Each person has a unique nose, in terms of shape and size. If yours makes you uncomfortable or if you want to experiment with a new look, there are several techniques that can make it look slimmer. You can try using makeup to strategically darken and brighten certain points on your face, or you can do exercises aimed at permanently slimming your nose. A more drastic solution is to resort to cosmetic surgery.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the Contouring Technique
Step 1. Understand how contouring works
You can use makeup to darken and brighten certain points on the face to make the nose look thinner. You will need to use products that are a few shades lighter and darker than your complexion. Of course this is not a technique that guarantees permanent results. Also, if you have a long nose, it doesn't make it look shorter when viewed in profile.
Step 2. Choose a bronzer and highlighter of the right color
You can use either a powder or a cream product, but according to many people, the powder ones are easier to work with and blend. You can purchase a specially formulated contouring kit or simply use matte eyeshadows. In the second case, avoid pearly eyeshadows otherwise the skin will be shiny.
- To darken, choose a bronzer that is two or three tones darker than your natural skin color.
- To brighten, choose a product that is two or three tones lighter than your complexion.
- Also consider the undertone of the skin. In some people, the natural undertone of the skin is warm, tending to yellow, while in others it is colder and pinker. When choosing your bronzer and highlighter for contouring, you need to take this into consideration as well. By using the wrong products you risk getting an unnatural result.
Step 3. Get the right brushes and accessories
The contouring technique requires the use of a few specific brushes. If you have chosen powder products, use a soft bristle brush. If you are going to use cream products, it is best to choose a brush with harder and more compact bristles. Here are some specific pointers about what you'll need:
- An angled brush for applying bronzer and highlighter. This type of tip allows you to better control the stretch.
- A soft blending brush to blend the two products together. If you find it easier, you can also use a blending sponge.
Step 4. Apply primer and foundation
The primer allows you to mask the enlarged pores, while the foundation creates a base to which the bronzer and the highlighter can adhere better. In addition, they even out the complexion and make the products easier to blend.
- Apply the primer with your fingers. Afterwards, apply the foundation with a brush or sponge specially formulated for this purpose.
- Make sure the foundation color matches your complexion exactly. Choosing it by applying it on the back of the hand or on the wrist is not a good idea, because generally the skin tone of the face is different.
- Wait until the foundation is dry to the touch before starting contouring. It will only take a few minutes.
Step 5. Start by applying the highlighter
Draw a thin line in the center of the nose using an angled brush. Try not to draw it too thick, otherwise the nose will look wider than it actually is. Start at the top, then continue to the tip. At that point stop, do not continue any further.
Step 6. Blend and soften the stroke
Set the angled brush aside and pick up a blending brush (or sponge). Move it gently along the center of the nose, from top to bottom, tracing the contours of the highlighter strip. At this stage you simply need to soften the sharp edges, without spreading or blurring the color sideways.
The highlighter is used to make the face look younger and more toned, for a slight "lifting" effect. The attention of the viewer will be channeled in a strategic way. In addition, it allows you to give more dimension to the face
Step 7. If you have a wide nose, use dirt to make it look thinner
Use a clean angled brush to darken the sides of the nose, from the inner corner of the eye towards the tip. At this point, use a blending brush to blend the color up and towards the highlighter.
If you have wide nostrils, you can make them look smaller by applying bronzer to the sides of the nose as well
Step 8. If you have a long nose, you can make it look shorter by applying bronzer under the tip
Start by darkening the sides of the nose as described in the previous step, then extend the stroke under the tip, just above the nostrils. Now carefully blend the color towards the tip of the nose. A slight "lifting" effect will result, which will make it appear shorter
Step 9. If your nose is wider at the base, do the following
Start by darkening the sides, from the inner corner of the eye towards the tip. Now extend the lines under the tip by drawing a small "U" (or a small arc facing down). Make sure it's not too pointy, or it will look like your nose has an unnatural shape. You should try to match the width of the "U" to that of the bridge of the nose.
Step 10. If you have a crooked nose, use dirt to make it look straighter
In some cases, the irregular shape can create the illusion of a big nose. Start by darkening the sides of the nose, from the inner corner of the eye towards the tip, but instead of following the natural contours of the nose, try to draw two lines as straight as possible with the help of the mirror.
Step 11. Use a soft bristle brush to blend the colors
Run it along the sides of the nose, exactly between the highlighter and the earth line. The goal is to eliminate stark contrasts. At this point, blend the color towards the face starting from the side of the nose, at the point closest to the strip of highlighter, then move the brush towards the ears.
- If you've also applied bronzer to the tip of your nose, blend it by gently swirling the brush around the color.
- If you also applied the bronzer next to the nostrils, don't forget to blend the color in that area as well.
Step 12. Finish with a thin layer of loose powder
Apply it to the nose and the rest of the face using a large, soft-bristled brush or a kabuki brush (of Japanese origin, considered by many to be the best for applying loose powder). This step serves to fix the products used for contouring and to prevent unwanted smudging; in addition, the powder will absorb any excess sebum. Use a sheer powder or the same color as your complexion. It is better to choose it of the opaque type, otherwise the skin may look greasy. If you notice too much powder on your nose, gently wipe it off with a soft clean brush.
