There’s no doubt that a solid contouring kit can help give your face a more defined and sculpted look. However, some professional contour sets and palettes can cost a pretty penny, which may not exactly be doable as holiday shopping season approaches.

The good news: Giving your cheeks a ‘lift’ with makeup at home doesn’t have to involve products that cost a fortune, as the right swaps – plus expert-approved application hacks – can help create the swept cheekbone look you love.

To help you enhance, sculpt and lift your cheeks with makeup, we share the best cheek-lifting secrets that flatter any face.

Use makeup products in pastel tones

Creating a lifted appearance with makeup always begins with the right tone of products, as you’ll want to opt for hues that accentuate and flatter your face. Using products in muddy brown tones, for example, can look garish and dull the complexion down.

With this in mind, we advise selecting pastel, coral, and pink tones that elevate your cheeks and help them pop.

Use skin-care items

Bronzer and highlighter products help any makeup look pop. But if you are trying to cut down on the countless makeup products you use, utilise your skin-care products to help create a sculpted look, as they not only offer a natural finish, but also provide a burst of hydration to your face.

If you want a completely natural, nothing-on-your-face look, use a really good hydrating moisturiser – although a face oil works best. Hydration is always the natural version of a highlighter.

Choose a cool-toned bronzer

When selecting a bronzer, choose one that is available in a cooler tone and matte finish, as it helps create a more sculpted and lifted appearance.

To apply your bronzer correctly, line the bronzer up vertically under the outer corner of the eye, and then run it over the diagonal plane that runs between the corner of your mouth, and the centre of the ear. Once completed, proceed to use a brush to blend until soft. This will make your bronzer look like a shadow on the skin instead of a streak, which helps to define the cheeks, and slims the appearance of the lower face.

Avoid shimmer and powder products

While many contouring palettes are equipped with powder and shimmering shades, steer clear of using these products on certain areas of the face. A danger zone for these formulas includes the area above the cheekbones, as these products only emphasise wrinkles.

Instead, use a brighter shade of liquid concealer which draws light to the cheekbones to help keep the complexion looking soft and smooth.

Contour with foundation

Believe it or not, you can also contour your face with foundation. However, you’ll want to be sure to use the right tone of product, especially since the goal is to highlight and accentuate.

To subtly contour your face with foundation, use a shade that is a shade lighter than your actual skin tone on the areas you are trying to highlight and accentuate.

Look for cream-based makeup products

Much like glossy highlighter, select cream-based blushes, bronzers and highlighters, as they are effective in giving that natural lifted cheekbone effect.

Choose glossy highlighter products

Shimmery highlighters may add a touch of sparkle to your cheeks, but we’ll warn against using powder-based highlighters, as they can accentuate fine lines. Instead, use glossy highlighter products, as they highlight without pronouncing any wrinkles and creases in the process.

A clear, balm texture highlighter applied on the tops of the cheeks draws the eyes up on the face, giving the impression of higher cheeks. It also has the added benefit of not sinking into the skin, and accentuating fine lines the way that a shimmery highlighter can.