We’ve all had those days when you catch your reflection and think, “Where did my cheekbones go?” Or maybe you’re scrolling through social and start wondering if you’re just born with a baby face forever. 

Good news: you don’t need crazy contour skills or to book a facial plastic surgery consult to get those angles popping. With a couple of sneaky tricks and a light touch, you can add shape, glow, and definition for photos or just feel a bit more fabulous on Monday morning.

Start With the Canvas—Your Skin Prep Matters

This is probably the most underrated step. If your skin’s dry or patchy, no amount of fancy contour will blend right. Give your face a good cleanse, and go in with your favorite moisturizer or a hydrating primer if you’re feeling fancy. That bit of slip helps everything glide and means highlighter and bronzer won’t look muddy or sit on top of your skin.

Bronzer, Highlighter, and the Cheekbone Cheat Sheet

You don’t need a suitcase of powders—just a decent bronzer, a highlighter, and a blush you actually like. For cheekbones, suck your cheeks in (think “fish face”), and with a fluffy brush, sweep a little bronzer in the hollows under your bones, up toward your ears. Next, dab blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending upward—not just in a circle. That simple angle trick instantly gives the illusion of lift.

Highlighter is the secret weapon. Tap it right on top of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and just a bit above the brow bone and on your cupid’s bow. You want sheen, not shine—like good lighting that follows you around.

Don’t Forget the Jaw and Brows

Bone structure isn’t just about cheekbones. Lightly trace bronzer under your jaw, blending well, to create the illusion of a sharper jawline. Clean up the edge under your brow with a bit of highlighter or a skin-toned pencil—it opens up your whole look and makes your brow bone pop.

And here’s a tip from every YouTube artist: take a step back from the mirror often. It’s easy to get up close and blend one side more than the other.

Lifting Tricks Even Without Makeup

Contours are great, but don’t underestimate the power of a good hairstyle. Tucking hair behind your ears, choosing soft layers around the jaw, or even pulling hair into a gentle pony can bring attention to your bone structure. Also, posture is magic—scoot those shoulders back and lift your chin a little, and your angles will show up—even in sweatpants.

If you’re hunting for long-term contour (or feel like your bone structure just isn’t there), Cleveland Clinic breaks down options from non-surgical lifts to facial plastic surgery for those who want lasting change.

The bottom line? You don’t need a new face or a full glam squad—just a few deft moves and a smile. Your bones are already there; sometimes, they just need a little spotlight.