In the 1990s, the punk scene popularized the side labret piercing, becoming almost required for those with edgy, colourful hairstyles.
The circular barbell or hoop encircling the side of the bottom lip symbolized a spirit of rebellion and freedom, particularly among the youth. Since then, body piercings, including the side labret style, have become more mainstream and have spread to other cultural groups. This shift led to the development of new lip-piercing variations by professional piercers.
However, having so many options can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can now choose from various lips piercing looks to express your unique style. Conversely, the abundance of choices can make determining which piercing is the perfect fit for you is challenging.
Ultimately, the decision on which lip piercing to get will be yours, but we’re here to assist you. Here are five of our top favourite lip piercings, along with the recommended jewellery for each style:
The Monroe/Madonna Piercing
The Madonna and Monroe piercings are named after beauty marks and are located above the upper lip, either to the left or right of the centre. They look stunning with labret studs adorned with charms, gemstones, or elegant gold beads. One of the best aspects of these piercings is their versatility. You can choose more expensive jewellery, giving you a bold, eye-catching appearance. Alternatively, you can opt for daintier styles, mimicking a beauty mark’s subtle and charming look. In any case, these piercings provide a lovely and cute appearance that is less edgy compared to other lip piercing styles.
Medusa Piercing
The Medusa piercing takes inspiration from the legendary Gorgon of Greek mythology, who had the power to turn people to stone with her gaze. Like its namesake, this piercing exudes excitement and captivation. Positioned centrally above the lip in the natural indentation of the skin, known as the philtrum, it creates an alluring and eye-catching look.
The beauty of the Medusa piercing lies in its versatility, allowing for various exquisite styles. Depending on the size of your philtrum, you can select dainty and more pronounced jewellery styles, and they will look fantastic either way.
While subtler looks are an option, we adore how a large gemstone shines brightly above your lip, making a bold statement. Additionally, pairing the Medusa piercing with a septum piercing can create a striking and harmonious appearance that further enhances your unique style.
Vertical Labret Piercing
The Vertical Labret piercing offers a distinctive variation from the classic Labret piercing by going through the lip. It involves piercing an entry hole at the centre of the bottom lip and an exit point beneath the lip’s skin.
What makes this piercing stand out is its one-of-a-kind style. Unlike other lip piercings around the lips, the Vertical Labret decorates the lips. This allows for creative and fun combinations with lip colours, making the jewellery and your lip colour work together beautifully. The double-pierced look can be accentuated by choosing curved barbells with a simple bead on one end and a charming gemstone or charm on the other. This playful approach adds a touch of individuality to your overall appearance, making the Vertical Labret piercing genuinely unique and eye-catching.
Jestrum piercing
The Jestrum piercing offers a striking contrast to the Vertical Labret piercing. The Jestrum piercing entails an entry hole typically located where the Medusa piercing is done, and it exits through the upper lip. If you’re searching for a truly unique and distinctive piercing, the Jestrum should be on your radar. Just like the Vertical Labret piercing, the double-pierced look of the Jestrum also looks excellent with bold curved barbell styles.
You can adorn it with various embellishments, such as gemstones, opals, pearls, or other fun beads. Alternatively, you can choose to go for a curved barbell with a plain bead on one end and a delightful gemstone or charm on the other. This creative and individualized approach enhances the beauty of the Jestrum piercing, making it a captivating and original addition to your look.
Spider bites
The Spider Bite piercing is formed by having two side labret piercings positioned near each other. You can get them both simultaneously, or if you already have a labret piercing, you can add another one next to it to create a fresh and new look.
The the beauty of Spider Bites, like any double piercing, lies in their versatility. You can express your style in various ways. Select identical beads, charms, or gemstone labret studs for a coordinated and refined look. Alternatively, go for a bolder look with different types of barbells or hoops. You also have the option to mix and match a combination of both, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind and personalized style. Double piercings like Spider Bites will genuinely enable you to showcase your creativity and fashion preferences, making them a fantastic way to highlight your individuality. Should If you ever grow weary of your Spider Bite piercing, you can opt for a fresh appearance by getting the same piercing on the opposite side of your lip, giving rise to the Shark Bites piercing. Few piercings offer the same versatility, allowing you to switch up your style effortlessly.
Lip piercing is a fantastic choice if you want to make a bold statement with your body jewellery. Finding the perfect style can be challenging with such a wide range of options. If you still need to decide which lip piercing suits you best, visit our Instagram page for inspiration. We showcase various piercing styles and jewellery choices to help you discover the one that truly reflects your personality and preferences.