High vs. Low Cheekbones: How to Identify, Get AI Tutorials for Beauty

High cheekbones sit just below the eyes, roughly in line with the outer corners, and usually create a visible hollow underneath. Low cheekbones sit closer to the level of the nostrils, which gives the mid-face a fuller, softer look with less shadow. The quickest check is to smile and feel for the most prominent point of the bone: if it sits right under the outer corner of your eye, yours are high. If you would rather not guess, upload a selfie to our free AI Face Analyzer to map your face shape and features in seconds.

Key Takeaway:

• What's the Big Deal About Cheekbones?
• High vs. Low: How to Spot the Difference
• The Science Behind Your Stunning Cheekbones
• Beauty & Makeup Tips for Every Cheekbone Type
• Unlock Your Facial Secrets with AI & AR Beauty Tech
• FAQ

What's the Big Deal About Cheekbones?

Cheekbones, or zygomatic arches, aren't just bones; they're the silent architects of your face's contour. They define your face shape, add structure, and contribute significantly to how youthful or mature you appear. Think about it: a defined set of cheekbones can create shadows and highlights that sculpt your entire face, giving it depth and character. They're a focal point that draws attention, making them a major player in beauty ideals across cultures. Knowing where your cheekbones sit isn't about fitting a mold; it's about understanding your unique facial harmony!

High vs. Low: How to Spot the Difference

There are two quick checks you can do at home:

1. The Mirror Test: Stand in front of a mirror, look straight ahead. If your cheekbones are prominent right below your eyes, closer to the center of your face, you likely have high cheekbones. If they start closer to your nose and extend outwards, or are more pronounced near the lower part of your face, they tend to be lower.
2. The Finger Test: Place your index finger just below the outer corner of your eye and feel for the bone. If it's directly beneath your finger, congrats, you've got high cheekbones! If you have to move your finger down towards your nose or further out to find the main part of the bone, you're likely in the low cheekbone camp.

The Science Behind Your Stunning Cheekbones

So, why do some people have those coveted high cheekbones while others have a more subtle structure? It all comes down to a fascinating mix of genetics and anatomy. Your cheekbone placement is largely inherited, passed down through generations. Different ethnicities often have characteristic facial structures, which include varying cheekbone prominence and position. Beyond genetics, age plays a role too. As we get older, we naturally lose facial fat and bone density, which can make cheekbones appear more prominent or, conversely, cause them to recede.

Beauty & Makeup Tips for Every Cheekbone Type

Once you know where your cheekbones sit, makeup is mostly about putting light and shadow in the right place.

For High Cheekbones:

You're already blessed with natural definition! Focus on highlighting the top of your cheekbones to make them pop even more. A touch of luminous highlighter right on the highest point will catch the light beautifully. For blush, apply it just on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples to maintain that lift.

For Low Cheekbones:

Want to create the illusion of higher cheekbones? Contouring is your best friend! Apply a subtle contour shade just below where you'd like your cheekbones to appear, sweeping it upwards towards your temples. Blend, blend, blend! For blush, start slightly higher than the apples of your cheeks and blend horizontally towards your hairline to give a lifted effect.

Remember, these are just guidelines. The best beauty looks are always about what makes YOU feel confident and amazing!

Unlock Your Facial Secrets with AI & AR Beauty Tech

Perfect Corp.’s AI face analysis reads a single photo or live camera feed and maps facial landmarks, including cheekbone position, face shape and eye shape. Brands use those readings to recommend blush and contour placement, foundation shades, eyewear or jewelry that suit each shopper’s actual features.

If you are a beauty brand that wants to recommend contour and blush placement based on each shopper’s real face structure, talk to our team about adding AI face analysis to your site or app. Developers can also start with our API solutions.

FAQ

Are high cheekbones more attractive?

Attractiveness is subjective, and beauty standards vary greatly. While high cheekbones are often celebrated in Western beauty ideals for creating a 'sculpted' look, low cheekbones can contribute to a softer, more youthful appearance. Both are equally beautiful!

Can you change your cheekbones?

You cannot change your natural bone structure without surgical intervention. However, makeup techniques like contouring and highlighting can create the illusion of more defined or higher cheekbones. Facial exercises are often touted, but their impact on bone structure is negligible.

How does AI detect cheekbones?

AI beauty tech uses advanced algorithms and deep learning to analyze key facial landmarks from a photo or live video feed. It identifies points along your cheekbones, relative to other features like your eyes, nose, and jawline, to determine their position and prominence with incredible accuracy.

What is the malar bone?

The malar bone is another name for your cheekbone (zygomatic bone). It's a crucial bone in the facial skeleton that forms the prominence of the cheek.