Download Article
The best ways to get naturally fuller cheeks
Download Article
If you have thin or sunken cheeks, plumping them up again helps give you a more youthful appearance. While most natural techniques other than gaining weight will not make your cheeks physically chubbier, they can give you the appearance of fuller cheeks. We'll explain all the best ways to get fuller cheeks from exercising your facial muscles to using makeup, with expert tips from Professional Makeup Artist Alana Schober. Plus, we've even got advice on how to take care of your skin to keep it looking as smooth and plump as possible.
How do you get chubby cheeks?
Try gaining weight naturally by eating more healthy fats to plump up your cheeks. Or, apply a shimmery blush to make the apples of your cheeks pop. For more dramatic results, try cheek implants or dermal fillers.
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
Making Your Cheeks Look Chubby
Download Article
-
Gain weight to plump up your cheeks. If you’re underweight, gaining weight naturally adds to your body mass and might plump up your cheeks. Keep a food journal to help you keep track of what you’re consuming. In the beginning, eat about 200 more calories than you typically do in a day. Focus on eating nutrient-rich, calorie-dense meals and snacks throughout the day, and drink healthy smoothies to get more calories. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep your skin plump and hydrated. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Seeds, nuts, nut butters, avocados, fatty fish, and dairy products are all rich in nutrients and healthy fats.
- Focus on strength training rather than cardio training while you attempt to gain weight.
- Consider working with a nutritionist during this process, and be sure to talk to your doctor before making lifestyle changes.
- Keep in mind that the fat may not appear immediately around your face. Depending on your body type, you may notice weight gain in other parts of your body first.
-
Do facial exercises. Open your mouth wide and curl your upper and lower lips inward so that they cover your front teeth. Keep them taut over your teeth and draw the corners of your mouth outward. Gently shift your jaw forward, too. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds. You’ll feel tightness around your cheek muscles and mouth area. Release to a normal resting face when you’re done. Repeat this exercise 5 times per day. [2] X Research source
- Another exercise is to fill your cheeks with air while you purse your lips like a pufferfish. Hold this for 5-10 seconds, then relax and release the air. Repeat the exercise. This time, move the air from side to side 5-10 times as you hold the pose. Release the pose. Fill your cheeks with air one more time. Hold your index finger on your lips like you’re shushing someone. Move the air from under your upper lip to under your lower lip. Repeat 5-10 times and release. [3] X Research source
- Another option is to blow up balloons – or just pretend – to improve circulation to your facial muscles.
- When practicing face yoga, sit upright, open up your chest, and lower your shoulders to release the tension in your body.
- Gentle facial exercises stimulate circulation in your cheeks, which might make your skin look more radiant and full.
Advertisement -
Highlight your cheeks with light-colored concealer or powder. “There are definitely things you can do to...manipulate the shape of the face,” says Schober. Apply your foundation, concealer, and setting powder as usual. Then use a powder brush to dust on a layer of matte powder 1-2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone on your cheekbones and any sunken-in areas. [4] X Research source Or apply a liquid or cream concealer that’s 1-2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone around your cheeks to make them pop.
- Apply the lighter concealer to any areas around your face featuring dark shadows that draw your cheeks downward. Schober recommends choosing a concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.
- Try eliminating dark undereye circles or dark lines around your mouth with a color-correcting concealer to make sure the upper parts of your cheeks really stand out. [5] X Research source
-
Use blush to contour the apples of your cheeks. Try out a shimmery powder or a cream blush formula until you find which product you like best. Schober says, “I like to use cream products to contour, and then I will put powder on top to kind of set that in.” Once you’ve applied your base of foundation, concealer, and powder, Schober recommends smiling to find the fullest part of your cheeks, known as the apples. Look in a mirror to help get the right placement. Then, use either a blush brush or your fingertips to apply the product around this area. Instead of sweeping on the blush in an angular motion, place it strategically around the bottom and outside edges to subtly contour the apples of your cheeks.
- Pinch your cheeks to see what color your cheeks turn when they’re naturally flushed, then choose a blush in a similar hue.
- Avoid extending the blush below the apples of your cheeks or your cheekbones; this will only make your face look more sunken in. [6] X Research source
-
Use a shimmery setting powder to highlight your cheeks. Pick a setting powder with subtle shimmer to give your face a youthful, natural-looking glow. Use a powder brush to apply the product around the top of the apples of your cheeks and the top of your cheekbones. Extend it beneath your eye area, too, to brighten and lift the whole area. [7] X Research source
- The shimmer will catch the light and deceive the onlooking eye into seeing plumper, more youthful cheeks.
- Avoid anything too sparkly or glittery; it will appear more artificial and might draw attention to your sunken cheeks.
-
Get dermal injections. Speak with a cosmetic surgeon about dermal injections or fillers to add volume to your face and counteract signs of aging. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Small quantities of real or synthetic fat are gradually injected into your cheeks using a fine needle. Prepare to go back for several procedures in the beginning and over the years to keep your cheeks round and plump.
- Dermal injections last from 6 months to a few years.
-
Consider fat transfer surgery or facial implants. Schedule a consultation appointment with a cosmetic surgeon to discuss whether either of these procedures is right for you. Depending on your facial structure and how much fat you have elsewhere in your body, a cosmetic surgeon may be able to move fatty tissue to your cheeks. Or ask them about inserting implants to give you chubbier cheeks. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Communicate your specific ideas about your desired cheek contours to the surgeon with reference images to better discuss your options in detail.
- Keep in mind that the average cost of facial implants is around $3,000 US.
Advertisement
Section 2 of 2:
Getting Smoother, Plumper Skin
Download Article
-
Keep your face moisturized to soften and hydrate your cheeks. Use a gentle facial lotion or cream on your cheeks daily moisturize your skin . Apply it to damp skin, directly after every shower and every time you wash your face. Let it soak into your skin; don’t rinse it off. Choose a moisturizer with at least 30 SPF to protect your cheeks from sun damage. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Try an emollient cream containing glycerin or petroleum jelly. These creams are specially formulated to soothe dry and damaged skin. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- While moisturizers won’t add volume to your cheeks, they will make dry skin soft and dewy, giving you an overall healthier, more youthful appearance.
-
Apply glycerin and rosewater to repair the collagen in your cheeks. Combine 1 ⁄ 2 tsp (2.5 mL) of rosewater with 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of undiluted glycerin . Store the solution in the refrigerator, and massage it into clean skin every night just before bed. Leave it on overnight and rinse your face off in the morning. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- After about a week, you’ll start to notice softer, plumper skin around your cheek area.
- Glycerin keeps the skin hydrated and helps repair damaged collagen, while rosewater helps hydrate and calm irritated or dry skin.
-
Use aloe vera gel to improve your skin’s elasticity. Aloe vera has been found to have moisturizing and anti-aging properties, which helps your cheeks look fuller. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source About 30 minutes before you take a shower, massage aloe vera gel directly onto your cheeks and allow it to soak in. Or apply the gel to your face and rinse it off about 30 minutes later with warm water. Repeat this process daily to soften and plump up your cheeks.
- Alternatively, drink an 8 oz (250 ml) glass of food-grade aloe vera juice each morning. Try this for about a month and see if you notice any change in your complexion.
- The Vitamin E and antioxidants in aloe vera help reduce inflammation and may help tighten up sagging skin.
-
Massage milk and honey into your cheeks to keep the skin smooth. Look for an organic face mask with milk or honey listed as ingredients. Or combine 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of milk with 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of honey to make a homemade treatment. Mix it in a small bowl until it’s combined. Rub this paste onto your cheeks and allow it to sit there for about 20 minutes before you rinse it off. Try this once a day for a week for smoother skin . [14] X Research source
- Try buttermilk, cream, or yogurt instead of plain milk for even softer skin. [15] X Research source
- When used topically, honey acts as a humectant, attracting and trapping moisture in the skin. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Milk provides nourishing proteins and helps boost skin cell and collagen repair. As a result, your skin may look healthier and plumper after a milk and honey face mask.
- Try drinking a glass of milk every day, too, so your body benefits from its nutrients.
-
Use a shea butter and sugar scrub to exfoliate your cheeks. Shea butter moisturizes skin and helps ease irritation. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Mix together 1 cup (240 mL) of melted shea butter with 3 ⁄ 4 cup (180 mL) of granulated sugar. Refrigerate this mixture until it solidifies, then apply the scrub to damp skin using gentle circular motions. Leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Use a soft towel to pat your skin dry when you’re finished.
- The sugar is a gentle exfoliant, so it scrubs away dead skin cells on your cheeks that otherwise make the skin look dull.
- Shea butter is high in fatty acids and vitamins, so it helps soften your skin . Apply plain shea butter to nourish your cheeks without exfoliating.
- As an alternative, substitute the shea butter for milk, yogurt, or cream for another nourishing sugar scrub.
-
Make an apple and honey paste to plump up your cheeks. Apples contain many nutrients and vitamins that benefit your skin, so applying them topically is a great way to take advantage of those benefits. Chop up ½ of an apple into chunks and use a potato masher or a handheld blender to mash it into a sauce-like consistency. Mix it with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of honey. Apply this paste directly to your cheeks, and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. [18] X Research source
- Apples are full of antioxidants as well as vitamins A, B, and C, which help prevent tissue damage and wrinkles. They also contain collagen and elastin, which keep your skin looking soft and plump.
- Drink fresh apple juice and snack on apples on a daily basis to add the fruit’s benefits to your diet.
-
Rub natural oils into your cheeks to give your cheeks a healthy glow. After washing your face, massage a few drops of oil onto your cheeks and leave the oil on overnight. Try coconut oil , olive oil, almond oil, fenugreek oil , or avocado oil. [19] X Research source
- Although your skin naturally produces its own oils, applying natural oils topically helps keep your skin looking dewy and perky.
- Work healthy fats and oils into your diet, too. Cook with olive oil, eat plenty of fish, and eat nuts as a snack.
-
Remove your makeup at the end of every day to keep your skin clear. Never sleep in your makeup, which speeds up the aging process and contributes to uneven complexion. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Instead, use a gentle cleansing cloth or liquid makeup remover to take off any cosmetics you’ve worn during the day. Use a cloth or a cotton pad to gently massage your face and lift off the makeup. Work in an upward and outward motion so as to not drag your skin down. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Follow up by rinsing off your face with warm water, then apply a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin plump.
- Every once in a while, don’t wear makeup for a day or 2 to give your skin a chance to breathe.
-
Massage your cheeks to lift and brighten your skin. When giving yourself a facial massage , work your fingertips in soft, circular motions around your cheek area. Make sure you move your skin up and outward; avoid pushing it down, as this may encourage sagging. Focus on your cheekbones, cheek cavities, and the area near your nostrils, as well as the bottom of your cheeks near your jawline.
You may not actually get physically chubbier cheeks this way, but a gentle massage like this will help improve your circulation and will bring some rosy color to your face.
-
Pinch your cheeks to give them a naturally rosy color. Use your thumb and index finger to gently squeeze the fleshy portion of your cheeks. Work gently but quickly, pinching each cheek about 10 times. While pinching your cheeks won’t actually make them plumper, this practice will draw more blood into your cheeks to give your skin a natural blush. [22] X Research source
- Brighter, rosier cheeks look more youthful and healthy compared to colorless ones.
- The rosiness might only last a few minutes, but it’s a great trick to use before taking a photo or when making a first impression.
- This method may be less noticeable on darker skin tones.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow can I get soft cheeks?Community AnswerApply aloe vera gel and gently scrub your cheeks counterclockwise for 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse them with normal water.
-
QuestionHow do I get chubby cheeks within one week?Community AnswerNothing will work in one week, but try facial yoga or the other techniques in this article and you may see results over time.
-
QuestionWill blowing up balloons help me to get fuller cheeks?Community AnswerYes, it does.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- While topical face treatments help give your skin a smoother , softer appearance and a radiant glow, they won’t actually add volume to your cheeks. Try combining these techniques with strategic makeup application to create the look of healthy skin and rounder cheeks.Thanks
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
Warnings
- Avoid habits like smoking and drinking, which will cause your skin to lose elasticity. As skin loses elasticity, it becomes less flexible and takes on a saggier appearance, which will only make your cheeks look more sallow.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16555-snack-ideas-for-weight-gain
- ↑ https://youtu.be/sCWZk8DaZSk?t=80
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ZsMZPeeB2jI?t=21
- ↑ https://health.mountsinai.org/blog/how-do-i-get-rid-of-dark-circles-under-my-eyes/
- ↑ https://health.mountsinai.org/blog/how-do-i-get-rid-of-dark-circles-under-my-eyes/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/1CUNUZ2OOVY?t=399
- ↑ https://youtu.be/1CUNUZ2OOVY?t=343
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24260-cheek-filler
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/cheek-implants
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0iNe4gt04eU?t=52
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncshp2Ky07E
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shea-butter-benefits/
- ↑ https://www.onlymyhealth.com/diy-apple-face-masks-to-promote-skin-health-1715776645
- ↑ https://nyscc.org/blog/the-use-of-natural-oils-to-treat-the-skin/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/makeup
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/makeup
- ↑ https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/tiktok-natural-blush
About This Article
Article Summary
X
While you may not be able to change the shape of your face without cosmetic surgery, you may be able to create the look of chubby cheeks through facial exercises. For instance, you can try face yoga by stretching the corners of your mouth back toward your molars and holding the pose for about 90 seconds at a time. You can also pinch your cheeks to give them a slightly flushed, plump look. In addition, you can apply facial treatments like mashed apples, aloe vera, or glycerin and rose water to nourish your skin and make your face look chubbier. Keep reading to learn about cheek injections that can give you chubby cheeks!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,972,576 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "My face was already chubby but trying face yoga lifted my cheeks and made them more prominent. I'm feeling so confident and beautiful. " ..." more
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"My face was already chubby but trying face yoga lifted my cheeks and made them more prominent. I'm feeling so confident and beautiful. "
..."
more
"I have been trying the part 1 yoga, and it really worked. Having awesome cheeks now, thank you."
"Very useful & the best treatment."
"Good article for fuller cheeks."
"It's helpful, I'll try it."
