Do you have a round face that makes you look heavier? Have you gained a few pounds? Or are you pre-disposed to bloating?
Basically, how do you make your face look thinner?
Worry not: All you need are these simple makeup, hair, and accessory tips to create the illusion of a sleek, chiseled facial appearance without shedding a single pound.
And there’s no contour powder in sight (because we like to keep it easy!).
Yes, I said simple makeup, hair, and accessory tips could instantly make your face look slimmer — without any weight loss!
Intrigued? Let’s dive into the most comprehensive guide you’ll ever find on how to make your face look thinner.
Let’s start with super-simple makeup tips
Step one in making a face look thinner: The transformative world of makeup. Because makeup is not just about glitter and glam; it’s a tool that, when wielded correctly, can create visual magic.
So, let’s discover some powerful techniques together!
First up: Accentuate your lips
Step 1: A vibrant lip color — like bold red, deep berry, or lively corals — instantly draws attention away from fuller cheeks and makes the face seem thinner.
Step 2: Use a matching lip liner to outline your lips before applying lipstick. This creates the illusion of fuller lips and balances out plump cheeks. As a bonus, it also makes your lipstick last longer!
Step 3: For the final touch, dab a bit of lip gloss or lip oil in the center of your bottom lip. This simple trick adds depth and makes your lips look even fuller.
Blush it up!
Blush is about adding color to your face and strategically enhancing your features. So, have you ever wondered how to use blush to make your face look slimmer?
First, let’s find the apples of your cheeks. Go ahead, give yourself a little smile. Do you see those lovely round areas that pop when you grin? Those are your apples.
Now, apply the blush in gentle, sweeping strokes (rather than a circular motion) along the natural curve of your cheekbones, working towards your temples. Doing so will ensure you hit all the high points (known as “control points”), making your face look thinner.
Another essential thing to remember: Do NOT apply blush too low on your face.
Wondering, “How low is too low?”
Picture an imaginary line from your nose to the bottom of your ear — this is your boundary. Applying blush below this line can pull your face downwards, visually piling on the pounds. So, keep your blush above this line and let it work its uplifting magic!
Then comes the final (and essential) step: Blending. Start with the most vibrant pop on the apples of your cheeks and let it gently fade out as it reaches your temples. This technique gives your whole face a beautiful lift and a sculpted look, making it appear slimmer.
Add some shimmer
Applying a bit of translucent shimmer along your cheekbones and collarbone is like a fabulous makeup technique, reflecting light off your bone structure to make it seem more defined.
Ready to have some fun? Let’s start with those gorgeous cheekbones. Swipe the shimmer along the tops, then blend it with a light hand. You’ll notice an instant lift that makes your face look slimmer and more sculpted.
A pro tip: Opt for a creamy formulation and use your fingertips for application. This will give you extra control and help the product meld into the skin seamlessly.
Lean on the eye makeup
It’s a simple principle: Bigger eyes equal a slimmer-looking face.
Adding a neutral shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes will instantly make them seem wider. Follow with a dark brown, gray, or black pencil liner across your upper lash line.
Finally, curl your lashes and apply two coats of volumizing mascara to up the game!
A pro eye makeup tip from celebrity makeup artists at the Cannes Film Festival (for obvious reasons, they wouldn’t let me reveal who they used this on!): Avoid using eyeliner on the bottom lash line as it can make your eyes appear smaller. If you need a liner for definition (like me!), use a softer shade like brown or grey, and smudge it lightly to avoid harsh lines. It will make the eyes pop without adding bulk to your face!
The magical cat eye look can also be your ally in achieving a slimmer face. It elongates your eye shape outward and upwardly, drawing focus to the corners and giving your face a leaner look.
Empower your brows
Your eyebrows are powerful tools in shaping your face and making it appear slimmer.
Thick, angular brows add contour and create a focal point, helping to make your face appear narrower. Conversely, thin, over-tweezed brows can lead to a rounder-looking face.
Another great way to make your face look thinner? Maintain a higher arch. It lifts the eye upwards, counteracting a wider face shape and adding an illusion of slimness.
How to make face look thinner: Harness the power of hair styling
Do you know that your hairstyle can dramatically affect how slim or full your face looks?
So, book that appointment with your hairstylist and use it to your advantage with this game plan!
