If you’ve ever found yourself examining your reflection, pondering the structure of your face, then you’ve undoubtedly encountered the concept of high and low cheekbones. These intriguing features can shape not only how we look but also how we feel about our appearance. As beauty enthusiasts, it’s essential to understand the difference between high and low cheekbones, their impact on facial aesthetics, and how we can enhance them to suit our personal style.
Understanding Cheekbone Anatomy
Before diving into how to enhance our cheekbones, let’s clarify what we mean by high and low cheekbones. The cheekbones, or the zygomatic bones, are located beneath the skin of your cheeks. They are a key structural feature that contributes to the overall contour and definition of your face.
High Cheekbones
High cheekbones sit closer to your eyes. If your cheekbones rest just beneath the eye sockets, you have what’s commonly referred to as high cheekbones. This trait is often associated with classic beauty and is considered attractive in many cultures. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp are often celebrated for their prominently high cheekbones.
High cheekbones can lend a face a more sculpted appearance and are frequently associated with a youthful visage. This is because they create natural highlights and shadows, enhancing the appearance of natural bone structure and providing a symmetrical look.
Low Cheekbones
Conversely, low cheekbones sit closer to the bottom of the nose. Faces with low cheekbones might have a softer, rounder appearance. Rather than prominent definition, low cheekbones might not cast the same natural shadows and highlights.
Many people with low cheekbones find beauty and character in their features as well. Personalities like Kate Winslet and Ryan Gosling are examples of beauty and charisma with naturally lower cheekbones.
Enhancing Cheekbones
Whether you possess high or low cheekbones, there is an array of techniques and tricks to enhance and accentuate your natural beauty. Here’s how to celebrate and amplify your cheekbones, whichever type you have:
Makeup Techniques
Makeup is a versatile and user-friendly way to redefine and enhance your cheekbones. Here are several steps you can take, depending on whether you’re looking to accentuate high cheekbones or create the illusion of higher cheekbones for those with low cheekbones.
For High Cheekbones
– Highlighting: Use a shimmery highlighter on the cheekbones to catch the light naturally, emphasizing their height. Sweep the product along the top of your cheekbones, following the natural line just below the eyes.
– Blush Application: Apply blush higher on the cheeks. Starting from the apple of the cheek, blend towards the temple to enhance the natural lift of high cheekbones.
– Contour: Subtle contouring below the cheekbone can help accentuate the depth and definition. Choose a contour shade that’s slightly darker than your skin tone and apply it just underneath the cheekbone for added shadow and definition.
For Low Cheekbones
– Highlight and Lift: Use a highlighter on the upper cheekbones, but focus slightly higher towards the hairline to create the illusion of lifted cheeks.
– Blush Positioning: Start applying the blush on the upper outer edges of the cheeks and blend upward towards the temples. This helps simulate a lifted look.
– Advanced Contouring: For low cheekbones, applying contour just below the cheekbone can add dimension. Begin your contour a bit higher to give the illusion of raised cheek structure.
Skincare Enhancements
Good skincare is foundational not only for healthy skin but also for enhancing facial features like your cheekbones.
– Hydration: Keep your skin hydrated. Well-moisturized skin can naturally enhance the appearance of your cheekbones by providing a plump and dewy look.
– Facial Exercises: Incorporate facial exercises into your routine. Exercises targeted at the cheeks, such as puffing your cheeks or making exaggerated facial movements, can tone the muscles beneath the skin, potentially enhancing cheekbone appearance over time.
– Massage: A regular facial massage can enhance circulation, reduce puffiness, and highlight cheekbones. Use gentle, upward strokes with a facial oil or moisturizer to promote lymphatic drainage.
Cosmetic Procedures
For those seeking longer-lasting or more defined results, various cosmetic procedures can modify or enhance cheekbone appearance.
– Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid can be strategically placed in the cheek area to enhance volume and contour, effectively altering the appearance of both high and low cheekbones.
– Cheek Implants: Surgical cheek implants are a more permanent option to enhance the prominence of the cheekbones. This option should be thoroughly discussed with a qualified surgeon to weigh potential risks and benefits.
– Fat Grafting: This procedure involves transferring fat from another part of the body to the cheeks to create volume and define the cheekbones.
Embracing your Natural Beauty
While enhancing your cheekbones can be a fun and satisfying experience, embracing your natural features is equally powerful. Beauty is diverse and multifaceted, with both high and low cheekbones contributing uniquely to an individual’s aesthetic.
Understanding the potential of your facial structure and learning to accentuate it can build confidence and highlight your distinct beauty. Whether you’re opting for makeup, skincare, or cosmetic procedures, the ultimate goal is to celebrate and embrace your unique facial architecture.
Cheekbones, whether prominently high or subtly low, are a signature of your individual beauty. By exploring products and techniques that flatter your specific features, you’re fostering a style that is wholly and uniquely yours. So, step forward with confidence, accentuate as you see fit, and remember that beauty is as much about confidence as it is about contour.