Makeup is more than just a tool for looking beautiful; it’s an art form that can transform the way we see ourselves. Certain makeup techniques can do wonders in lifting the face, creating a youthful and vibrant appearance. From subtle contouring to strategic blush application, makeup enthusiasts and artists have discovered various hacks that give the illusion of a lifted face. Presented with the excitement and flair of a Cosmopolitan slideshow, here are 13 quick and easy makeup hacks that can elevate your look according to makeup artists.
1. **Curvy Contour Cut**: The viral ‘curvy contour cut’ hack has taken social media by storm, promising the illusion of perfect cheekbones without invasive procedures. Conceived by beauty influencer Kripa Patel Joshi, this technique involves using concealer under your blush in a curved motion. Instead of the traditional straight line, a curved line creates a more natural lift. After application, gently diffuse the concealer line with a bronzer or blush brush. This hack is said to ‘fake the perfect cheekbone,’ offering a lifted, defined look that can be achieved with practice and the right tools.
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2. **Strategic Blush Placement**: The placement of blush can dramatically change the appearance of your face. For a lifting effect, apply blush higher on the cheekbones and blend it upwards towards the temples. This technique works well for round faces, providing an added lift and a more chiseled look. By choosing the right blush shade and blending it correctly, you can create an illusion of higher cheekbones and a slimmer face.
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3. **Snatched Jawline with Contour**: Achieving a defined jawline doesn’t require expensive treatments. Contouring can work wonders by creating shadows that sculpt the face. Apply a dark contour shade along your jawline and blend seamlessly. This technique helps to create a snatched jawline, giving the face a more structured appearance. Pair it with a highlighter on the chin to accentuate the lift further.
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4. **Illuminating Highlight**: Adding a highlighter to the high points of your face can enhance the lifting effect. Apply it to the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose for an ethereal glow that catches light beautifully. Opt for a product with a subtle sheen rather than heavy sparkle to maintain a natural look. The highlighter draws attention to the lifted areas, helping to create an overall youthful appearance.
Each hack is simple yet effective, allowing you to play with different makeup techniques and find the ones that work best for your face shape. With a little practice and experimentation, these hacks can become a staple in your beauty routine, helping you achieve a lifted, fresh-faced look anytime you desire.
5. **Lifted Eyes with Liner Magic**: Welcome to the world of eyeliner wizardry, where a mere flick of the wrist can change the architecture of your face. To elevate and open up your eyes—giving them an alluring, lifted appearance—use a well-sharpened eyeliner pencil or liquid liner to create a cat-eye effect. The trick lies in the upward stroke at the outer corners of your eyes. By extending the line slightly upwards, you create a subtle wing that mimics the lift of an eye lift, minus the surgery.
Pair this technique with a touch of highlighter at the inner corners of your eyes to brighten and open them up even more. This combination not only lifts but also makes the eyes appear larger and more awake. The result is an effortlessly glamorous look that can transition seamlessly from day to night.
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6. **Luscious Lips with a Defined Lip Line**: Who knew that the perfect pout could play a role in lifting your face? By defining your lip line with a slightly darker lip liner and filling in with your favorite lipstick shade, you can enhance not just your lips, but your entire facial structure. Start by outlining just outside your natural lip line using a liner that complements your lipstick. This will give the illusion of fuller, more youthful lips, lifting the lower part of your face.
A touch of gloss in the center of your bottom lip can add a plump effect, reflecting light for a lifted and luscious look. This technique works wonders for achieving that coveted voluminous lip effect, which in turn, accentuates the overall symmetry and balance of your face.
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7. **Brow Lift with Precision Shaping**: Your eyebrows have a silent yet powerful influence on your facial features. A well-groomed brow can transform and lift your face to new heights. The key is to shape your brows with precision, focusing on a slight arch that draws attention upwards. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas, starting from the inner brow and working your way out. The finishing touch? A highlighter just beneath the brow arch to further elevate and enhance the lift.
This technique not only frames your face but also creates an illusion of lifted eyes, contributing to an overall youthful appearance. Whether natural or bold, perfectly shaped brows can make a significant difference in how lifted and lively your face appears.
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8. **Sculpted Cheeks with Dual-Toned Blush**: Double the hues, double the lift. By using two different shades of blush, you can achieve a multidimensional lift that accentuates your cheekbones. Apply a lighter shade directly on your cheekbones and a slightly darker shade just beneath. This creates a gradient effect that not only adds color but also sculpts and lifts.
Blending is crucial, so use a fluffy brush to ensure a seamless transition between the two shades. This technique is particularly effective for those with naturally round faces, offering a fresh, lifted look that’s both modern and vibrant.
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9. **Youthful Glow with Dewy Skincare Prep**: The journey to a lifted look begins with a perfectly prepped canvas. Start by using hydrating products that give your skin a dewy, fresh finish. Think of serums and moisturizers packed with hyaluronic acid that plump up the skin and provide a luminous base for your makeup.
This dewy prep not only enhances the lift by making the skin appear firmer but also keeps your makeup looking fresh throughout the day. The result is a radiant, youthful glow that complements and elevates the lifting effects of your makeup.
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10. **Defined Nasal Contour for Balance**: A well-defined nose can bring balance and symmetry to your lifted look. Lightly contour the sides of your nose with a matte bronzer or contour powder, focusing on the bridge and tip. This technique subtly reshapes the nose, drawing the eyes upwards and contributing to the overall harmony of your facial features.
Pair this contouring with a touch of highlighter on the bridge of the nose to add dimension and enhance the lift. It’s a quick, simple step that can make a noticeable difference in achieving a more lifted appearance.
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11. **Smoky Lids for Depth and Dimension**: Embrace the allure of smoky eyes to bring depth and drama to your makeup look, enhancing your face-lifting efforts. Using a blend of dark eyeshadows, create a smoky effect that pulls upwards at the outer corners. This not only adds intensity but also contributes to the illusion of lifted, elongated eyes.
The smoky eye technique can be tailored from subtle to bold, making it versatile for any occasion. It’s a classic trick with a modern twist, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and edge to your lifted look.
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12. **Radiant Skin with Strategic Highlighting**: To further enhance the lifting effect, strategic highlighting can add a touch of radiance to your skin. Apply a highlighter on the highest points of your face—the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and Cupid’s bow—to catch the light and create an ethereal glow.
Opt for a formula with a soft sheen rather than heavy glitter to maintain a natural appearance. This not only highlights the lifted areas but also brings a fresh, youthful luminosity to your complexion.
13. **Framing Your Face with Perfect Hair Highlights**: Sometimes, the lift you need isn’t achieved through makeup alone. Subtle hair highlights, especially around the face, can illuminate your features and draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones. These highlights create a frame for your face, enhancing the effects of your makeup.
Whether you opt for a few sun-kissed streaks or a bolder balayage, hair highlights can add a touch of warmth and dimension, complementing your facial features and contributing to the overall lifted appearance.
As you embark on your face-lifting makeup journey, remember that each technique can be tailored to suit your unique features and preferences. The joy of makeup lies in its versatility, allowing you to experiment and express yourself. With these expert-backed hacks, you can add a playful lift to your daily routine, embracing your beauty with confidence and flair.
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