High cheekbones are a desirable facial feature for many people, as they can create a more defined and sculpted appearance. But how can you tell if you have high cheekbones? There are a few key indicators to look for.
Photo by Ralph Rabago: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-standing-on-road-3290889/
One way to determine if you have high cheekbones is to feel for the highest point of your cheekbones. This can be done by placing your fingers at the top of your cheekbones and tracing them up towards your temples. If the highest point of your cheekbones is located close to your eyes or nose, you likely have high cheekbones. Another indicator is if your face is widest at the cheekbones, creating a diamond-shaped face. Makeup artists often use contouring to further emphasize this feature.
Understanding Cheekbones
Cheekbones are the prominent bones that form the structure of the cheeks. They are also known as malar bones or zygomatic bones. Cheekbones play an important role in defining the facial structure and are often considered an attractive feature.
The shape and size of cheekbones can vary from person to person. Some people have high cheekbones, while others have low cheekbones. High cheekbones are located just below the eyes or in line with the bridge of the nose. On the other hand, low cheekbones are located in line with the nostrils.
To determine whether you have high or low cheekbones, you can perform a simple test. Place your fingers on the sides of your face, just below your eyes. If you feel a prominent bone that extends towards your ears, you have high cheekbones. If you do not feel any prominent bone, you have low cheekbones.
In addition to defining the facial structure, cheekbones also play a role in supporting the muscles of the face. They provide a base for the muscles that control facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, and squinting.
Identifying High Cheekbones
If you’re curious about whether you have high cheekbones or not, there are several ways to find out. Here are some methods for identifying high cheekbones:
Using a Mirror
One of the easiest ways to identify high cheekbones is to use a mirror. Stand in front of a mirror and look at your face straight on. If the widest part of your cheekbones is located just below your eyes or in line with the bridge of your nose, you likely have high cheekbones. If the widest part of your cheekbones is located towards the bottom of your nose, you likely have low cheekbones.
The Nostril Test
Another way to determine if you have high cheekbones is to perform the nostril test. Take your index finger and place it at the bottom of your nostril. Then, take your thumb and place it on the top of your cheekbone, just below your eye. If your cheekbone is located directly under your finger, you have high cheekbones.
The Tragus Test
The tragus test is another method for identifying high cheekbones. Take your index finger and place it on the nub over your ear, called the tragus. Then, take your thumb and place it at the bottom of your nostril. The line created between your fingers marks where your cheekbone is located. If the line is in line with your nose’s upper area or close to your eye, you have high cheekbones.
At-Home Test
Lastly, you can try the at-home test to identify high cheekbones. Take a pen or pencil and place it horizontally in your mouth, biting down gently. The pencil should be resting between your teeth, with the eraser end facing outwards. Then, smile as wide as you can. If the pencil moves upwards, towards your eyes, you have high cheekbones.
The Role of Genetics and Ethnicity
The appearance of one’s cheekbones is largely determined by genetics and ethnic background. Cheekbones are formed by the zygomatic bones and the surrounding soft tissues. The height, width, and prominence of the cheekbones vary from person to person, and these differences are influenced by genetics.
Research has shown that certain genes are associated with the development of facial features, including cheekbones. For example, a study published in the journal PLOS Genetics found that variations in the PAX3 gene are linked to differences in cheekbone prominence.
Ethnicity also plays a role in determining the appearance of one’s cheekbones. Different ethnic groups tend to have distinct facial features, including differences in the height and width of the cheekbones. For example, people of African descent tend to have wider cheekbones, while people of Asian descent often have narrower cheekbones.
However, it is important to note that ethnicity is not a definitive determinant of one’s facial features. There is a great deal of variation within ethnic groups, and individuals can have features that are not typical of their ethnic background. Additionally, people of mixed ethnic backgrounds may have facial features that are a combination of their different ancestral groups.
In summary, genetics and ethnic background are important factors in determining the appearance of one’s cheekbones. While certain genes and ethnic groups may be associated with specific facial features, there is a great deal of variation within and between populations.
Significance of High Cheekbones
High cheekbones are considered a desirable trait in many cultures and are often associated with attractiveness and beauty. People with high cheekbones are perceived as more attractive, youthful, and healthy-looking than those with low cheekbones.
In fact, high cheekbones have been a beauty standard for centuries, with many famous models and actors known for their prominent cheekbones. This is because high cheekbones create a more defined and structured facial appearance, which is often associated with beauty and elegance.
Moreover, high cheekbones are believed to be a sign of good genetics and health. As people age, their cheekbones tend to lose volume and sink, making them less prominent. Therefore, having high cheekbones is often associated with youthfulness and vitality.
High Cheekbones in Men
High cheekbones are a desirable facial feature in both men and women. Prominent cheekbones are often associated with beauty and attractiveness. The location and shape of the cheekbones can greatly affect the overall appearance of a person’s face.
In men, high cheekbones are often associated with masculinity and a strong jawline. High cheekbones can create a chiseled and angular look, which is often considered attractive. Men with high cheekbones may have a more defined and structured facial appearance.
The location of the cheekbones can also affect the appearance of the face. High cheekbones are located higher on the face, just below the eyes. This can create a more defined and angular appearance. Low cheekbones are located closer to the nose and can create a softer, more rounded appearance.
