How to get higher cheekbones?

by Anita
(Maryland)

How Can I get higher cheekbones?

My face shape is naturally slim and long. A feature I loved when I was younger, but now that I’m over 40, my face looks thinner and a bit haggard, even though I’m heavier now than when I was in my 20s and 30s.

I’ve tried several makeup techniques using shading and contouring to get the look of fuller or more chiseled cheekbones, but I always feel like people can see the ton of makeup caking up on my skin.

Any ideas? I thought about getting fillers but am deathly afraid of needles.

Someone suggested cheek implants, but I’d rather explore all my options before restoring to plastic surgery.

Thanks,
Anita

Editor’s Note - Hi Anita,

You can’t actually change the shape or position of your cheekbones with facial exercise. But facial muscle toning may help strengthen the muscles around the cheeks, which can make the cheek area look a little fuller and more lifted.

Since you already have a naturally long, slim face, I would be careful about trying to make it look even more chiseled. After 40, losing fullness through the midface can sometimes make a slim face look thinner or more tired, so your goal may be less about creating sharper cheekbones and more about lifting the cheeks and bringing back a little natural fullness.

If you’re wondering how to tone your cheeks, I’d focus on exercises that work the cheek muscles rather than relying on heavy contouring. Facial exercises won’t change your bone structure or replace fillers, but with consistent practice they may help improve muscle tone and support a fuller-looking cheek area.

I’d give the exercises several weeks and take before-and-after photos so you can judge the changes for yourself.

For the cheek exercises I use to help tone and lift the cheeks and create a fuller look, see
Facial Exercises for Fuller Cheeks.