a drawing.
What shape is the lower lip? The lower lip is wider and fuller than the upper lip, forming a single broad, rounded curve. It catches more light than the upper lip and is where the glossy highlight is typically placed in a drawing or painting.
Is drawing lips good for beginners? Yes! Lips are an excellent subject for beginners because they involve a relatively small number of curves that can be learned and practised quickly. They are also very satisfying to draw and color, making them a motivating subject that keeps beginners coming back to practise.
What color should I use for lips? Lips look beautiful in many different colors. Classic red, soft pink, coral, nude beige, deep berry, and plum are all popular choices. Whatever color you choose, remember to leave the highlight areas lighter or white for a glossy, three-dimensional effect.
Start Drawing Your Lips Today
Drawing lips is easy when you break it down into small steps. Start with the gentle upper curve and Cupid’s bow, build the lower lip and corners, add the center line and detail shapes, then finish with highlights and your favorite color. Before you know it, you will have a stunning pair of lips ready to admire!
Want more free step-by-step drawing guides, coloring pages, and worksheets? Visit KidsColoronline and Contact Us if you would like custom drawing lessons or printable packs for your home or classroom. Now grab your pencil and bring your lips to life!