Method 2 of 3: Take the Attention Off the Nose
Step 1. Use a bright lipstick or a bold color to draw attention away from the nose
Before applying it, define the contour of the lips with a pencil of similar color. Also color the rest of the lips with the same pencil, then put on the lipstick. If you want, you can apply it with a brush to get a more precise result. When done, dab both lips with tissue, then apply a second layer of color if needed.
Step 2. Avoid eye makeup too heavily
In fact, there is the risk of drawing attention to the central part of the face, therefore also to the nose. It is better to go for a more natural eye make-up using neutral colors.
- Dark circles can also draw attention to the center of the face. If necessary, use concealer to mask dark skin under the eyes. Choose a color that matches your skin tone, then apply it by tapping it on the dark circles with your ring finger. When it's time to blend it, try to work it down towards the cheeks.
- Try a cat eye look for something bold that draws attention away from your nose.
Step 3. Fill in and shape your brows
Having thick, defined eyebrows can help distract attention from the opposite, which may make your nose look bigger. Style carefully without removing too much hair. Next, fill in the empty spots with an eyeshadow of the right color and use the gel to keep the hairs in place.
Step 4. Use your hair to draw attention away from your nose
A curly and voluminous hair is much more showy than a big nose. Another aspect that you need to take into consideration is where you part the part: if you divide the hair exactly in the center of the head, you automatically direct the attention of those who look at you towards the nose. The side parting instead helps you to distract it from the center of the face. Here is a list of hairstyles that keep the nose from being the center of attention:
- Side line;
- Scaled cut that frames the face;
- Soft curls or waves;
- Soft and deliberately messy chignon or crop;
- If you want to make the nose look shorter, try creating more volume on the back of the head.
Step 5. Understand which hairstyles to avoid
Certain hairstyles direct attention towards the center of the face. A long tuft, which covers the eyes, prevents the viewer from making eye contact. Not being able to look into your eyes, your gaze will fall on the closest point on your face, the nose. Here is a list of styles that tend to draw attention to the nose:
- Middle row;
- Straight cuts;
- Absence of volume or movement (straight and flat hair);
- Very tight and neat ponytail.
Step 6. Choose the right accessories
Try wearing a necklace or earrings. The shimmer will distract attention from the nose. You can achieve the same result with a hat. If you wear glasses, remember to choose a pair with a wide, thick frame. The goal is to use an accessory that is larger than the nose, to make the nose appear smaller.
Method 3 of 3: Resorting to Plastic Surgery
Step 1. Consider getting rhinoplasty
If you are looking for a permanent solution, you can think about making your nose smaller thanks to surgery. This type of surgery can be used to remedy a nose that is too large or in the following cases:
- Very wide nostrils;
- Irregular bridge of the nose (bumps or depressions)
- Point of nose drooping, upturned, long or pointed;
- Crooked or asymmetrical nose.
Step 2. Understand what to expect
A rhinoplasty surgery usually takes one to two hours and is conducted by a plastic surgeon. Anesthesia can be local or general. As with most cosmetic surgery operations, the doctor will have to analyze your medical record to determine if you can be operated on safely and if you need to take some special precautions.
Step 3. Understand that plastic surgery still carries risks
Like any other surgery, rhinoplasty can also have unwanted consequences. The following problems may arise during or after the operation:
- Allergic reaction to drugs (including anesthesia);
- Respiratory difficulties;
- Hemorrhage;
- Appearance of bruises;
- Infection.
Step 4. Understand that recovery times are very long
Generally, patients can go home the same day, but in some cases an overnight hospital stay is required. Healing will take place slowly and gradually, and a full recovery may take up to several weeks. Intense bruising and swelling around the eyes and nose may appear before returning to health. These symptoms will usually go away within two weeks.
Step 5. The doctor might apply a splint on the outside of the nose
It will look like a bandage and you will need to keep it for a week. You may also need to take medications to relieve pain and swelling. Some patients have found relief from using a cold compress.
Step 6. Understand that scars may remain
Generally, rhinoplasty is an operation that leaves no marks, but if the surgery is aimed at narrowing the nostrils, small scars may form at the base of the nose. In addition, some capillaries may break, causing the appearance of small red spots on the nose which, in some cases, will remain permanent.
Advice
- If the shape or size of your nose makes you feel very uncomfortable, try to identify which aspects you like. Maybe you consider it too long, but you appreciate its slim shape.
- Don't widen your nostrils. Many people tend to open their nostrils when they are angry, resulting in an even bigger nose.
- Collect information about your family and genetic history. Knowing what the origins of a certain feature are could help you accept it.
- Try to feel comfortable with your nose. Often when we try to hide something we end up highlighting it even more.
- There are ready-made contouring kits, which contain both the earth and the highlighter, to facilitate the choice of colors.
- Consider getting a lip or ear piercing to distract attention from your nose. This is a much cheaper solution than plastic surgery!
- If you have trouble drawing straight lines with the earth, try placing a cotton swab on the side of your nose. It will need to touch both the tip and the top of the nose.
- Understand that there is nothing wrong with a wide nose. Indeed many people would like to have it wider and more prominent. Whether you are a man or a woman, know that you don't need a small nose to be charming.
