Beauty and high cheekbones often go hand in hand. For many women, the allure of a sculpted cheek is irresistible. This look's popularity is undeniable. Perhaps this is why high cheekbones are synonymous with the traditional idea of glamour.
Beauty Ideals
True beauty knows no boundaries and has no definitions. Indeed, what looks perfect on one woman may look unbecoming on another. For that reason, it's helpful not to allow rules to dictate one's own idea of personal beauty. This can be difficult in the face of idealistic views thrust upon women of all ages by the media. By now, we all recognize that certain characteristics fit the mold of the "ideal" beauty:
- Full lips
- Wide eyes
- High cheekbones
Though none of these are requisites to being beautiful, they are certainly revered by many. In fact, plenty of individuals go to great lengths to achieve these traits. Whether natural or procured through plastic surgery or the magic of makeup, anyone can enjoy fuller lips, more noticeable eyes or higher cheekbones.
Despite the fact that none of these are necessities, they can breathe new life to anyone's look. At the very least, they provide fodder for cosmetic experimentation - and that's something any beauty aficionado can always support!
About High Cheekbones
High cheekbones may call to mind a very specific image, namely the chiseled features made so famous by such talents as Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. It's little wonder that the high cheekbone is such a coveted facial trait. In fact, beauty and high cheekbones seem to go hand in hand. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing to the eye, they also present a more youthful appearance, according to researchers.
In the June 2008 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' medical journal, an article titled "The Youthful Cheek and the Deep Medial Fat Compartment" theorizes that a voluminous cheek area restores a youthful appearance. Surgeons accomplish this by creating a compartment of deep fat in the cheek, thereby rejuvenating the area, adding curves and even reducing fine lines. This can be done with fat injections, tissue fillers or implants.
Not everyone wants to go the surgical route, though. Fortunately, it's easy enough to emulate the appearance of high cheekbones without going under the knife. All you need is a little skill and the right tools.
Beauty and High Cheekbones: Get the Look You Want
Maybe you weren't born with Michelle Pfeiffer's fabulous cheekbones. No matter! This look can be accomplished right in the comfort of your own home. Get started by gathering these necessary items:
- Liquid highlighter
- Light pink blush
- Bronzer or taupe blush
- Blush brush
- Powder brush
After you've applied your foundation, blend a small amount of liquid highlighter to your cheeks. This sets the stage by adding a hint of sheen and a luminous glow. This illumination will also help "lift" the area. Next, pick up some light pink blush with your blush brush and dust it on the apples of your cheeks. The key is to hit your cheeks high up, almost right beneath your bottom lashes. The area will instantly look brighter and more prominent.
You're not done yet, though. The next step involves contouring the hollows of your cheek with the bronzer or taupe blush. In order to hit the best spot, suck your cheeks in and dust your blush into those hollowed out areas. The contouring area should not extend above the apples of your cheeks. Finally, it's important to finish the job properly. Use a large duster, such as a powder brush, to blend the colors thoroughly. You don't want to end up with the dreaded stripes, nor do you want it to look unnatural. Blend so that all of the colors work harmoniously.
