A round face shape is characterized by softer contours, fuller cheeks, and a more symmetrical, circular appearance. The key to makeup for round faces is creating the illusion of elongation and definition while enhancing the natural features. Here are 10 makeup tips specifically designed to help women with round faces achieve a more sculpted, flattering look.
1. Contour to Define Your Cheekbones
Contouring is a game-changer for round faces. By using a matte bronzer or contour powder, you can create the appearance of higher, more defined cheekbones. Apply the contour product in a diagonal line from your ears toward the corners of your mouth, focusing on the area just below your cheekbones. This helps to add depth and give your face a more chiseled look.
2. Highlight Strategically
Highlighting works in tandem with contouring to accentuate the high points of your face. For a round face, apply highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the center of your forehead. Avoid applying too much to the cheeks, as it can emphasize roundness. The key is to bring light to the areas you want to stand out without adding extra width.
3. Choose the Right Blush Placement
Blush can either enhance or soften the roundness of your face, depending on how it’s applied. For a more sculpted look, avoid applying blush directly on the apples of your cheeks, which can make your face appear rounder. Instead, sweep the blush slightly higher along the cheekbones, blending it toward your temples. This helps to elongate the face and give it more definition.
4. Use a Long-Wearing Foundation
Round faces tend to have fuller cheeks, which may lead to makeup fading faster in those areas. Opt for a long-wearing, lightweight foundation that won’t shift or settle into the skin over time. This ensures that your makeup stays intact throughout the day without needing constant touch-ups.
5. Opt for Bold Brows
Full, structured brows can create the illusion of a longer face. For round faces, it’s best to go for a more arched shape, as this adds length and definition to your overall look. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and create a clean, lifted brow shape. Avoid overly rounded brows, as they can enhance the roundness of your face.
6. Go for Angular Eyeshadow Techniques
The way you apply your eyeshadow can also help create a more angular, defined appearance. Focus on blending darker shades into the outer corners of your eyes to create depth and lift. Cat-eye shapes or winged eyeshadow techniques work particularly well for round faces, as they draw attention upward and elongate the eyes.
7. Winged Eyeliner for a Lifted Effect
Winged eyeliner is a classic trick to elongate the eyes and create a more angular look. For round faces, start with a thin line on the inner corner of your eye and gradually thicken it toward the outer corner, extending the wing slightly upward. This gives your eyes a lifted, almond shape, balancing the softness of your face.
8. Define the Lips with Sharp Lines
Lip definition is essential when balancing a round face. Instead of a soft, rounded lip shape, try outlining your lips with a lip liner to create more angular and defined edges. This can help balance out the roundness of your face and bring attention to your lips in a sophisticated way.
9. Play with Gradient Lip Colors
A gradient lip can also work wonders for round faces by adding depth and focus to the center of your lips. Start by applying a darker lipstick shade around the outer edges of your lips and gradually blend it inward, leaving the center lighter. This technique draws attention to the center of your face and creates a more three-dimensional, sculpted look.
10. Avoid Overly Shimmery Products
While shimmer can add glow to the skin, using too much on a round face can emphasize fullness. Stick to matte or satin-finish products for areas you want to define, such as the cheeks and forehead. If you do want to add some shimmer, keep it to small areas like the tops of the cheekbones and inner corners of the eyes to avoid drawing attention to the roundness.