Add volume
Adding volume at the top of your head instantly elongates the face, making it appear slimmer. To achieve this, use a root-lifting product and tease from the roots to the ends.
Another option is to include a ponytail in your hairstyle repertoire. For the most slimming effect, match the ponytail height to the tips of your cheekbones.
Need more options? A tight updo can literally stretch your face upwards, making even the most round face shape appear slimmer.
Length matters!
The length of your hair can significantly impact how slim or bulky your face appears. Longer hair with graduated layers makes it appear slimmer by creating vertical lines and elongating the face.
On the other hand, shorter haircuts like pixie cuts or short bobs might emphasize any roundness. So, if you prefer shorter hair, consider a cut that falls at least an inch or two below your chin.
Haircuts that end at the widest point of your face (usually the cheeks) are the worst offenders in making the face look even more bulky.
Layers, layers, layers… and more layers
Long layers give your hair structure and direct the eye downwards. They’re especially beneficial for square or rectangular faces, creating a slimming effect by softening their sharp features.
A square face tends to have a broad forehead, wide cheekbones, and a strong jawline, while a rectangular face is similar but longer.
In both these cases, long layers can effectively break up the boxy lines and add length and dimension to the facial silhouette. For added points, go through the ends with a curling wand.
Color hair darker around your face
Hair color is not just about personal style or covering grays; it can play a significant part in framing and highlighting facial features.
Lighter face-framing highlights open up the face, making it appear wider — not the right option when figuring out how to make face look thinner.
Darker tones, on the other hand, have a slimming effect. So keep the strands closest to your face a shade or two darker than the rest of your locks.
Pick the right part
It might seem like a minor detail, but how you part your hair can draw attention to certain features and shift the balance of your face, making it appear slimmer or rounder.
For instance, have you ever noticed how a center part gives a certain symmetry to your face? Well, this symmetry tends to highlight roundness.
That’s where the power of a side part comes in. It’s like your secret weapon, breaking that symmetry and tricking the eye into seeing a slimmer, more oval-shaped face.
Now, where should this magical side part begin, you ask?
Here’s the fail-proof answer: The arch of your eyebrow typically aligns with the high point of your cheekbone — making it the perfect spot to start your side part to emphasize the angles of your face. Just imagine a straight line extending back from the arch of your eyebrow, and there’s your perfect part!
Rethink your bangs
Bangs can be pivotal in crafting hairstyles that make your face thinner. The trick lies in selecting the right style.
Side-swept bangs subtly break up the roundness of your face, adding a dash of intriguing asymmetry. It’s a stylish and crafty way to make your face appear slimmer!
Now, let’s take that asymmetry a notch higher. Asymmetric bangs, longer on one side, paint a visual diagonal line across your face. This trick of the eye can give your face a beautifully elongated look, leading the gaze on a vertical journey rather than a horizontal one.
Soft side bangs are another game-changer. Imagine them seamlessly blending into your hair, creating a natural frame that accentuates your eyes and distracts from the roundness of your face.
However, remember that not all bangs are created equal: That short, straight bang can act like a spotlight on the width of your face, making it seem wider and rounder.
Clothes and accessories matter — a lot!
Consider each fashion choice you make — from the curve of a neckline, the colors you wear, the length of your earrings, the design of your glasses, to the style of your scarf — as a strategic ally in sculpting a slender, striking facial appearance.
So, it is time to immerse ourselves in the fascinating realm of fashion, where the right combinations can enhance your look and reflect your unique personality in a captivating way.
Let’s uncover how fashion can be your secret weapon to attain that defined, sculpted look.
How to make face look slimmer: Nail your neckline
V-necks are one of the most flattering necklines when creating the illusion of a slimmer face. They have a built-in vertical line that draws the eye up and down, working like a charm to elongate the neck and streamline your appearance.
Ditto for a scoop neckline. They also have that elongating effect, contributing to the illusion of a slimmer face.
And then there’s the boat neckline — exposing your shoulders and collarbones shifts focus away from your face towards the upper body to create a more proportional look.
The ones to avoid? Round or square necklines might be a no-no if you’re aiming for a slimmer face, as they can emphasize the width of your face.
The secret lies in guiding the eye up and down with vertical lines rather than side to side. So next time you’re shopping or dressing up, remember this little secret and let your neckline do the talking!
