3 Face Slimming Makeup Techniques That Don’t Involve Contouring

If you’ve ever searched how to make your face look slimmer, you’ve likely run into lots of articles touting the power of a good contour. And while we can attest to its ability to make almost anyone look like their cheekbones are made from chiseled marble — it’s not always the easiest skill to master or the best way to achieve the look you’re going for. Whether you want some non-contour alternatives or want to achieve the slimmest look possible, keep reading for our best tips to achieve a slimmer face, ahead:

TIP 1: Blush is Your Best Friend
Apply blush a bit higher on the cheek than usual to elongate the cheekbones and draw attention upward. Rather than keeping the blush on the apples of the cheeks and blending out toward the ear, try placing it a quarter-inch higher than the apple and extending it at an angle, toward the temple. This technique is also known as draping and is an effective way to create the appearance of a slimmer face.

Apply a tiny amount to the temples, nose and forehead next to create dimension and mask any puffy or swollen areas. We recommend Lancôme Le Teint Macaron for this — a whipped cream blush that can be applied using your fingers or a blending sponge for a natural, radiant finish.

TIP 2: Eyeliner Can Be a Transformative Makeup Technique
How one’s eyeliner is applied can also give the illusion of having a slimmer face. When eyeliner is angled higher than usual, it will pull the attention upward, creating a slender look. To achieve this, do not follow the natural shape of the eye. The line should extend from the highest point of the eye shape (right above the iris) toward the ear, creating a flat-looking line that runs parallel to the face instead of downward. Feel free to extend this line further into a more winged shape for a bolder look! Our current fave is definitely NYX Professional Makeup Matte Liquid Liner — an affordable option that delivers every time.

TIP 3: When in Doubt, Glow On
We can all appreciate the art of well-placed highlighter. Opt for a high-shine version of your typical makeup look and place a little illuminator along the top of your cheekbone, extending toward the temple. Make sure to also place highlighter on the top of the bridge and tip of your nose, and center of the chin. This will give the illusion of a longer face, thus creating an instant “de-puffing” effect. Just make sure to not to apply to the temples, as this will make your face look wider. This trick works well with liquid formulas like L’Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Glow Illuminator, a luminous highlighter that can be used to make certain areas pop or create a glow all over.