Round-faced guys and gals, gather 'round
Last month, we published an article about body positivity looking and feeling different on others versus on the self. Diversity should be easier now, what with plus-sized models and pop culture icons sprouting one after the otherāonly for a lot of us, it still isnāt. Itās easy to tell a person to accept their curves and learn to love their bumps and imperfections, but preaching doesnāt necessarily make practicing any easier.
I can narrow down my long, winding list of physical complexes to two main issues. Alright, maybe the word issue is a little harsh. Iām working on it, I swear. But for someone who has been plagued with these parameters all my life, itās a little difficult to see them in a different light. The parts of my body Iām most insecure about are my lower bodyāthat outward-jutting, too-meaty junction between the curve of my butt and my thighs that seems to be passed down from one generation of women to the next in my familyāand my round, noticeably chubby cheeks.
My butt-and-thigh area, Iāve learned, is something that Iām either going to have to live with and learn to love eventually or put immense time and effort into attempting to shrink. Sure, there are cosmetic procedures, but certainly none in a price range Iād consider. Thereās a lot of junk in this trunk, and itās going to take more than a couple of sessions to see results there.
My chubby cheeks, though, are a different story. Unlike my lower body which Iāve detested since time immemorial, Iāve gone through the motions of trying to love and accept my round-faced destiny more times than I can remember. My thought cycle would go from āMaybe they arenāt so badā to āMaybe theyād look less prominent if I tilted my head this way.ā From āJennie makes round faces look so good!ā to āWhy the hell canāt I look like Jennie.ā
And so, here we are. Iāve done a fair amount of exploring to discover the numerous ways a chubby-cheeked gal (or guy, really) can inch her way closer to a slimmer, more defined jawline. Some promise immediate results, while others need commitment to cultivate change.
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Ice roller
Image via Shimmer Beauty
What is it? A beauty tool that promises to de-puff the face, soothe redness, improve the complexion and offer relaxation. The detachable metal roller head is designed to be kept in the freezer for at least four hours before use.
How long before results start showing? Rather than promising a permanent muscular lift, ice rollers reduce bloating thanks to the cold sensation from the metal and the upward rolling motion. Bloating can be visibly reduced within hours on some, but take note that the results wonāt be as visible as, say, a cosmetic procedure!
How much does it cost? P1,350 at Shimmer Beauty.
Mewing
What is it? A technique that entails training the tongue to follow correct oral posture in order to improve facial symmetry, create a defined facial profile and reduce mouth breathing and sleep apnea. Mewing has caused quite a stir online on multiple occasions due to impressive real-life results caused by a seemingly minor change in habits.
How long before results start showing? Some claim to see visible results within a matter of weeks but most reports from experienced Mewers state that they needed to keep at it for a few months for noticeable changes.
How much does it cost? A good amount of patience and willingness but, apart from that, itās absolutely free.
Lifting
What is it? There are a variety of lifting procedures and treatments on the market, one of the many being Dr. CRBās Hollywood Lift (which I personally tried last year!). The process varies depending on the exact service you get and which clinic you go to. Dr. CRBās Hollywood Lift, for instance, made use of electric microcurrents and copious amounts of pressing and rolling the facial muscles.
How long before results start showing? In my experience, the Hollywood Lift presented results immediately, although they became more prominent a couple of weeks after the treatment. The cheek-slimming effect lasted for 4 to 6 months, and honestly, Iām definitely thinking of making a second trip.
How much does it cost? Prices vary from clinic to clinic. If youāre interested in Dr. CRBās Hollywood Lift, rates are available upon requestāsimply give them a call at (2) 955 2375.
Botox
What is it? The most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure carried out using injectable neurotoxins. Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles in order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. When done on the jaw muscles, botox can lift and tighten the cheek and jaw area. Belo offers Baby Botox, which makes use of a lower dosage than the run-of-the-mill botox procedure, with results lasting from 2 to 4 months.
How long before results start showing? Changes can be seen immediately after the procedure, however botox may take up to two weeks for maximum results to kick in.
How much does it cost? Beloās Baby Botox starts from a minimum price of P13,500 per session.
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I don't believe beauty has to come with a price. After all, there are so many women out there doing a fine job of loving themselves, round faces, chubby cheeks and allāand maybe I'll get to that point eventually. In the meantime, though, I'm frank about my weak points and the fact that two of them happen to be very round, very present mounds of fluff on my face. In my case, the beauty I want to achieve does come with a price tag: monetary or mew-netary (sorry, I tried). But hey, if paying my dues or my mews (that's the last one, I swear) means being less reliant on contouring makeup and feeling less swollen all the time, then I'm all for it.
Art Alexandra Lara