Frame it right!
The next time you pick out a pair of glasses or shades, remember they’re not just functional or fashionable —they can also create the illusion of a thinner face.
When selecting frames, a good rule of thumb is to choose a pair slightly wider than the broadest part of your face. This can help create a balanced visual alignment, as the eyes are naturally drawn to the glasses.
On the other hand, narrow frames can make your face appear wider, so opt for a pair that extends a bit past your cheekbones.
Similarly, clear or thin frames are less visually imposing and don’t add extra ‘weight’ to your face.
In the meantime, styles with an upward tilt at the corners, like cat-eye glasses, can elongate your face and provide a slimming effect.
Moreover, frames with a strong, straight browline can help to balance out a wider jawline. If your face is round, try angular frames, which can create contrast and make your face seem slimmer.
Opt for long earrings (and necklaces)
Another way to make face look thinner? Jewelry can significantly influence how long, narrow, round, or boxy your face looks by drawing attention to or away from certain features.
Let’s start with earrings. Long, drop, pointed, or chandelier earrings work like a charm. They play an excellent game of guiding the observer’s gaze up and down, subtly elongating and slimming your face (and body).
However, ditch bulky pieces as they might add width where you don’t want it.
And while we’re at it, give hoops that hang from below your ears a miss. Instead, opt for hoops that go through your ears, as they still provide that circular allure without adding fullness to the face.
Now, let’s talk about necklaces: They’re not just pretty adornments but powerful tools for creating balance and proportion.
Long chains, especially those with pendants or delicate charms, can draw attention downward, adding a sense of balance to a round face. But steer clear of chokers and short necklaces as their bulk makes the face look wider.
How to make face look slimmer: Skincare rules supreme!
What does skincare have to do with making your face look thinner? A lot, according to experts.
Think about it this way: A good skincare routine can help reduce puffiness and bloating, giving a slimmer appearance.
How? When applying your skincare products, why not take a few extra minutes to massage them into your skin? This stimulates blood flow and aids in lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce fluid retention.
The result? A more defined and sculpted facial structure.
But wait, there’s more! Not all heroes wear capes; some come in little tubs! Several face masks have incredible tightening and contouring effects on your skin.
Regular at-home facials with these skin saviors can help reduce puffiness and enhance the contours of your face, giving you that slim, chiseled look. Look for words like “detox,” “depuff,” “tighten,” “lift,” and “lymphatic drainage” when choosing your potion.
My favorite ones to erase puffiness and make the face look slimmer INSTANTLY: Clarins V-Facial Instant Depuffing Face Mask and Chantecaille Bio Lifting Mask+
Watch your diet
Have you ever wondered if the food on your plate could be the secret saboteur to a slim-looking face? The answer is a resounding yes!
Let’s talk about the most sneaky villain first — salty foods.
Have you ever noticed your face looking puffy after a late-night fast food binge or a salty ramen bowl? It’s not your imagination.
When you consume too much sodium, your body retains extra water to balance out the salt in your system. This causes water retention, which often shows up as bloating — and your face is not immune to this!
And then there’s sugar, the sweet enemy. That sugary donut or fizzy drink might taste heavenly, but they’re no angels regarding inflammation. Excess sugar can spark inflammation in your body, which can cause your face to look puffy.
And stay hydrated!
You’ve absorbed all the makeup tips, styled your hair just right, and got those gorgeous dangly earrings, but your face still doesn’t look slim enough?
What could be the missing piece of the puzzle on how to make face look thinner? It’s simpler than you think: Water.
Yes, that’s right! Simple, everyday H2O holds a surprising secret to a slimmer face.
When your body is well-hydrated, it hums along like a well-oiled machine, with your metabolism and lymphatic systems in top form. These play a critical role in managing facial bloating.
So, sipping water throughout the day helps your body flush out toxins easily, potentially reducing bloating for a noticeably slimmer face.
But what happens if you’re not drinking enough water? When dehydrated, the body goes into survival mode, hoarding every drop of water it can get. This can cause your face to swell and appear puffy.
How to make face look thinner: Perfecting your posture
Who knew the key to a slimmer-looking face might be as simple as standing straight?
When you slouch, your neck shortens, and your jawline blurs, making your face look fuller. But when you stand tall and straight, your neck elongates, your jawline is more defined, and your face appears slimmer.
