Though I think plus size babes don't need face slimming, one thing I've gotten a lot of as a makeup artist is bigger girls asking me how they can apply their makeup so their face doesn't look as chubby or as big and create more a slimming effect. So here is a guide on how to create a slimming effect on the face using makeup.

• Step 1

First step is skin prep, if you want the makeup to look flawless you have to start off with a clean well prepped face. You can prep the face by cleansing and moisturizing the face to freshen the face. Then use a primer that works best for your skin type. You want to apply the primer to the face but start by applying it to the T-zone to reduce the shine and to minimize pores.

• Step 2

Second step is to colour correct, conceal, contour and highlight. You want to start by colour correcting any redness, dark circles etc. Then you want to conceal any blemishes you may have on the skin. After colour correcting and concealing comes contour. Contour on your forehead along the hairline to reduce height if needed. You also want to apply concealer on your cheekbones. Apply concealer in a diagonal line from the top of the ear toward the corner of the mouth, you're going to want to stop midway for the lift effect. Next is the jawline, you want to contour just under the jawbone to define the area. If you struggle with a double chin you can lightly shadow under the chin and blend downward into the neck. For contour you want to use a damp sponge or contour blush to blend everything up and out, key word is UP. You always want to be lifting the face you want to blend your contour/highlight/blush upwards.

As for highlighting, you want to highlight the center of the forehead, the bridge of the nose (just a thin line), the tops of the cheekbones, under the eyes in a triangle shape (depending on your age if you're over 25 I would suggest just doing a line on each side of the under eye), and lastly your cupid's bow and the center of your chin.

• Step 3

Brows and Eyes can also help to lift the face and make the face look slimmer. You want to shape your brows with a gentle arch that goes slightly higher than your natural arch. Keep the tails of the brows extended just past the outer corner of the eye. If you are going to apply shimmer or apply shimmer on the center of the lids or inner corner. Winged eyeliner smoked outer corners can also help elongate the eyes horizontally.

• Step 4

Blush placement, don't go for the apples of the cheeks, go higher. Apply the blush just above the contour line and sweep it upwards towards the temples.

• Step 5

Lips. A plump pout helps balance the face and placement is key. You want to slightly overline the center of your lips (top and bottom but not the sides). Using a deeper lip liner and slightly lighter lipstick can also help create dimension. Tip: Ombre lips give a fuller but sculpted effect and try a soft gradient face in the center.

• Some tips:

Avoid super shimmery bronzers as they reflect light and defeat the entire slimming illusion.
Stick to medium coverage foundation so the skin still looks like skin.
Hair framing the face (like soft curls or side bangs) can also visually narrow the face.

Makeup isn't about changing who you are, it's about enhancing the features you love and giving yourself that little extra sparkle of confidence. Your beauty already exists so we're just playing with light and shadow.

****If you find it helpful I can also add pictures of each steps and where to put which product to help you visualize of where to put everything. Just keep in mind that some placement may differ depending on your face shape.