Be a picture of confidence by showing up at any event looking like a ray of sunshine. To captivate crowds, draw attention to your bright, happy smile and make your face look like it’s lit from within. Keep reading for makeup tips to exude that blissful aura and clever tricks to enhance your grin.
1. Brighten Dark Areas
For anyone struggling with dark areas, Beauty YouTuber and social media influencer Alexandra Anele suggests using a concealer one or two shades lighter. Soften deep-set eyes by applying concealer to the inner corners and blend. You can also brighten the outer corners with a small upward flick to give your eyes a lift.
Remember: Darkness around smile lines can drag your face down. So, turn that RBF frown around by applying a small amount of concealer to the upper corners of your mouth (parallel to your nose). Doing this will plump up creases around your grin area to give you a flawless smile.
2. Apply Blush Strategically
Apply blush to the outer corners of your cheekbones, then stop underneath your eyes. Caution against applying the tint at a high angle, as this can give you a sharp, angry look. The sweet spot is to apply blush just at the base of your cheekbones, then work your way up to the outer eye area. Blend your brush blush in the shape of a “C” to enhance your happy smile.
3. Incorporate a Bronzer for a Sunny, Happy Look
When choosing a bronzer, avoid those with golden undertones. Face colour with gold shimmer or sparkle can highlight any yellowness from features you may want to hide, like stained teeth.
4. Give Your Eyebrows a Lift
Anele also suggests this hack for your eyebrows: To lift brows that grow downwards, mist your spoolie with setting spray and brush it on a soap bar. Then, comb outwards to open your brows and keep them from closing in. Top it off with eyebrow powder or cream, being careful not to shade in too darkly to maintain a soft look.
5. Opt for Cooler Eyeshadow Shades
Choose cool eyeshadow shades to help deflect any yellow tones or staining from your teeth. If you want to dazzle everyone at your next evening event, go for purple, blue, or silver. For a playful look better suited for a daytime soiree, choose green or turquoise hues.
6. Highlight Your Cupid’s Bow
Highlight your Cupid’s bow to draw attention to your mouth. Imagine your lip taking on an “M” shape. Contour the curves of your mouth by applying small dots of highlighter above your upper lip. Think of it as drawing Joker’s smile or a French moustache, but prettier. This trick creates the illusion of fuller, happier lips that complement bright pearly whites.
7. Keep Your Lips Moisturised
Ensure your lipstick glides on smoothly by giving your lips a moisture boost with lip balm. Hydrated lips provide a better base for other lip products; they’re also better protected against dryness from lipstick. Optionally, use an exfoliator before applying lip balm. If you don’t have one, use a toothbrush to gently brush your lips and remove any dead or dry skin.
8. Choose Bright Shades of Lip Colour
Save the dark, gothic hues for another time. If you want to exude a carefree spirit, opt for shades of coral or berry pink for an instant pick-me-up.
As with your blush, avoid lip tint colours with yellow undertones. A blue-based pink will make teeth seem whiter and brighter. And if you can’t part with your signature shade, apply gloss to the centre of your lips to make your pout look plumper and give it a megawatt shine.
9. De-puff Your Face With a Facial Massage
Take time to lavish your face in the comfort of your home. In an interview with beauty magazine Byrdie, plastic surgeon Dr Davis B. Nguyen explains how to de-puff your face: “In circular motions, massage [facial serum] across the outer contours of your face, working inward.”
Then, open your mouth slightly to locate the hollows of your cheekbones and apply gentle pressure upwards. “Finally, using your fingers and thumbs, pinch all along your jawline with firm pressure. Keep squeezing and releasing for a minute or two.”
A quick facial massage will help visibly de-puff your skin and may even discourage fine lines caused by muscle tension. Dr Nguyen adds that the routine stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, perks up your facial contour, and provides an instant natural glow.
10. Apply Petroleum Jelly on Your Teeth
In an interview for Women’s Health, dentist Jessica Emery gives an insider tip for achieving a happy smile: “As odd as it may sound, applying a layer of [petroleum jelly] right on the teeth will prevent any unwanted stains like coffee or lipstick and give your teeth a shiny look.” Before going to your party, try this hack to protect your pearly whites from a lipstick-stained red alert.
Beyond these makeup tips and hacks, you can also consider getting a lasting makeover that will give you more reasons to smile. Perhaps your underbite is robbing you of the confidence to flash a grin. Or maybe it’s your crooked or overcrowded teeth affecting your self-confidence. To address these issues, ask your doctor about orthodontic treatment with ClearCorrect. These aligners are more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces, allowing you to smile without hesitation.
The truth is that a happy smile comes from the heart. So, before heading out, take a deep breath, inhale all the good vibes, and exhale unnecessary negativity. The best beauty advice is to harness your inner joy. So, get your glow on and seize the day!
References:
Alexandra Anele. (2022, January 18). Here’s how to make your face look “happier”. If you want to that is.. [Video]. YouTube.
Hopp, D. (2022, December 1). How to De-Puff your face in 3 minutes flat, according to a surgeon. Byrdie.
Walansky, A. (2022, April 21). 6 beauty tips to make your smile look brighter. Women’s Health.
