When people talk about “good bone structure” in the face, they’re often referring to cheekbones, which is your real facial structure beneath the skin. They’re mostly composed of our malar bones, which can sit lower or higher depending on the person.
If the malar bones are close up to the eyes, you’re considered to have high cheekbones. If they sit lower towards the tip of your nose, then you most likely have lower cheekbones. Neither is better than the other – genetics and ethnic background have a lot to do with malar bone placement as well as the entire bone structure on your face. Some cultures value higher cheekbones over lower ones, even though both are equally beautiful.
High Cheekbones vs. Low cheekbones
How to find your cheekbones
If you’re not sure whether you have low or high cheekbones, just use a mirror in a place with good lighting. Place thumbs on the tragus, or that bit of cartilage poking out over the ear canal. Now, put your index fingers at your nostrils, drawing them together until the two merge. When you lightly press, you should feel where your malar bones are. Using the mirror, distinguish if your cheekbone is under the eyes – this means they’re considered high.
What do low cheekbones look like, you might ask? If your malar bones are closer to the bottom of your nose, then you are considered to have low cheekbones.
Generally, those with high cheekbones versus low also find that the widest part of their face sits approximately below the eyes, which can cause a slight dip under the bone.
Scientifically speaking, “high cheekbones” refers specifically to a more prominent zygomatic bone, which is seen as superior by some folks. Low cheekbones aren’t especially prominent and sit as a more “inferior position,” which people coincidentally consider to be inferior aesthetically. It’s all subjective, and we don’t think there’s anything wrong with either.
Why are people obsessed with high cheekbones?
Cheekbones that sit high can also indicate a more symmetrical face, which is why high cheekbones are considered attractive in many societies. Apparently, symmetrical faces are easier to process mentally.
In Asian society, high cheekbones mean that the individual possesses greater determination, courage, and power. On the opposite end of the spectrum, people with low cheekbones are often considered to be more isolated and independent.
Even though high cheekbones are considered beautiful, it doesn’t mean that low cheekbones are unattractive. There are plenty of models with low cheekbones. Additionally, many stars that are considered striking are celebrities with low cheekbones. Take Rachel Bilson and Taylor Swift, for instance – these low-cheekbone having celebs are considered two of the prettiest women in the world. Another celebrity with low-cheekbones is Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is regarded as a one-of-a-kind beauty by many.
How to look like you have high cheekbones
Even though good looks are subjective, many people with low cheekbones try to simulate the illusion of high cheekbones and figure out how to accentuate the structure. To look like Angelina Jolie or Katherine Hepburn, you can simply contour, which adjusts the position of your cheekbone. Consider this technique before enhancing via dermal fillers or cheek implants.
Use makeup
After you use our previously mentioned method to find your cheekbones, suck in those hollows like a fish to locate them more easily. Start to contour and remember that to keep it more natural, don’t go past the outer tip of the eyebrow. Dab a bit of bronzer below the hairline, smoothly swiping down to create a line with the top part of your cheekbone. Then, apply a highlighter with a fine brush above the malar bones. Make sure your highlighter and contour powder match. Other shimmery cosmetics might work as well. Don’t be afraid to watch some YouTube tutorials.
Stop dieting
People with low cheekbones don’t have the luxury of keeping their malar bones razor-sharp as the years go on and that young, plump look Remember that if you have naturally low cheekbones, losing weight will only enhance them and may even add a droopy look. As women get older, they lose the fat in their face. Collagen supplements, as well as a healthy (and hearty) diet, might help you hold onto that full and youthful look.
Artificial cheek enhancements
You can go down the route of fillers and implants or other artificial enhancements. Still, this decision may alter the appearance of your face forever, and there’s nothing temporary about these procedures.
Sure, low cheekbones might have a bad reputation. But they make you unique in a land of generic, overly photogenic faces, and are nothing to be ashamed of. It might be human nature to see high cheekbones as a signifier of confidence, but you know what’s better? Real and unadulterated confidence, regardless of what you look like. Be confident and rock your low cheekbones or high cheekbones with swag – it will make people envious either way.