Face shapes are broadly classified into seven different shapes. It is the shape of the face that determines the most suitable haircut, eyeglasses/sunglasses, and makeup. This makes it important for individuals to identify specific features, which will help highlight and create the perfect ‘desirable’ appearance. Makeup is intended to accentuate features and give a striking look, by highlighting/downplaying the appearance of pronounced features, as required. One of the most standout features of the face are the cheekbones, which contribute to the overall shape of the face and the appeal. Let’s take a good look at the high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison and learn why makeup artistes focus on contouring, on the basis of this difference.
Why is the high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison important?
To answer the question about the high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison, it is necessary to understand high cheekbones fully. The cheekbones are one of the more pronounced features of the skull, and are located beneath the eyes. The position of the cheekbones determines if an individual has high cheekbones – if, for instance, the widest portion of the face is the area beneath the eyes, the individual has high cheekbones. This gives shapes to the cheeks, and the overall appearance, making an individual look classically beautiful, with a sophisticated appearance in addition to increased sex appeal. The malar bones, that are popularly known as cheekbones contribute to the shape and appearance of the face in different ways. For instance, apart from the end to end width, the bones also determine the shadow beneath the bones, which help accentuate appearance.
How to determine if one has high cheekbones or low cheekbones
If the cheekbones are located immediately below the eyes and are more or less parallel to the nose bridge, then the individual has high cheekbones. If the cheekbones are situated lower, and nearer to the ‘wings of the nose’, then the individual has low cheekbones. This is ideally the defining characteristic of high/low cheek bones. However, high cheekbones, will not be a guarantee of good looks all by itself. There are other features that contribute to overall looks. The angle of the cheekbones create shadows, that need to be highlighted or downplayed accordingly. Before we proceed further into the high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison it is important to look at determining the overall face shape.
What are the different types of face shape? How to determine face shape?
The different types of face shape are – Oval, Round, Square, Diamond, Heart, Pear and Oblong. While it is true that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, it is also important to understand that certain characteristics are defining and contribute to appearance. Celebrities who are highly popular and extremely glamorous have been typically profiled and classified as belonging to different face shape types. It is possible to carry any face shape type with confidence and an air of sexuality, with the right poise, and makeup to accentuate and downplay certain features. The high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison is mainly for the purpose of helping individuals identify the most suitable makeup options for improving appearance. To determine face shape, individuals need to follow three steps as given below.
#1 – Widest part of face – The widest part of any individuals face can be the forehead, the cheekbones or the jaw. Depending on which is widest, the basic shape of the face is determined. An individual with a combination of a wide forehead and a tapering jaw will have an oval face shape, and this again depends on the cheekbones. If the cheekbones are lower and narrow, the oval shape is pronounced. Individuals whose cheekbones are the widest part of the face may be categorized as round, oval, oblong, diamond or pear shaped, depending on other features. The symmetry and measurement of cheekbones, in combination with the length of face and other features help determine face shape of individuals. The high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison is important as cheekbones that are the widest part of the face automatically mean that the individuals have high cheekbones. Certain individuals have jawlines that are broad and are almost similar in width to the forehead or the cheekbones. These face shape types are typically classified as square. It is virtually impossible, with the possibility of exceptions for an individual to have his/her jaw as the broadest part of the face. However, jaws can be extremely broad, and this contributes to the shape of the face.
#2 – Jawline – The breadth and shape of the jaw contribute to the classification of the shape of the face. For instance if the jaw is broad, but the face is longer and the cheekbones are accentuated, the shape of the face can be considered as oval. Angular jawlines will give a square shape, regardless of other features – broad forehead, broad cheekbones, or long face. Individuals with a pointed jaw are more likely to be categorized as ‘heart shaped’, and this is regardless of most of the other features. For instance, even if the forehead is broad or the cheekbones are wide, the pointed chin will end up creating a tapering face shape – the ‘heart’ shape.
#3 Length of face – The length of the face also determines the overall shape of the face. For instance, if the length of the face is short, the individual will end up with rounder face. An individual with a longer face will have an oval face shape. These face shapes are determined by the combination of other features. For instance, if the jawline is angular, then the individual will have a square face, even if he or she has a long face. Therefore, it is necessary to look at other features to fully determine the right face shape. In the context of the high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison, the length of the face is also important. An individual with high cheekbones and a longer face, will have to accentuate the shadow beneath the cheekbones to create the appearance of the classic depth.
Why do make up artistes create the high cheekbones appearance?
Most makeup artistes attempt to create the supermodel look – high cheekbones and bronzing. One of the reasons in the high cheekbones vs low cheekbones debate is the symmetrical appearance that is associated with high cheekbones. The appeal associated with high cheekbones is not limited to cultures or geographies. Across most locations, high cheekbones have always been rated as most desirable features. Not only are high cheekbones attractive and sexually appealing, it also gives a younger look to the individual. The effects of aging are always associated with sagging cheeks. High cheekbones are regarded as a symbol of beauty across the whole world. There is another angle to the way individuals perceive appearances, which explains the increased desirability quotient of high cheekbones. Symmetrical shapes are easier to process and remember, which makes it easier for the brain to relate to face shapes that are symmetrical. In other words, individuals are hardwired to easily relate to individuals who have symmetrical face shapes. This in turn makes physical appearance more appealing.
How to get the stunning high cheekbone appearance with the right makeup?
As we round up the high cheekbones vs low cheekbones comparison, it is essential to look at options that can help change the appearance of individuals with low cheekbones. A good combination of the right foundation, contouring/bronzing kit, and highlighters can create a near perfect high cheekbone appearance. The cheekbones need to be identified, and contoured accordingly. A bronzer that is a couple of shades darker than natural skin tone should then be applied, with extra care to be taken to ensure that the bronzing does not cross or cover the full cheekbone. Only the top half of the cheekbone needs to be bronzed, to create the illusion of a high cheekbone. The area above the cheekbones needs to be brightened to create the contrast. This should then be followed up with a subtle blending of the bronzing and highlighting to eliminate any defining lines. Executed properly, this will give the perfect high cheekbones look, making individuals look extremely desirable and appealing.
Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology from Stanford University; Master’s in Health Communication from Boston University. Experience: Over 12 years of experience as a health writer and content strategist, working with healthcare organizations to create patient-centric content.
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