Influence of Weight and Aging
Weight and aging can both have an impact on the appearance of cheekbones. As a person gains weight, the fat in their face can accumulate around the cheeks, making their cheekbones appear less prominent. On the other hand, as a person ages, they may experience a loss of volume in their face, including around the cheeks, which can make their cheekbones appear more prominent.
Gravity also plays a role in the appearance of cheekbones. Over time, gravity can cause the skin and soft tissue around the cheeks to sag, which can make the cheekbones appear less prominent.
Sunken or flat cheekbones can also be a result of aging. As a person ages, the bones in their face can lose density, which can cause the cheeks to become sunken or flat. This can make the cheekbones appear less prominent, even if they were high in the person’s youth.
It’s important to note that while weight and aging can impact the appearance of cheekbones, genetics also play a significant role. Some people are born with naturally high cheekbones, while others may have more subtle cheekbones.
Overall, it’s important to remember that the appearance of cheekbones can vary greatly from person to person and can be influenced by a variety of factors.
Cheekbone Enhancements
If you want to enhance your cheekbones, there are several options available. Here are some of the most common methods:
Makeup Products
Makeup can be a great way to enhance your cheekbones. Highlighter and bronzer are two popular products that can help you achieve a more defined look.
Highlighter is a product that is applied to the high points of the face, including the cheekbones, to create a bright and luminous effect. It can be applied with a brush or your fingers. There are many different types of highlighter available, including powder, cream, and liquid formulas.
Bronzer is a product that is applied to the hollows of the cheeks to create a shadow effect, which can make the cheekbones appear more prominent. It can also be used to contour other areas of the face, such as the jawline and forehead. Like highlighter, there are many different types of bronzer available, including powder, cream, and liquid formulas.
Facial Exercises
Facial exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in your face, which can make your cheekbones appear more prominent. Some popular exercises include:
- The fish face: Suck in your cheeks and lips to create a fish face. Hold for five seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- The smile exercise: Smile as wide as you can and hold for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times.
- The cheek lift: Smile and place your fingers on the apples of your cheeks. Lift your cheeks up towards your eyes and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times.
Medical Procedures
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, there are several medical procedures that can help to enhance your cheekbones. These include:
- Cheek implants: Cheek implants are small, solid devices that are surgically placed in the cheeks to create a more defined look.
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, can be injected into the cheeks to add volume and create a more lifted look.
- Buccal fat removal: Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the cheeks, which can make the cheekbones appear more prominent.
It is important to note that all medical procedures come with risks and potential complications. It is important to discuss your options with a qualified medical professional before making any decisions.
Mewing
Mewing is a technique that involves the proper positioning of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. It was developed by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, and has gained popularity as a natural method to improve facial structure, particularly the jawline and cheekbones. The basic premise of mewing is to maintain a proper tongue posture, which in turn can influence the shape and alignment of the face and jaw over time.
To practice mewing, one needs to place the entire tongue (including the back part) against the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth. The lips should be closed, and the teeth should either be in light contact or slightly apart. This posture should ideally be maintained throughout the day and even during sleep.
How Can Mewing Help Raise Cheekbones?
- Facial Muscle Engagement: Mewing engages various facial muscles that are often underutilized. By keeping the tongue pressed against the roof of the mouth, you activate muscles around the cheek area, which can contribute to a more defined appearance over time.
- Bone Remodeling: The human face continues to change throughout adulthood due to bone remodeling. The constant pressure exerted by the tongue can influence the maxilla (upper jaw bone) and, by extension, the cheekbones. This can result in a subtle lifting and defining of the cheekbones.
- Improved Posture: Mewing also encourages better head and neck posture. When the head is aligned properly over the spine, it can enhance the appearance of the cheekbones by allowing the facial muscles to sit in a more natural position.
- Facial Symmetry: Consistent mewing can help in achieving better facial symmetry, which includes a more balanced look for your cheekbones. Symmetry is often considered a hallmark of beauty.
- Soft Tissue Changes: Over time, the soft tissues of the face adapt to the new bone structure, which can result in a more lifted and youthful appearance, including more prominent cheekbones.
Understanding Face Shape and Symmetry
The shape of a person’s face can greatly affect how their cheekbones look. Understanding face shape and symmetry is key to determining whether someone has high or low cheekbones.
Face shape refers to the overall shape of someone’s face, which can be round, square, heart-shaped, or oval. Symmetry refers to how evenly balanced the features on someone’s face are. A symmetrical face is one where the left and right sides are nearly identical, while an asymmetrical face has differences between the two sides.
When it comes to cheekbones, people with symmetrical faces tend to have more defined cheekbones, while those with asymmetrical faces may have less prominent cheekbones. However, this is not always the case, and there are many factors that can affect how someone’s cheekbones look.
One way to determine if someone has high cheekbones is to look at the ogee curve, which is the curve that runs from the temple to the chin. If the curve is more pronounced, it can indicate high cheekbones. On the other hand, if the curve is less pronounced, it can indicate low cheekbones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining whether one has high cheekbones or low cheekbones is a simple process that involves feeling for the cheekbones and observing their placement on the face. By placing the thumb on top of the ear and the pointer finger alongside the nostril, one can feel the hard bone that is the cheekbone.
If the cheekbone is located right below the eye or at the upper part of the nose, it indicates high cheekbones. On the other hand, if the cheekbone is located towards the bottom of the nose, it indicates low cheekbones. It is important to note that the position of the cheekbones on a face affects the symmetry of the face, with high cheekbones being associated with more symmetrical faces that are visually appealing.
