Makeup is a powerful tool. You can use it to play up your favourite features, de-emphasise areas you want to improve, or even completely transform your face. With some artistry and practice, you can achieve any effect you want. Here’s a free lesson: when focusing on one trait – like your smile, for example – go for makeup looks that flatter your overall appearance for a seamless finish.
Maybe you’re undergoing ClearCorrect aligner therapy, and your teeth aren’t how you want them yet. Perhaps you’re on the fence about treatment but seeking short-term fixes for visible misalignment and other dental imperfections. Or you might love your grin as it is and simply want to show it off better. Maybe you’re simply stuck wondering, “How can I make my smile look better?” Makeup can easily fit into your smile enhancement routine. Here’s how!
#1: Look Light and Lifted
Anyone who flashes a carefree smile exudes happiness, which makes them look more approachable. Bring the same result by lifting and livening up your face with makeup.
Step 1: Lift your face by contouring and highlighting.
Chisel out your features with a contouring product that mimics the natural shadows of your face. Apply it in the hollows of your cheeks and under the jawline to create a lifted effect. Then, go in with a concealer a few shades lighter than your skin tone for dimension. Apply it over the high points: the tops of cheekbones, your nose bridge, and Cupid’s bow.
Step 2: Colour-correct under-eye circles and other dark areas.
Diminish the harshness of dark circles by using colour theory to your advantage. A peach or salmon-toned concealer can counteract the bluish tones in under-eye shadows. You can also use the same technique around the mouth to neutralise any smile-dampening discolouration in the area.
#2: Go for Glow
An essential characteristic of natural makeup looks is glowing, lit-from-within skin. You want to appear fresh, dewy, and flushed – like life just keeps giving you reasons to laugh. Think of it this way: a luminous base sets the perfect stage for a dazzling smile.
Step 1: Use bronzer for contrast.
Bronzer brings sun-kissed skin in seconds. With a light hand, apply it to areas where the sun naturally hits, like your forehead, temples, and cheeks. Besides boosting your glow, some beauty experts claim that bronzer contrasts with your teeth to make them look brighter.
Step 2: Look flushed with blush.
Blush simulates a rosy, excitement-induced flush. Find the application method that makes you look the most vibrant. Some apply the pigment on the apples of their cheeks for a youthful finish, while others opt to extend the blush up to their temples for a subtle lift. For best results, work with your face shape.
Step 3: Shine with shimmer.
Use a highlighter for a touch of sparkle. Layer it over your high points for a radiant result. Dab extra over your Cupid’s bow to amplify the lips, which should help draw the eye to your mouth.
#3: Lead With Lips
Ensure your smile stands out by making your pout the focal point. After all, they’re a package deal. Start by exfoliating your lips to buff away dry or flaky skin, then plump them back up with a supple balm. Remember: the key to easy makeup hacks is putting in the time to prep your canvas. Now, paint!
Step 1: Accentuate your lips.
Go for a lip liner in a similar shade to your chosen lippie (see Step 2). You can follow the natural shape of your lips or overline them slightly to add fullness. Another trick is to use a liner that matches your contour colour, subtly lifting the corners of your mouth.
Step 2: Swipe on cool-toned lipstick.
If you want to downplay the look of stained teeth, you may need to rely on various treatments and techniques. Yes, that includes lipstick – specifically, those with cool or blue undertones. Since blue is on the opposite end of the colour wheel from yellow, it gives the illusion of whiter, brighter teeth. Try deep berries and wine reds for a moody vibe or raspberry pinks for daytime fun.
Step 3: Top with gloss.
Lip gloss reflects light, which draws attention to your mouth. Choose clear or light-coloured glosses in cool tones for double the brightening benefit. Shimmer also makes for a more brilliant smile.
While the right makeup look can do wonders for your smile, it’s purely an aesthetic upgrade. Where caring for your teeth is concerned, nothing beats having a consistent oral hygiene routine. So, brush and floss daily, check in with your dentist, and eat good-for-you foods to reinforce your dentition. Healthy teeth beat a shiny smile any day!
