PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Even if you weren't genetically blessed with razor-sharp cheekbones, you can easily fake it with makeup and contouring. By choosing the right products for your skin tone, you can create the appearance of high, defined cheekbones that rival any runway model.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Applying Bronzer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Define Cheekbones
    Apply concealer and foundation . As always, wash your face before you apply makeup. Cover blemishes with concealer if necessary, then apply foundation.
  2. Peach works well for warm skin tones, while earthy tones complement cool skin tones. [1] You can use either powder or cream bronzer. [2] Cream bronzer is easier to apply than powder, but don't apply cream over a powder product—it tends to look really patchy.
    • To find your skin tone , hold the underside of your wrist up to natural light. If the veins look green, you have a warm skin tone. Blue or purple veins mean a cool skin tone, while blue-green means a neutral skin tone.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Define Cheekbones
    Suck in your cheeks to find your cheek hollows, or "shadow zone." Start just above the corner of your mouth, and sweep a small amount of bronzer all along the top of this zone, just underneath your cheekbones. Continue in a smooth, crescent pattern until you reach your hairline just above your ear. [3]
    • A special bronzer blush provides the most control. In a pinch, you can use a blush brush or clean fingers (for a cream bronzer), but don't use the brush for other products. [4]
    • When using powder, tap the brush to shake off the excess before applying.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Define Cheekbones
    Use clean fingertips or a clean brush to blend in the bronzer. You shouldn't see any sharp lines or stripes, but don't spread the bronzer into the apple of your cheek (the rounded center). If the shade is too light, add another layer of bronzer.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Define Cheekbones
    To further accent your bone structure, apply bronzer along the outside edge of your temples, curving down along your jaw line. [5] [6]
    • Think of it like making the shape of a banana running from your temples down beneath your cheekbones. [7]
    • Now that you see the overall effect, you can experiment a little in future. Applying bronzer at a straighter, less severe angle makes your face look wider, while a slightly sharper angle makes your face look longer. [8] If you follow your cheekbones exactly, it may add even more length.
  6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Adding Blush and Highlighter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Define Cheekbones
    Without blush, the bronzer may make your cheeks look gaunt. Brush your favorite blush onto the center of your cheek (the apple). If your cheekbone looks too harsh, gently blend a little extra blush directly onto the cheekbone. It's easy to overdo blush, so be careful.
    • If you're not sure which color to choose, pinch your cheeks and try to match that flushed color. [9] In general, fair skin calls for peach or pink blush; olive skin calls for blush with blue undertones; and dark skin can pull off bright pinks or oranges. [10]
  2. Pick a highlighter slightly lighter than your skin, with no glitter. A golden highlighter works well on dark skin, while people with fair skin may prefer a light, pearly color.
    • If you don't have a highlighter, you can improvise with a pearly nude eyeshadow.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Define Cheekbones
    Tap the highlighter right along the top of your cheekbone, where it's most visible. Extend this up to the lower edge of your eye, reaching near the outer corner. [11] Blend the highlighter in with small circular motions as you apply it. The highlighter should look like a reflection of light, contrasting with the dark bronze.
    • Powder highlighters are best applied with a small blush brush. You can use a sponge for liquid highlighter, but for best results, put a few drops on the back of your hand and dab it on with your fingers.
    • Dab a little highlighter above your brow bone or to the inner corners of your eyes to add even more light to your face. [12]
    • To make your darker contour stand out more, apply your highlighter right inside the first line you drew, then blend the two together. [13]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Define Cheekbones
    Blend in all makeup thoroughly to avoid sharp lines and other artificial effects. [14] If you used liquid highlighter, keep it in place with a light layer of translucent powder.
    • If you can't get the makeup to blend with your fingertips, softly brush your cheeks in a circular motion using a clean, fluffy brush. To blend liquid products, use a makeup sponge.
    • If you need to remove some of your makeup, use a scrunched up tissue to lightly buff your cheeks.
  5. Advertisement

Quiz Pack: We’ve handpicked these quizzes just for you.

You’ve read the article, now get personalized advice with wikiHow Quizzes. Each quiz is carefully researched and even endorsed by experts. Have fun and get the expert advice you need!

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it better to use cream or powder for contouring?
    Alana Schober
    Pout Pro Makeup Artist
    Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles.
    Pout Pro Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    Apply your contour with a cream product first. Then, apply powder on top to set it in place.
  • Question
    How do you contour as a beginner?
    Alana Schober
    Pout Pro Makeup Artist
    Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles.
    Pout Pro Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    Apply the contour in the shape of a banana. Start at the top of your ear and work your way down, so the contour hugs underneath your cheekbone. Blend the contour upward, which helps lift your cheekbone up. Then, paint apply a contour that's a shade or 2 lighter than your foundation directly beneath the contour line. Buff these 2 colors together to create a seamless blend.
  • Question
    How do you put powder over contour?
    Alana Schober
    Pout Pro Makeup Artist
    Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles.
    Pout Pro Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    You can set a cream contour with a contour powder, or just use a bronzer. Then, use a translucent powder to trace and set the space underneath your contour line.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Plastic surgery can change your cheek shape or cheekbone structure, but this is expensive and potentially dangerous. Fillers ("liquid face lifts") and cheek implants are two possible options.
      • A high, tight ponytail tugs your skin back, which can emphasize your cheekbones. Long layers of hair that end at the cheekbone can also draw attention there.
      • Although you cannot change your bone structure by exercising, some say "facial yoga" exercises can enhance cheek muscles.
        • For example, suck in your cheeks as hard as you can, try to smile, and hold for ten seconds. Repeat until your muscles are tired.
        • Repetitive movements can deepen wrinkles, so don't go overboard with your exercises.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 127,368 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement