Hollow cheeks are a sign of a well-defined, sculpted face. Many people believe the only way to achieve this look is by losing weight, but that’s not true. You can enhance your cheekbones naturally without extreme dieting or surgery.
In this detailed guide, I’ll explain exactly how to get hollow cheeks using safe, natural, and effective methods. Whether you have a round face or just want more definition, these tips will help you get the look you want—without losing weight.
What Are Hollow Cheeks?
Hollow cheeks happen when the area below your cheekbones dips inward slightly, creating a sharp, chiseled appearance. This look is often associated with high cheekbones and a lean face, but you don’t need to be underweight to achieve it.
Why Do People Want Hollow Cheeks?
- They make your face look more defined and angular.
- They create a youthful, elegant appearance.
- Celebrities like Zac Efron, Angelina Jolie, and Keira Knightley are famous for their hollow cheeks.
If you want a more sculpted face without extreme weight loss, keep reading.
How to Get Hollow Cheeks Naturally (Without Losing Weight)
1. Facial Exercises – The Best Way to Define Cheekbones
Your face has over 40 muscles, and just like your body, you can tone them with exercise. Here are the best exercises for hollow cheeks:
a) Cheek Puff Exercise
- How to do it:
- Take a deep breath and puff your cheeks with air.
- Hold the air inside and move it from one cheek to the other.
- Do this for 30 seconds, then relax.
- Reps: 10 times daily.
- Why it works: Strengthens cheek muscles, making them tighter and more defined.
b) Fish Face Exercise
- How to do it:
- Suck your cheeks in as if you’re making a fish face.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then release.
- Reps: 15 times daily.
- Why it works: Pulls the cheeks inward, training them to stay more sculpted.
c) Smile Resistance Exercise
- How to do it:
- Smile as wide as you can.
- Use your fingers to gently push against your cheeks.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
- Reps: 20 times daily.
- Why it works: Builds muscle tone in the cheeks for a more lifted look.
Tip: Do these exercises every morning for best results.
2. Stay Hydrated – The Secret to a Less Puffy Face
Did you know dehydration makes your face look puffy and bloated? When your body lacks water, it holds onto fluids, making your cheeks appear fuller.
How to fix it:
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
- Avoid too much salt (chips, processed foods) because it causes water retention.
- Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery.
Result: Your face will look leaner and more defined in just a few days.
3. Chewing Gum – The Easy Trick for a Sharper Jawline
Chewing gum isn’t just for fresh breath—it’s a great workout for your face.
How it helps:
- Works the masseter muscles (the muscles in your jaw).
- Over time, this can define your cheekbones and jawline.
Best way to do it:
- Chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes a day.
- Don’t overdo it (too much can cause jaw pain).
Bonus: Chewing gum also helps reduce double chin by toning the neck muscles.
4. Face Massage – The Natural Way to Lift Your Cheeks
A simple 5-minute face massage can:
- Improve blood circulation.
- Reduce water retention (which causes puffiness).
- Tighten skin for a more sculpted look.
How to do it:
- Apply a few drops of almond or coconut oil to your fingers.
- Use your knuckles or fingertips to massage your cheeks in upward circular motions.
- Focus on the area below your cheekbones to enhance the hollow effect.
- Do this every night before bed.
Tip: Use a jade roller or gua sha tool for even better results.
5. Fix Your Posture – How Slouching Makes Your Face Look Rounder
Bad posture doesn’t just hurt your back—it also affects your face.
What happens when you slouch?
- Your chin drops, creating a double chin effect.
- Your cheeks lose definition because gravity pulls them down.
How to fix it:
- Sit and stand straight with your shoulders back.
- Keep your chin parallel to the ground (no looking down at your phone for hours).
- Sleep on your back (side sleeping can cause face puffiness).
Result: Your face will instantly look more lifted and defined.
6. Makeup Tricks – Instant Hollow Cheeks in Minutes
If you want immediate results, makeup is your best friend.
How to contour for hollow cheeks:
- Use a matte bronzer or contour powder (2 shades darker than your skin).
- Suck in your cheeks to find the natural hollow under your cheekbones.
- Apply the contour in a soft, diagonal line from your ear toward your mouth.
- Blend well so it looks natural.
- Add highlighter on top of your cheekbones to make them pop.
Pro tip: Cream contour works best for a more natural look.
7. Cut Down on Salt and Alcohol – Why They Cause Puffy Cheeks
Salt and alcohol make your body retain water, leading to a fuller-looking face.
What to avoid:
- Processed foods (chips, canned soups, fast food).
- Alcohol (especially beer and cocktails).
- Sugary drinks (soda, sweetened juices).
What to eat instead:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (they help flush out excess water).
- Herbal teas (like green tea or dandelion tea—great for reducing bloating).
Result: Your face will look less puffy and more sculpted in 1-2 weeks.
8. Sleep on Your Back – The Best Position for a Defined Face
Sleeping on your side or stomach can:
- Cause sleep wrinkles.
- Make your face look puffier in the morning.
How to train yourself to sleep on your back:
- Use a thin pillow to avoid neck strain.
- Place a small pillow under your knees to stay comfortable.
Bonus: Sleeping on your back also prevents wrinkles in the long run.
Do you want to know How to Lose Face Fat Naturally?
9. Facial Yoga – The Natural Face Lift
Facial yoga is like pilates for your face—it tightens and tones muscles.
Best exercise: The Lion Face
- Open your mouth as wide as possible.
- Stick out your tongue and stretch your facial muscles.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 5 times daily.
Result: Your cheeks will look more lifted and defined over time.
10. Cold Therapy – The Quick Fix for a Slimmer Face
Cold temperatures reduce swelling and tighten the skin.
How to do it:
- Rub an ice cube on your cheeks for 30 seconds daily.
- Use a cold face roller (store it in the fridge for extra cooling).
Bonus: Cold therapy also reduces acne and redness.
11. The Power of Facial Cupping for Cheek Definition
Facial cupping is an ancient technique that’s gaining modern popularity for sculpting facial features. This method uses small silicone cups to create gentle suction on your skin, promoting blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
How to use facial cupping for hollow cheeks:
- Apply facial oil to clean skin
- Place the cup under your cheekbone and gently squeeze to create suction
- Slowly glide upward toward your temples
- Repeat 5-7 times on each cheek
- Finish with upward strokes along your jawline
Benefits you’ll notice:
- Immediate lifting effect after first use
- Reduced puffiness within 1-2 weeks
- More defined cheekbones with regular use
- Brighter, healthier-looking skin
Pro tip: Do this 3-4 times weekly for best results. Combine with facial massage for enhanced effects.
12. The Role of Collagen in Facial Structure
Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm and youthful. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging cheeks and loss of definition.
Ways to boost collagen naturally:
- Eat collagen-rich foods: bone broth, fish, egg whites
- Take vitamin C supplements (essential for collagen production)
- Use skincare with peptides and retinol
- Try collagen supplements (hydrolyzed collagen works best)
- Protect skin from sun damage (UV rays break down collagen)
Expected timeline:
- Skin feels plumper in 2-4 weeks
- Noticeable firmness in 8-12 weeks
- Long-term improvement in facial contours
13. The Cheekbone-Friendly Diet
What you eat directly affects your facial appearance. These foods specifically help enhance cheekbone definition:
Top 5 foods for hollow cheeks:
- Celery – Natural diuretic reduces water retention
- Green apples – Chewing strengthens jaw muscles
- Pineapple – Contains bromelain to reduce inflammation
- Almonds – Healthy fats support skin elasticity
- Cucumber – High water content decreases puffiness
Foods to avoid:
- Processed carbohydrates (cause bloating)
- Dairy (can lead to facial inflammation for some)
- Excessive caffeine (dehydrates the skin)
- Alcohol (causes facial puffiness)
14. Advanced Facial Yoga Techniques
Take your facial exercises to the next level with these professional techniques:
The Cheekbone Lift:
- Place index fingers on top of cheekbones
- Smile widely while resisting with fingers
- Hold for 10 seconds, release
- Repeat 15 times
The Jaw Definer:
- Tilt head back slightly
- Press tongue firmly against roof of mouth
- Slowly open and close jaw 20 times
- Feel the burn in your cheek muscles
The Neck-to-Cheek Connector:
- Tilt head back looking at ceiling
- Purse lips as if kissing upward
- Hold for 15 seconds
- Repeat 10 times
Best practice: Do this routine morning and night for accelerated results.
15. The Science of Facial Lymphatic Drainage
Your lymphatic system removes toxins and excess fluids from facial tissues. When it’s sluggish, your face appears puffy. Here’s how to activate it:
Step-by-step lymphatic massage:
- Start at the center of your forehead
- Use gentle pressure moving outward
- Work from nose to ears
- Move from chin to jawline
- Finish with downward strokes on neck
Use these tools for better results:
- Jade roller (keep in refrigerator)
- Gua sha stone (rose quartz works well)
- Electric facial massager
When you’ll see changes:
- Immediate de-puffing effect
- More defined features in 2 weeks
- Long-term improvement in facial contours
16. Celebrity Secrets for Chiseled Cheeks
Learn from the pros – here’s how celebrities maintain their sculpted cheekbones:
Bella Hadid’s trick:
- Uses facial taping overnight
- Does “air chewing” exercises
- Swears by microcurrent devices
Brad Pitt’s routine:
- Cold plunges for facial toning
- Focuses on posture training
- Uses sculpting facial tools
Zendaya’s approach:
- Double cleansing nightly
- Facial cupping sessions
- Yoga for overall toning
Affordable alternatives you can try:
- DIY facial ice globes (use chilled spoons)
- Homemade face masks with coffee grounds
- Resistance training with your own hands
17. The Truth About Facial Fat Loss
While we’re focusing on getting hollow cheeks without weight loss, it’s important to understand facial fat distribution:
Natural fat loss areas (first to go):
- Under-eye area
- Temples
- Cheek hollows
Last areas to lose fat:
- Jawline
- Chin
- Nasolabial folds
How to work with your natural anatomy:
- Enhance what you have with exercises
- Use makeup to create shadows
- Focus on overall facial balance
18. When to Consider Professional Help
While natural methods work for most, some cases may need professional intervention:
Signs you might need professional treatment:
- Extreme facial puffiness that won’t reduce
- Asymmetrical facial structure
- Loose skin from significant weight loss
Non-surgical options:
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Ultrasound therapy
- Professional lymphatic drainage
Surgical alternatives (last resort):
- Buccal fat removal
- Cheek implants
- Thread lifts
Important: Always consult with a board-certified professional before considering any procedures.
19. Tracking Your Progress
Documenting your journey helps stay motivated and see real changes:
How to track effectively:
- Take weekly front and side profile photos
- Measure cheekbone prominence
- Note changes in facial puffiness
- Track your routine consistency
Signs it’s working:
- More visible cheekbone shadow
- Reduced morning puffiness
- Compliments on your facial structure
- Makeup applies more smoothly
20. Combining Methods for Maximum Results
The most effective approach combines multiple techniques:
Sample daily routine:
Morning:
- Facial yoga (10 minutes)
- Cold water splash
- Chewing gum during commute
Throughout day:
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain good posture
- Facial muscle awareness
Evening:
- Double cleanse
- Facial massage (5 minutes)
- Lymphatic drainage
- Sleep on back
Weekly additions:
- Facial cupping (3 times weekly)
- Exfoliation (2 times weekly)
- Deep hydration mask
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
- Makeup: Instantly.
- Hydration & diet changes: 1-2 weeks.
- Facial exercises & massage: 4-8 weeks.
Consistency is key! Stick with these methods, and you’ll see a difference.
Long-Term Maintenance
Once you achieve your desired cheek definition, maintain it with:
Essential maintenance habits:
- Continue facial exercises 3-4 times weekly
- Stick to hydration routine
- Maintain healthy diet
- Regular facial massage
- Good sleep hygiene
Seasonal adjustments:
- More hydration in summer
- Extra facial massage during stressful periods
- Adjust makeup techniques as you age
FAQs About Hollow Cheeks
1. Can I get hollow cheeks without losing weight?
Yes! You can define your cheeks with facial exercises, hydration, and good habits—no weight loss needed.
2. How can I make my cheeks look hollow naturally?
- Do facial exercises daily.
- Drink more water, eat less salt.
- Try face massage and chewing gum.
3. Does chewing gum help with hollow cheeks?
Yes! It strengthens your jaw muscles, helping define your cheekbones over time.
4. How long does it take to get hollow cheeks?
Natural methods take 4-8 weeks, but makeup gives instant results.
5. Can sleeping position affect my cheekbones?
Yes! Sleeping on your back prevents puffiness and helps maintain definition.
6. Are hollow cheeks genetic?
Genetics play a role, but anyone can enhance their cheekbones with the right techniques.
7. Does drinking water help with hollow cheeks?
Absolutely! Water reduces bloating, making your face look slimmer.
8. What foods cause puffy cheeks?
Salty snacks, alcohol, and processed foods cause water retention, leading to puffiness.
Final Motivation
Remember that facial changes take time and consistency. Every celebrity with perfect cheekbones works at it daily. Your efforts will pay off with:
Lasting benefits:
- More defined facial features
- Youthful appearance
- Increased confidence
- Better skincare habits
- Overall facial health
Start today and stay committed – your best cheekbones are ahead of you!