How to Apply Makeup to a Round Face

Co-authored by Shara Strand

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Applying makeup to a round face has specific requirements focused on preventing a sunken look and avoiding the creation of a "moon face". The technique suggested in this article will be helpful for making the most of your features, allowing you to add makeup successfully to your round face.

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1
Start with a flawless base. If you have oily skin, use a primer to help your makeup last throughout the day. Whether it's foundation, powder or just some concealer, use something that gives the overall look of a good complexion.
- A beauty blender is a good tool to use if you want to have flawless base as it will make sure your foundation does not have a caked-on appearance. Use less and build up your coverage if needed. Do not apply lots, as it may look caked-on.
- A powder foundation or mineral makeup will give a much lighter coverage while still appearing flawless.
2
Powder your face if you have used liquid foundation or concealer. Even if you have dry skin, this is a crucial step, as you do not want your makeup to move throughout the day.
- If you are dry skinned, then use powder lightly or in some places.
- If you're oily skinned, then it is recommended to use all over your face.
- Do not powder too much as it may turn cake-like.
- Do not buff or rub as this may disturb and move the makeup. Lightly bounce on the skin and once applied all over, then buff into the skin.
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This will add definition and colour to your face. Apply to the edges of the forehead, cheeks and jawline. Use a big fluffy brush to avoid being too precise.
This is where the most definition will occur, making your face seem more structured and less round.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} This will give the impression of a precise cheekbone and jawline. Apply with an angled thin brush and apply to your natural indentation. Blend up for a more natural look, as blending downwards will make your face look sunken in.
Using a shimmery one will bring attention to this area and make your cheekbones more prominent. Apply right above the contour.
Place it above the blush, which should be on the apples of your cheeks and the highlight should be above it. Use a pink one for lighter skin tones and a golden ones for deeper skin tones.
7
Apply eye makeup to your eyes. Colours to make blue eyes stand out are golds and copper and for brown eyes purples will make them pop. Apply eyeliner if desired and whichever mascara you prefer.
- Shape your eyebrows so they're more arched or angular to help add shape.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Shara Strand
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
Rihanna, Founder, Fenty Beauty

Have fun and take risks with makeup. "Makeup is there for you to have fun with. It should never feel like pressure. It should never feel like a uniform. Feel free to take chances, and take risks, and dare to do something new or different."

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Where should I put eye makeup if I have a round face?

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist
Shara Strand is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Shara Makeup Studio, a makeup and image consulting studio based in New York City. She has over 15 years of image and makeup consulting experience including working as a regional artist for Bare Escentuals and Estee Lauder, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. Her work has been featured in WNBC, Fox 5, Direct TV ABC morning news, and Hamptons Magazine. She is the creator of Shara Cosmetics and is a two time Billboard charted singer. She holds a BFA from New York University.

Shara Strand

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Try to shape your brows so they look more arched or angular to help add some contour and shape.

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Tips

Make sure your foundation matches your skin as well as is suitable for your skin type. Remember to blend slightly onto your neck to avoid foundation lines.

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Find a bronzer that is not too grey or too orange for your skin to make it look natural.

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Make sure to use a matte bronzer for contouring but for bronzer it can be matte or slightly shimmery.

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