What do I need to get a nicer face?

[MouthHelp]

Recently turned 38 but i feel like i’ve aged a decade in the past three years. Started getting very down about my looks. I’ve always been plain but feel as though other things are happening now such as sparse eyebrows, thinning hair at the temples, having to die my roots every two weeks (not ready to go grey!).

I’m not stressing too much about hair just now as i’m still trying to grow it beyond shoulder length since getting lots of breakage three years ago trying to lighten it with a hairdresser.

My main focus for now is my mouth. I have exceptionally small features and my mouth embarrasses me. Very thin lips and the top one disappears when I smile. It turns up into the gum. I’ve been reading that a lip flip with botox might be better suited for this problem rather than fillers? does anyone have any experience of the flip procedure?

Whats upsetting me most is the weird flaps i’ve acquired at the sides of my mouth. The left one of far more prominent than the right. I feel as though my face is slack around the lower cheek area by the mouth and was wondering if fillers would get rid of these or at least make the lines less obvious?

Im a total beauty novice. I wear very basic makeup. Pretty much allergic to everything (my face blew up for about two weeks last year when i tried a lash lift and tint at a salon with my niece for her birthday!) so this is a big step for me.

I want to start researching what will improve the lips and lines issue. Lots of places near me with doctors which say they offer a free consultation but I doubt they’ll be impartial.

Thabks for any tips/advice. Please ignore the shiny skin - just put on some moisturiser!

Not the advice you're looking for but I don't think your lips are thin or have anything unusual anywhere! You've got great teeth, really normal sized lips and a beautiful smile.

You are an absolutely normal, pleasant looking person; your lips aren’t thin and everyone’s face moves and gets creases when they smile! Please don’t start messing with your face to try to chase an ideal. Wear your life and experience with pride.

Look lovely to me.

we spend far too much time studying our own faces that we notice details nobody else does.

I do this to myself as well.

There's nothing wrong with you lips. Please don't succumb to the beauty industry's, lies that you can only be beautiful if you alter your face.

I agree - I was shocked to see your beautiful photos at the bottom of your post!!

I’m the same age as you and in general recommend anyone use a good vit c serum in AM and a retinoid (if not pregnant or nursing) in pm to start you off in anti-aging skincare.

Agree with FiveDuckGyoza on all counts.
FWIW I think many women start to see what is a very natural change as they age and that can start a decline in self-confidence.

I really wouldn't consider surgery or any invasive procedures - you really don't need it!
Have you looked at face yoga? The underlying principle seems sound and, at worst, it can do no harm to “tone up” the facial muscles.

I agree with pp so sorry this isn't helpful but I expected your lips to look different. I think they look good.
I have quite a few friends who have had fillers and I'm not sold on the overall look. I guess subtle would be the way to go if you do decide you want a fuller look.

You have great lips, teeth and smile

Can only agree with previous posts. Your lips aren’t exceptionally thin and the top one doesn’t disappear when you smile (although of course it changes shape).

From what I can see of your face you aren’t at all plain and in fact seem to have a very pleasant face.

I think people should do what they want in terms of treatments etc but I honestly think you are not making an accurate assessment of how you look.

OP, you’re obviously a very pretty woman. I just see great teeth, lovely cupids bow etc. stand proud !

Agree with this. You don’t have thin lips OP !

Please don't fuck with your face with fillers. Botox is less risky as it genuinely wears off but fillers in the face are a terrible idea. You could have your brows micro bladed and get some good skincare with tretonoin.

Great lips. Lovely teeth. Lovely gums.

Don't fuck about with your face. Seriously.

I'm a bit older than you but have seen signs of ageing over the last 2 years. I've improved my home skin care regime with serums and targeted treatments plus facials (with radio frequency) and I'm noticing a difference.

I don't think your lips are thin at all. Your top lip doesn't disappear. Mine are much thinner. Our cheeks change when we smile, I can't see anything to be concerned about.

It's so funny when you read these threads because you scroll down to the picture expecting a complete monster and you end up with a perfectly lovely looking woman who has low self-esteem. Come on, you look absolutely brilliant! Don't do anything permanent to your face.

Your lips are not thin and you have really nice straight teeth.

You’ve got a particularly lovely smile. I didn’t dissect it, just went with my overall impression.

Looking at your photos ( such as they are!) you just don’t seem the Botox look type - and I mean that as a good thing.

You look friendly, delicate featured and classy. I think an improvement on that would be totally impossible challenging to improve with Botox.

Like pps, I was shocked when I saw your photos- your mouth is lovely!!

Please don’t mess with it.

With your looks, skin, teeth and smile you are going to get nothing but compliments, and rightly so.

I don't think it's Botox you need, but self esteem classes!

Firstly, your skin looks amazing, you have lovely teeth and a great smile and your lip absolutely does not disappear. My sister has a very thin top lip and she wears bright lipsticks and it just draws attention!!
Definitely considering booking a consultation with someone but chose wisely. Pick someone your age I’d say, not a 20 something who’s just got her injectables certificate from a 3 day course! Chose someone with a dr or nursing background - sage advice someone gave me. Call them first and see how you get on on the phone, make sure you are on the same page. You may came out of the apt deciding that lasers and facials are the way for you rather than Botox and a lip injection so be open minded. So many treatments exist that you won’t even know about until you speak with a specialist. I’d just started exploring this myself but got pregnant again so not have to wait another year or 18 months (depending on how long I can stick with breastfeeding again!)

You have a lovely smile.

I’m actually tearing up here. I genuinely wasn’t expecting such kindness. I think i must look very different in real life as my thin lips have been commented on (as politely as possible) by some close friends and a colleague. My niece said at a recent family event i have a gummy smile and should try posing for photos with a closed mouth smile. Teeth are six years of braces as a teen! I am very fortunate however i’ve lost a molar on my right due to not getting a filling in time during covid lockdown so not great.

I am going to try some non invasive things and sit on it for a few more months before considering consulting with one of the clinics near me. I’ve been taken collagen powder in my coffee for the past six months with no effect and have tried the revitalift retinol stuff (ouch - cannot tolerate it) and i’m conscious that i might just be throwing my money at snake oil. The face yoga is something i’ve not heard of so will definitely explore that too thank you.

I used to be so content and confident with being natural and bare and basic. But i feel as though that is now becoming very hard to remain confident with when signs of ageing creep up on you all of a sudden.

I’ve been single for a few year too and considering OLD in the New Year but don’t have the confidence to get judged and rejected from a photo. Especially when you see how glamorous some women are.

Sorry im rambling. Just feeling really low this evening. Came out of the shower earlier and just stared at my face in the mirror and made a mental checklist of things i want to ‘fix’ before considering entering the dating scene. Such an awful state of mind but i need to try something to feel more attractive. And the things bothering me aren’t things that can be disguised with makeup.

I wouldn't recommend fillers or Botox to your lips. You have fab teeth and a perfect Cupid's bow mouth with a lovely smile. That definition is nicer than just increased lips.