The upturned nose, often referred to as a ‘celestial’ or ‘button’ nose, is characterized by its upward-pointing tip, revealing more of the nostrils than other nose shapes. While some people consider it a desirable feature, others may feel self-conscious about it. Whether you love your upturned nose or want to minimize its appearance, understanding how to use makeup and styling techniques can help you achieve a balanced and harmonious look. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps, practical tips, and product recommendations to help you embrace your unique features and enhance your natural beauty.
**Understanding the Upturned Nose:**
Before diving into makeup and styling techniques, it’s important to understand what defines an upturned nose and how it affects facial harmony. The degree of upturn can vary, with some noses exhibiting a slight lift and others a more pronounced angle. Factors like the bridge height, nostril size, and overall facial structure can also influence how the nose appears.
An upturned nose can create a youthful and playful appearance. However, it can also draw attention to the nostrils or make the face appear unbalanced if not complemented by other features. The goal of makeup and styling is not to completely change the shape of the nose, but rather to create the illusion of balance and proportion.
**Makeup Techniques for the Upturned Nose:**
Makeup can be a powerful tool for subtly reshaping and contouring the nose. By strategically applying light and shadow, you can create the illusion of a straighter bridge, a less prominent tip, and smaller nostrils. Here are some key techniques to master:
1. **Contouring the Bridge:**
* **Purpose:** To create the illusion of a straighter and more defined nose bridge.
* **Products:** Matte contour powder or cream, a small angled brush, and a blending brush. Choose a contour shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone.
* **Steps:**
* **Preparation:** Start with a clean and moisturized face. Apply your usual foundation and concealer.
* **Contour Application:** Using a small angled brush, apply a thin line of contour powder or cream along the sides of your nose bridge, starting from the inner corner of your eyebrows and extending down towards the tip. Keep the lines close to the bridge to create a slimming effect. If your nose is wide, make the lines slightly closer together.
* **Blending:** Use a clean blending brush to soften the contour lines. Blend upwards towards the eyebrows and downwards towards the tip of the nose. Ensure there are no harsh lines.
* **Highlighting:** Apply a thin line of highlighter down the center of your nose bridge. This will draw light to the area and create the illusion of height. Use a matte or subtle shimmer highlighter to avoid emphasizing the upturned tip.
* **Blending (Again):** Gently blend the highlighter into the contour, ensuring a seamless transition.
* **Setting:** Set the contour and highlight with a translucent powder to prevent creasing and fading.
2. **Minimizing the Tip:**
* **Purpose:** To visually shorten and soften the upturned tip of the nose.
* **Products:** Matte contour powder or cream, a small blending brush.
* **Steps:**
* **Preparation:** Ensure your base makeup is applied.
* **Contour Application:** Using a small blending brush, lightly contour the very tip of your nose, just below the upward curve. This will create a shadow that visually shortens the nose. Avoid contouring the sides of the tip, as this can make it appear wider.
* **Blending:** Blend the contour thoroughly to avoid harsh lines. The goal is to create a subtle shadow, not a dark circle.
* **Powder:** Set the contour with a translucent powder.
3. **Concealing the Nostrils:**
* **Purpose:** To minimize the appearance of visible nostrils.
* **Products:** Matte eyeshadow in a shade slightly darker than your skin tone, a small detail brush.
* **Steps:**
* **Preparation:** Ensure your base makeup is applied.
* **Shadow Application:** Using a small detail brush, carefully apply a tiny amount of matte eyeshadow to the inside edge of each nostril. The shadow should be placed where the nostril is most visible.
* **Blending:** Gently blend the shadow with a cotton swab or your fingertip to soften the edges. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much shadow can look unnatural.
* **Setting:** Set the shadow with a translucent powder.
4. **Highlighting Strategic Areas:**
* **Purpose:** To draw attention away from the nose and highlight other facial features.
* **Products:** Highlighter (cream or powder), a highlighter brush.
* **Steps:**
* **Apply highlighter to the high points of your face:** cheekbones, brow bone, inner corner of your eyes, and cupid’s bow. This will create a radiant glow and draw attention to these areas.
* **Avoid excessive highlighting on the nose:** while a subtle highlight on the bridge can be flattering, too much shimmer can emphasize the upturned tip.
5. **Color Correction:**
* **Purpose:** To address any redness or discoloration around the nose.
* **Products:** Green or yellow color corrector, a concealer brush.
* **Steps:**
* **Apply color corrector:** If you have redness around your nose, apply a green color corrector to neutralize the color. If you have darkness, use a yellow corrector.
* **Blend:** Gently blend the color corrector into the skin.
* **Apply concealer:** Follow with a concealer that matches your skin tone.
* **Set:** Set with a translucent powder.
**General Makeup Tips for Balancing an Upturned Nose:**
* **Focus on Other Features:** Play up your eyes, lips, or cheekbones to draw attention away from your nose. A bold lip color, a dramatic eye look, or sculpted cheekbones can create a balanced and harmonious appearance.
* **Eyebrow Shaping:** Well-groomed eyebrows can frame your face and balance your features. Consider a slightly fuller brow with a soft arch to draw attention upwards.
* **Blush Placement:** Apply blush high on your cheekbones to lift the face and create a youthful appearance. Avoid applying blush too close to the nose, as this can draw attention to that area.
