How to Highlight Hidden Cheekbones

Apply makeup in a room with a lot of bright light to help you see more detail in your face.

When applying makeup, many women use blush, or rouge, to create the appearance of rosy cheeks. When applied correctly, blush can bring out your cheekbones and make them more striking. If applied incorrectly, however, too much blush can give your face an unnatural look. By identifying the exact location of your cheekbones and applying makeup to the area cautiously, you can highlight hidden cheekbones and for a look that is eye-catching --- in a good way.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Powder or liquid blush
• Blush brush
• Beige-colored blush
• Facial tissue

Instructions

1. Identify where your cheekbones are. Stand in front of a mirror and make a wide smile. The height of the cheekbone is the area on each side of the face that sticks out the most when smiling.

2. Choose a shade of blush that is soft and close to your skin tone. Remember that you want to bring out the cheekbones subtly to emphasize them, not make them the focal point of your entire face. Lighter shades are more suitable for daytime, while darker colors can be used for nighttime.

3. Dab a blush brush into the powder blush you've chosen. Blow excess blush off of the brush or dab it in the blush container to avoid applying too much to your face. If using a liquid blush or cream, squirt a small amount onto the tip of your index and middle fingers.

4. Lightly apply the powder blush to the area over your cheekbones in a light, back-and-forth sweeping motion. Stop brushing on color at the top curve of your cheekbones, which is usually 1 to 2 inches below your eyes. For liquid blushes, place a few light dabs over the top of the cheekbones and gently rub the blush in small circular motions with your fingertips, slowly moving the color outward. Avoid applying the blush anywhere near your hairline.

5. Apply a light beige-colored blush under each cheekbone. Use a powder blush or liquid blush and apply it under your cheekbones as directed in Step 4. Applying the beige blush to your face in addition to the color applied in previous steps will help "lift up" your cheekbones and bring more attention to them.

6. Remove some of the blush from your cheeks with a facial tissue. Dab lightly at any area where you feel you've applied too much blush. If need be, lightly cover the area that has too much blush with some translucent matte powder.

References

• Become Gorgeous:Bring Out Those Cheekbones
• Become Gorgeoous; "Blush Basics & Tips to Makeover Your Cheekbones;" Kate; June 7, 2011
• Perfect Wedding Guide: How brides can get defined cheekbones for their special day