How to Define Cheekbones

Co-authored by Alana Schober

Last Updated: January 15, 2023 References

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

1
Apply concealer and foundation. As always, wash your face before you apply makeup. Cover blemishes with concealer if necessary, then apply foundation.
2
Choose bronzer slightly darker than your skin tone. Peach works well for warm skin tones, while earthy tones complement cool skin tones.^{[1]
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Research source} You can use either powder or cream bronzer.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Alana Schober
Pout Pro Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.} 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.
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3
Apply bronzer below your 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]
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Research source}
- A special bronzer blush provides the most control.^{[4]
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  Research source} 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.^{[5]
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  Research source}
- When using powder, tap the brush to shake off the excess before applying.
4
Blend and adjust. 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
Contour the rest of your face (recommended). To further accent your bone structure, apply bronzer along the outside edge of your temples, curving down along your jaw line.^{[6]
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Research source}^{[7]
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Research source}
- Think of it like making the shape of a banana running from your temples down beneath your cheekbones.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alana Schober
  Pout Pro Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.}
- 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.^{[9]
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  Research source} If you follow your cheekbones exactly, it may add even more length.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Adding Blush and Highlighter

1
Apply blush lightly. 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.^{[10]
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  Research source} 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.^{[11]
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  Research source}
2
Choose a highlighter. 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
Apply highlighter to the top of your cheekbone. 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.^{[12]
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Research source} 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.^{[13]
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  Research source}
- To make your darker contour stand out more, apply your highlighter right inside the first line you drew, then blend the two together.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alana Schober
  Pout Pro Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.}
4
Make final adjustments. Blend in all makeup thoroughly to avoid sharp lines and other artificial effects.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Alana Schober
Pout Pro Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.} 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.

Expert Q&A

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.

Alana Schober

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.

Alana Schober

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.

Alana Schober

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.