How to Pout

Co-authored by Kelly Chu

Last Updated: September 10, 2024 References

Pouting can convey several different emotions, depending on how you do it. A pout can be flirty and seductive, or it can express that you are sad or angry. No matter why you want to pout, you will need to master the correct facial expressions and body language in order to make it look genuine.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Mastering the Seductive Pout

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1
Position your mouth. If you want a subtle, sultry pout for your next photo, try parting your lips and sticking your bottom lip out just a little. You may want to practice in the mirror first because it's easy to overdo it and end up looking like a fish!
- To get your mouth position right for a photo, try saying the word “blue." It will force your lips forward into a pout. Models often use this tip during photo shoots.
- You may want to complement the pouting look with a slightly squinting eye as well.^{[1]
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- It can take some practice to look seductive, so look at yourself in the mirror and make sure you don't look angry or sad.^{[2]
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2
Add some color. Nothing brings more pizzazz to your pout than some lipstick! Make sure to choose the right shade for your skin tone and for the occasion. In general, women with warmer complexions should wear shades with yellow or orange undertones, while women with cooler complexions should wear shades with blue undertones. Choose a more neutral shade for the daytime and a more dramatic shade for evening.^{[3]
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- To help make your lipstick last longer, use a primer. If you don't have one, dab some concealer or foundation on your lips before you apply your lipstick.^{[4]
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3
Plump your lips. The size and shape of your lips is also very important. If you're not happy with the way your pout looks, there are some simple ways to make your lips look bigger with makeup.
- Try using a plumping lip gloss or lipstick. These products work by increasing the blood flow to your lips, causing them to temporarily swell slightly.^{[5]
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- For a more dramatic look, try over lining your lips. To do this, trace around your lips with a lip liner pencil, extending a bit beyond the natural lip line in the middles, but not at the corners. Then fill in with a lipstick that is the same color as the lip liner.^{[6]
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If you want to look seductive, there's more to it than just your facial expression. If you're taking to someone, try making extended eye contact and gently touching the person every so often. Also make sure to stand up straight and keep your arms uncrossed to show that you are open to others.^{[7]
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5
Have the right attitude. To complete your seductive look, make sure to act the part. You will need to be cheerful and playful. It helps to raise your eyebrows, laugh, and maybe even break your pout on occasion by smiling or biting your lower lip in a flirty way.
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Pose properly. If you want to take a great pouty picture, you will need to make sure that the rest of your body is positioned perfectly as well. To look more photogenic, try extending your chin a bit and positioning your face and body at a slight angle. You should also be conscious of your posture, your hands, and your hair. You want your pouty picture to look as naturally flattering as possible!^{[8]
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- If you want to look flirty, tilt your head a bit.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Mastering the Sad Pout

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1
Stick your bottom lip out. The extend to which you extend it will depend on how dramatic you want your sad pout to look. Be aware that it will come off looking fake (and not as attractive) if you overdo it.^{[10]
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- You should feel your chin wrinkle slightly as you do this.
- Your mouth should be closed for a sad pout, unlike for a seductive pout.
- If you're able to, you may want to quiver your lower lip, which will make you look like you're about to cry.^{[11]
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2
Drop your head slightly. This shows that you are feeling vulnerable or submissive.^{[12]
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3
Get the eyes right. Make eye contact with the person you are talking to, but don't raise your head. Your eyes should be peering up at him. The more eye contact you make, the more flirtatious you will appear, so be cautious is you want to look genuinely sad.^{[13]
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- If you're trying to be sad in a flirtatious or playful way, you can bat your eyelashes. Don't do this if you want to look genuinely sad.^{[14]
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4
Use your whole body. When you are sad, you can see the emotion in your whole body, not just your face. Try slouching your shoulders a little and loosely crossing your arms in front of you. This will let the other person know that you are hurt and trying to protect yourself. You may also consider fidgeting or nervously moving your hands.
5
Master a sad voice. To sound sad, try talking in very quiet voice and a monotonous tone. Keep your sentences short and to the point.
- To take your sad voice a step further, try to make your voice tremble, as if you're fighting back tears.^{[15]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Mastering the Angry Pout

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1
Purse your lips. To look angry instead of sad, you should engage your upper lip a little. Stick the bottom lip out just as you would for a sad pout, but then stick the upper lip out a bit too.^{[16]
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- Just like with the sad pout, you can stick your lips out further if you want to exaggerate the expression.
2
Use the rest of your face. If you want to sell the angry look, consider wrinkling your nose, rolling your eyes, or squinting at the person you are talking to. ^{[17]
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- Look straight ahead and do not drop your head like you would if you were trying to look sad.
- To look downright furious, try knotting your brows and flaring out your nostrils.^{[18]
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3
Use off-putting body language. Crossing your arms very tightly against your body and having a rigid posture will help get the message across that your pout is an angry one.
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Use an angry voice. If you are talking, make sure you sell your emotion with your voice as well by talking loudly, repeating the same phrases, and laughing sarcastically.
- You can also try stomping your feet, closing doors loudly, and making other loud noises to make yourself sound more intimidating.
5
Don't be too aggressive. An angry pout should still be somewhat playful, even if you are genuinely annoyed. Avoid screaming and insulting other people. Throwing a temper tantrum will only make you look like a bully.

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Tips

If you're acting playfully sad or angry, you're probably trying to get someone else to do something for you. Make sure they know exactly what you want, or else they might not understand what you're doing.

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Don't overdo it with pouting. If you pout every time you don't get what you want, you will seem childish and immature.

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