We’ve compiled seven beauty tricks to help you conceal winter weight gain…
“Summer bodies are made in winter,” proclaims the annoying gym bunny on your Instagram feed. You snort and help yourself to another biscuit, snug on the couch and safe from the elements. But, now that Spring is on the horizon, you’re likely to be singing a different tune…
Fear not BBs! There’s a quick fix (even more effective in the short term than banting!) to conceal double chins and chipmunk cheeks: Welcome to the wonders of hair and makeup, girls!
These seven beauty tricks will have you looking svelte before 1 September…
Adjust your blush
1. Stick to nude blushes like universally flattering rose-browns. These shades enhance cheeks without making them appear fuller, while circles of bright blush make rounded features more pronounced.
SPLURGE: Clarins Multi-Blush Cream Blush in Rosewood (R300, Clarins counters).
SAVE: Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in 220 Madeira (R89.95, Clicks).
2. Swirl blush across your cheekbone and blend softly into the hairline rather than applying to the apples of your cheeks. This creates depth and slims the face, as seen below on Taylor Swift.
Cut down on shine
3. The more light your face reflects, the bigger it looks, so it’s best to keep shimmer to a minimum. Swap dewy foundations for matte-finish ones to create a sleek look with shine control.
SPLURGE: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF10 (From R415, Estee Lauder counters).
SAVE: L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Matte Foundation (R189.95, Dis-Chem).
4. If you’re prone to an oily T-zone, apply a light dusting of mattifying powder to the area to keep it in check.
SPLURGE: Kryolan Translucent Powder (From R248, Kryolan stores).
SAVE: Yardley Absolute Translucent Loose Powder (R119, Dis-Chem).
Contour like a Kardashian
5. Fake a chiselled chin and cheekbones by crafting shadows in the correct location. Use a cool-toned taupe powder to create natural-looking depth.
SPLURGE: MAC Powder Blush in Harmony (R245, MAC stores).
SAVE: Nyx Powder Blush in Taupe (R99.95, Clicks).
6. Contour under your cheekbones to correct chubby cheeks. Here are our pro tips:
• Make a fish face to reveal the hollows of your cheeks.
• Using an angled brush, swipe the powder in this hollow from just above the outer corner of your mouth to the very top of your ear and into the hairline.
• Gently blend upwards, avoiding the apples of your cheeks.
• Conceal a double chin by sweeping a little contour powder under your chin.
Style it right
Create the illusion of a longer, narrower face by adjusting how you wear your hair:
7. A side-swept fringe and cheek-level layers slim your face (look no further than it-girl Alexa Chung for inspiration), or opt for an ultra-chic and slimming blow-out à la Jennifer Hudson.
Keep these products on hand for sleek strands:
SPLURGE: ghd Smooth & Finish Serum (R180, selected salons).
SAVE: Avon Advance Techniques Smooth as Silk 24hr Frizz Control (R85.95, Avon representatives).
BB beauties, how are you using your beauty toolbox to conceal winter weight gain? Let us know below…