How to Draw Lips Perfectly from the Front View (Step-by-Step Pencil Tutorial for Beginners)
How to Draw Lips from the Front View — Easy Pencil Tutorial for Beginners (2025)
Learn how to draw lips step by step with pencil! Simple front-view lip drawing tutorial for beginners — includes tips for shape, shading, and highlights.
✏️ Introduction
Drawing lips can be tricky — too small, they look flat; too big, they look unnatural.
But once you understand structure + shading, lips become one of the easiest features to draw!
In this guide, I’ll show you how to draw lips perfectly from the front view, using simple pencil techniques that anyone can follow.
(🎥 Embed your YouTube video here: “How to Draw Lips Step by Step for Beginners”)
🧰 What You’ll Need
Tool My Recommendation Buy Link
Pencil Set Faber-Castell Graphite (2H–8B)
Paper Smooth Bristol or Sketchbook Paper
Eraser Kneaded Eraser
Blending Tool Paper Stump / Cotton Swab
👄 Step 1: Draw the Middle Line (Lip Separation)
Start with a soft horizontal curve across the middle of your page.
This line represents where the upper and lower lips meet.
Don’t make it perfectly straight — add a gentle wave for a natural look.
“Step 1 – Middle line for lip separation”
👁️ Step 2: Outline the Upper Lip
Draw two soft curves above the middle line to form the Cupid’s bow (the “M” shape).
Connect the edges down toward the corners — not too sharp, keep it natural.
💡 Pro Tip: The upper lip is usually thinner and darker than the lower lip.
“Step 2 – Outline upper lip shape”
👁️ Step 3: Outline the Lower Lip
Below the middle line, draw a wider, rounder curve for the lower lip.
Make sure both sides are even but not identical — real lips aren’t perfectly symmetrical.
“Step 3 – Lower lip outline drawing”
🎨 Step 4: Define Light and Shadow
Before shading, mark where the light hits — usually the middle of the lower lip and top curve of the upper lip.
The corners and edges stay darker.
💡 Pro Tip: Always decide on the light direction first (for example: light from the left).
“Step 4 – Light source arrows for lip drawing”
🖋️ Step 5: Start Shading the Upper Lip
Use a 2B or 4B pencil for light shading.
The upper lip should be slightly darker — start from the top edge and blend downward.
Use short curved strokes to follow the lip’s natural texture.
“Step 5 – Shading upper lip area”
🖤 Step 6: Shade the Lower Lip
Switch to a lighter hand and shade the lower lip gently.
Keep the middle area (highlight) lighter — you can even leave a thin white strip.
Blend with a tissue or paper stump for soft smoothness.
“Step 6 – Lower lip soft shading”
💨 Step 7: Blend and Refine the Tones
Use a blending stump or cotton swab to smooth out pencil strokes.
Move gently in circular motions for natural texture.
Avoid over-blending — a bit of roughness looks realistic!
“Step 7 – Blending both lips evenly”
🌟 Step 8: Add Highlights
Use your kneaded eraser to lift graphite and create natural light reflections on:
The top curve of the lower lip
Middle section for shine
Corners for soft edges
💡 Pro Tip: Use a fine eraser tip for precise highlights.
“Step 8 – Highlighting lower lip area”
🧩 Step 9: Final Touches
Add shadow right under the lower lip — it makes lips pop and look realistic.
Darken the corners slightly and clean outlines with your eraser.
Step back and see — your lips should look 3D and natural.
“Step 9 – Final lip drawing result”
💬 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Drawing both lips with equal thickness
❌ Forgetting the middle line curve
❌ Over-darkening highlights
❌ Ignoring light direction
📺 Watch My Video Version
👉 Watch: “How to Draw Lips Step-by-Step for Beginners” on YouTube
🔗 Related Posts
- How to Draw a Realistic Eye Step by Step
- How to Shade with Pencil Easily
- How to Draw Nose from Front View for Beginners
📧 Free Practice Sheet (Download)
👉 Click to Download Lip Practice Worksheet (PDF)
🖤 Thanks
And that’s how you draw perfect lips from the front view!
The more you practice, the more natural your drawings will feel.
Tag your work online — and if you found this helpful,
💬 comment below, 💖 share with friends, and 🎥 watch my video for the live demo!
Keep practicing — and next, let’s draw the nose to complete the portrait.
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