Are you sick of looking too harsh in photos or feeling like your features stand out too much? You’re not alone! Many people find their faces overly strong and can knock off some confidence. But don’t worry — it’s possible to soften the facial features without breaking the bank.
Facial features can be softened simply and naturally by using makeup, practicing good skincare habits, or even through facial exercises. This document will guide you on how to soften facial features and achieve the look you desire.

In this post, learn simple steps to reduce the appearance of prominent cheeks, chins, and noses — without any expensive treatments or drastic plastic surgery! With tips on makeup application, contouring techniques, hairstyle choices, and more read on to see how softening facial features is within reach!
What Will You Need?
Before diving into the methods, let’s ensure you have everything you need to achieve softer facial features. Here are some of the items that can come in handy:
- Foundation: This will help you even out your skin tone and provide a smooth base for any makeup look.
- Concealer: It’s great for covering up blemishes, dark circles, or hyperpigmentation.
- Contouring Products: This includes bronzers, blushes, and highlighters. These help create shadows, add dimension, and enhance facial features.
- Makeup Brushes: The right tools are essential for a seamless application of makeup products.
- Skincare Products: Good skincare habits such as proper cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing can help improve the appearance of your skin and soften its features.
- Facial Exercise: Facial exercises are quick, easy, and effective movements that target specific facial muscles to tone and sculpt.
Now that you have all the necessary tools and products let’s dive into how you can soften your facial features.
10 Easy Steps on How to Soften Facial Features
Step 1. Proper Makeup Application:
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply foundation that matches your skin tone using a makeup brush or sponge for an even, smooth finish. Use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark spots. The goal is to create a flawless canvas that softens harsh features.

Step 2: Master Contouring Techniques:
Contouring is a makeup technique that uses light and shadow to visually sculpt and define your facial features, making them appear softer and more balanced. Choose a contouring product one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Apply it to areas you want to recede or appear smaller, such as the sides of your nose, the hollows of your cheeks, or along your hairline. Blend well for a natural look. Don’t forget to apply a highlighter on the highest points of your face like the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and brow bones, to create a contrast and further soften your features.
Step 3: Choose the Right Hairstyle:
Your hairstyle can significantly influence how soft or harsh your facial features appear. For instance, long layers, soft waves, or curls can help to soften a strong jawline or prominent cheekbones. Bangs, particularly side-swept or wavy bangs, can also help to ease the appearance of a large forehead or an intense nose. It’s essential to work with a professional hairstylist who can offer personalized advice based on your hair type, lifestyle, and facial structure.
Step 4: Practice Facial Exercises:
By toning the muscles underneath your skin, facial exercises can contribute to a more harmonious and balanced appearance. They are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and require no special equipment. For example, try a chin lift exercise to soften a prominent chin: tilt your head back, look towards the ceiling, and move your lower lip over your upper lip as far as you can. Hold this pose for a few seconds, and then relax. Repeat this exercise a few times each day for noticeable results. Remember, consistency is vital with facial exercises.
Step 5: Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in the health and appearance of our skin. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help keep your skin glowing and soft. Hydration is also key. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, leading to a more plumped and softened appearance of facial features.
Step 6: Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine:
A consistent skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin and softening facial features. Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil from your skin. Follow up with a toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and prepare it for the following skincare steps. Apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type to hydrate your skin and keep it soft and supple. Don’t forget to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, which can make your skin look dull and highlight harsh features. Lastly, always apply sunscreen before stepping out during the day to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Step 7: Opt for Soft, Natural Makeup Looks:
When trying to soften facial features, heavy, dramatic makeup can sometimes highlight the features you want to chill out rather than making them appear softer. Instead, opt for smooth, natural makeup looks. Choose neutral eyeshadows, a hint of blush on the apples of your cheeks, and a pale lip color close to your natural lip shade. These choices can help your features blend naturally, creating a softer appearance.
Step 8: Pay Attention to Your Eyebrows:
Eyebrows frame your face and can significantly impact how harsh or soft your features appear. Overly thin, arched eyebrows can make your facial features seem shorter, while fuller, more naturally shaped eyebrows can help soften your look. Consider working with a professional to find the best eyebrow shape for your face and features. Regularly groom your brows by filling in sparse areas with an eyebrow pencil or powder that matches your hair color.
Step 9: Wear Flattering Glasses:
If you wear glasses, choosing the right frame can significantly influence the perceived softness of your facial features. Round or oval frames can help soften a square face or strong jawline, while angular frames can add definition to softer, rounder facial contours. The key is to choose a frame that contrasts with your face shape. Also, consider the color of your frames. Warm, soft colors help soften the overall impression. If you don’t need glasses for vision correction, view glasses with non-prescription lenses to change up your look and add softness to your features.
Step 10: Embrace Your Features and Confidence:
While these tips can help soften facial features, it’s also essential to remember that our unique features are part of what makes us beautiful. Embrace your features and have confidence in your own skin. When you feel confident, it radiates through you and softens how others perceive you.

Following these steps can soften your facial features and create a more balanced, harmonious appearance.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Invest in a Good Moisturizer: A high-quality moisturizer is essential for softening facial features. Regular use of moisturizer not only hydrates your skin but also gives it a smooth, soft glow.
- Meet your Water Intake: Adequate water intake is vital to maintain the softness and elasticity of your skin. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
- Remember Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells and reveal the softer, smoother skin underneath.
- Use a Softening Mask: Incorporate the use of facial masks that are specifically designed to soften and smooth the skin. Ingredients like honey or aloe vera are known for their softening properties.
- Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can significantly improve the texture and softness of your skin. Include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your daily diet.
With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to a softer and more youthful appearance.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Harsh Chemicals: Beware of skin care products laden with harsh chemicals. They can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and rough. Always opt for products with natural ingredients.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Too much sun can damage your skin, causing it to become stiff and leathery. Always use good sunscreen and stay out of the sun during peak hours.
- Smoking: Smoking can cause your skin to lose its elasticity and softness. It can also lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. If you want to keep your skin looking soft and youthful, it’s best to quit smoking.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to dry and flaky skin. Make sure to meet your daily water intake requirement to maintain your skin’s softness.
- Poor Nutrition: Eating a diet high in processed foods and sugars can damage your skin’s health and texture. Stick to a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to maintain your skin’s softness and glow.

By following these simple tips and avoiding harmful habits, you can quickly achieve softer, more feminine facial features.
Conclusion
Overall, several different methods exist to soften your facial features to be more flattering. Whether using the right makeup and skincare routine, avoiding too much sun exposure, or sleeping on a satin pillowcase every night, each strategy plays its part in achieving desired results. And if done correctly, you can start looking beautiful with just a few tweaks!
Hopefully, this guide on how to soften facial features has given you some valuable insights into how to ease your facial features and enhance your natural beauty. Each individual’s results will vary, so finding what works best for you is essential. Be sure to consult with a licensed professional if you’re unsure about any of the abovementioned strategies.
Now, go ahead and start perfecting those features!
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.