It’s like an instant facelift without any of the fuss!
The same applies when you’re sitting, whether it’s at your desk, in a meeting, or even while you’re driving. So, pull up those shoulders and lift that chin to maintain that sharp, slim face look.
FAQs: How to make face look slimmer
Here are some frequently asked questions on how to make your face appear slimmer without losing weight. Have a question of your own? Drop it in the comments, and we will get back to you with answers ASAP.
How to make face look slimmer without contour?
Several makeup techniques can help your face look slimmer without using contouring. Here are some ideas:
- Eye makeup: Bold eye makeup can shift the focus towards your eyes, distracting from the roundness of the face. Use eye shadows, mascara, and eyeliner to create bold and dramatic eyes.
- Eyebrows: Well-shaped and defined eyebrows create the perfect frame for your face, making it look slimmer.
- Lip color: Using a bold lip color can also draw attention away from the cheeks. Try shades like reds, deep pinks, or plums for maximum impact.
- Blush: Instead of applying blush on the apples of your cheeks, use it slightly higher up on your cheekbones and blend it towards your temples. This can help create the illusion of a longer, slimmer face.
- Hairstyle: Your hairstyle can also affect how thin your face looks. Long, voluminous, or layered hairstyles can make the face appear narrower.
How can I make my rounder face look longer?
There are several ways to make a round face appear longer:
- Hairstyle: Opt for longer, layered hairstyles. A style that adds height to the crown of your head can elongate your face. Avoid hairstyles that are too short or add width to your face.
- Makeup techniques: Contouring can be a helpful technique. Apply a darker shade of makeup along your jawline and temples and a lighter shade in the center of your face. This can create an illusion of a longer face.
- Eyebrows: Shaping your eyebrows in a high, arched shape can help make your face appear longer.
- Accessories: Long, dangling earrings and vertical stripes can draw the eye up and down, making your face appear longer.
- Glasses: If you wear glasses, choose frames slightly wider than the broadest part of your face. This can help elongate your face.
What hairstyle suits a chubby face?
Hairstyles create the illusion of length and minimize the roundness of the face, which tends to suit a chubby face the most. Here are a few suggestions:
- Long layers: Hair that is medium-length to long with layered cuts can help slim the face. The layers can create a framing effect that elongates the face.
- Asymmetrical bob: A bob that is longer on one side can draw the eye downward, creating the illusion of a longer face.
- Volume on top: Hairstyles with volume at the crown can help elongate the shape of your face.
- Side part: A deep side part can create an angle across your face, making it appear less round.
- Bangs: If you like bangs, opt for side-swept or wispy bangs instead of straight-across or blunt bangs, which can emphasize roundness.
- Loose waves or curls: Soft, loose waves or curls can help balance out the roundness of a chubby face, making it appear more lean.
Is a ponytail good for a naturally round face?
Absolutely! Ponytails can be highly flattering for round faces. A high or side-swept ponytail, in particular, can help elongate a round face. Adding volume on top or some loose, face-framing pieces can also balance the roundness.
How can I make my face look slimmer in 24 hours?
While it’s not possible to permanently change your face shape in just 24 hours, there are a few strategies you can employ to create the appearance of a slimmer face temporarily:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess salt and toxins, reducing bloating and puffiness in the face.
- Diet: Avoiding salty and processed foods can reduce water retention and bloating.
- Makeup: Simple makeup techniques, like playing up your eyes or swiping on a blood lipstick, can create the illusion of a slimmer face.
- Posture: Keeping good posture, including the position of your neck, can alter the appearance of your face and neckline.
Does massaging the face reduce fat?
There isn’t any scientific evidence to suggest that massaging your face can directly reduce fat. However, facial massage can definitely help stimulate blood flow, reduce tension in facial muscles, and bust puffiness by promoting lymphatic drainage. This can make your face look fresher and more toned.
How can I change my face to look thinner?
You can make your face appear thinner using makeup techniques, choosing flattering hairstyles, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and wearing appropriate accessories like slimming earrings or glasses.
Which hairstyle makes your face look slimmer?
Hairstyles with volume at the crown, long layers, or those that fall below the chin can play a major role in creating the illusion of a slimmer face. Side-swept bangs and soft waves also complement and elongate facial features.