Lip filler styles explained: Classic, Russian, Keyhole & more

When people say "I want lip filler," they usually picture one thing: bigger lips. But fullness isn't the only choice. The shape, the balance, and where the volume sits all change the look completely — and each of those has a name. Think of lip filler styles as a menu, not a single dish.

Here's what the most talked-about styles actually mean, in plain words, so you can walk into a consultation knowing the difference between "Russian" and "Keyhole" instead of guessing.

Classic

The Classic look is even, all-over fullness that keeps your natural lip outline. Volume is added gently across the whole lip so it stays soft and plump without changing your shape. It's the most versatile starting point and the easiest to keep looking natural, which is why so many first-timers choose it.

If you like your lip shape and just want a fuller, healthier-looking version of it, Classic is usually the answer.

Russian lips

The Russian-lips technique places volume more vertically, lifting the lip upward from the centre instead of pushing it forward. The result is a taller upper lip with an accentuated cupid's bow and a flatter front profile — a defined, slightly "doll-like" shape rather than a projected pout.

People often choose Russian lips when they want height and definition, especially if their upper lip is naturally short or flat. Seen from the side, the lips look neat and lifted rather than pushed out.

Keyhole pout

A Keyhole pout leaves a small gap or gentle indentation at the very centre of the lips when your mouth is at rest. Instead of a solid, uniform curve, the middle stays slightly open for a soft, slightly parted look.

It's a subtle detail rather than a dramatic change, and it tends to read as youthful and relaxed. Keyhole works best when it suits your natural mouth — on some lip shapes the gap looks effortless, on others it doesn't sit as naturally.

Cherry lips

Cherry lips are a Korean-inspired style built around two subtle "cherry" mounds in the centre of the upper and lower lip. Rather than filling evenly across the whole mouth, the volume is concentrated in the middle for a sweet, youthful pout.

The effect is gentle and rounded — playful rather than bold. If you love a soft, doll-like centre with a delicate finish, Cherry lips are worth looking at.

Cupid's bow and heart-shaped lips

This style focuses on defining and lifting the peaks of your cupid's bow — the two points at the top of your upper lip. Sharpening and raising those peaks creates a more heart-shaped upper lip and adds definition without adding much overall volume.

It's a great option if your cupid's bow feels flat or undefined and you want structure more than size.

The 2026 shift toward subtle

If you've been nervous about lips looking "overdone," here's reassuring news: the trend has moved firmly away from the big, overstuffed pout. In 2026, the focus is on subtlety, structure, definition, and facial harmony — lips that flatter the rest of your features rather than dominating them.

That's also why there's no single "best" style. The right look depends on your natural anatomy and how everything on your face balances together. A shape that's stunning on one person can look off on another. The goal isn't to copy a trend — it's to find the version that suits *you*.

See each style on your own lips

Reading about these styles only gets you so far. The real question is which one looks right on your face — and that's exactly what Lips Up is for. You take a selfie, and the app shows you fuller-lip previews you can slide between, so you can compare styles on your own mouth instead of guessing from someone else's photos.

Try Lips Up free, preview these styles on your own selfie, and bring the look you love to your consultation. It costs nothing, there's no swelling to wait out, and you can try as many shapes as you like before you ever book.