* **Experiment with Different Techniques:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different contouring and highlighting techniques to find what works best for your face shape and nose structure. Practice makes perfect!
* **Use a Light Hand:** When contouring and highlighting your nose, start with a light hand and build up the intensity gradually. It’s easier to add more product than to remove it.
* **Choose the Right Products:** Opt for matte products for contouring, as they create a more natural shadow. Avoid shimmery or glittery products, as they can reflect light and draw attention to the area.
* **Blend, Blend, Blend:** Blending is key to achieving a natural and seamless look. Use a clean blending brush to soften any harsh lines and create a smooth transition between colors.
**Hairstyles for an Upturned Nose:**
Your hairstyle can also play a significant role in balancing your features and complementing your upturned nose. Here are some hairstyle tips to consider:
1. **Soft Layers:**
* **Why:** Soft layers around the face can soften your features and create a more balanced appearance. Layers that start at the cheekbones or jawline can draw attention away from the nose.
* **How:** Ask your stylist for face-framing layers that are tailored to your face shape.
2. **Side-Swept Bangs:**
* **Why:** Side-swept bangs can create a soft and asymmetrical look that draws attention away from the nose.
* **How:** Style your bangs to fall across your forehead, starting from a side part. Avoid blunt, straight-across bangs, as they can make your face appear shorter and wider.
3. **Volume at the Crown:**
* **Why:** Adding volume at the crown of your head can create the illusion of height and balance out your features.
* **How:** Use a volumizing mousse or spray to lift the roots of your hair. Tease the hair at the crown and smooth it over with a brush.
4. **Avoid Center Parts:**
* **Why:** Center parts can draw attention to the center of your face, including your nose.
* **How:** Opt for a side part to create an asymmetrical and flattering look.
5. **Longer Hairstyles:**
* **Why:** Longer hairstyles can help to balance out your features and create a more harmonious appearance.
* **How:** Experiment with different lengths to find what works best for you. Avoid very short hairstyles that can accentuate your nose.
6. **Soft Waves or Curls:**
* **Why:** Soft waves or curls can add texture and movement to your hair, drawing attention away from the nose.
* **How:** Use a curling iron or wand to create loose waves or curls. Avoid tight, defined curls, as they can make your face appear smaller.
**Eyeglasses for an Upturned Nose:**
The right eyeglasses can enhance your features and complement your upturned nose. Here are some tips for choosing the right frames:
1. **Frames with a Low Bridge:**
* **Why:** Frames with a low bridge can sit lower on your nose, minimizing the appearance of the upturned tip.
* **How:** Look for frames with adjustable nose pads to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
2. **Bold Frames:**
* **Why:** Bold frames can draw attention to your eyes and away from your nose.
* **How:** Choose frames in a bright color or with a unique design.
3. **Square or Rectangular Frames:**
* **Why:** Square or rectangular frames can add structure to your face and balance out your features.
* **How:** Avoid round or oval frames, as they can accentuate the roundness of your nose.
4. **Thick Frames:**
* **Why:** Thick frames can create a stronger visual impact and draw attention to your eyes.
* **How:** Choose frames that are slightly wider than your cheekbones to create a balanced look.
5. **Avoid Small Frames:**
* **Why:** Small frames can make your nose appear larger.
* **How:** Opt for larger frames that are proportionate to your face size.
**Accessories for an Upturned Nose:**
Accessories can also play a role in balancing your features and complementing your upturned nose. Here are some tips for choosing the right accessories:
1. **Statement Earrings:**
* **Why:** Statement earrings can draw attention to your ears and jawline, balancing out your features.
* **How:** Choose earrings that are proportionate to your face size. Avoid earrings that are too small or too large.
2. **Necklaces:**
* **Why:** Necklaces can draw attention to your neckline and create a flattering silhouette.
* **How:** Choose necklaces that are the right length for your neck. Avoid necklaces that are too short or too long.
3. **Hats:**
* **Why:** Hats can add height to your face and balance out your features.
* **How:** Choose hats that are proportionate to your face size. Avoid hats that are too small or too large.
4. **Scarves:**
* **Why:** Scarves can add texture and color to your outfit, drawing attention away from your nose.
* **How:** Choose scarves that are the right length and width for your neck. Avoid scarves that are too bulky or too flimsy.
**Embracing Your Unique Features:**
Ultimately, the most important thing is to embrace your unique features and feel confident in your own skin. An upturned nose can be a beautiful and distinctive feature, and there’s no need to hide it if you don’t want to. Makeup and styling techniques can be used to enhance your natural beauty and create a balanced and harmonious look, but they should never be used to completely change your appearance. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what matters most is how you feel about yourself.
**Conclusion:**
Mastering makeup techniques such as contouring the bridge and tip, minimizing the nostrils, and strategically highlighting other features can significantly enhance your appearance and create a balanced look. Choosing hairstyles with soft layers, side-swept bangs, or volume at the crown, along with selecting frames with a low bridge and bold designs, can further complement your features. Ultimately, embracing your individuality and feeling confident in your own skin is key. Experiment with these tips to discover what works best for you, and remember that your unique features are what make you beautiful. By using these strategies, you can both celebrate and balance your upturned nose, achieving a look that is both harmonious and uniquely you.