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If your daily Google search is how to depuff your face, then you have arrived at the right place! From understanding why your face gets puffy to getting both skincare and makeup tricks to depuffing it—this is the ultimate guide!
Cortisol Face - What is it?
The most recent fad on social media, "cortisol face" or "moon face," has probably caught your eye if you've been using the apps recently. Furthermore, if you've spent even a minute watching the many videos on the subject, you'll know that the social media influencers' obsession with decreasing "cortisol face" is real. In addition, they offer their advice and numerous products on how to depuff your face!
If you're hearing these words for the first time and are naturally curious, pay attention!
Influencers on social media often use the phrase "cortisol face" to describe how stress causes a swollen and bloated appearance on the face. In case you haven't realised by now, the stress hormone (cortisol) is responsible for a physical alteration in your facial appearance, which is accompanied by bloating and swelling. Influencers are joining the trend, promising skin or lifestyle changes to alleviate the issue, regardless of the scientific validity of these claims.
So, is the “cortisol face” real or just another beauty myth?
Stress alone cannot alter the shape of your face, and elevated cortisol levels may make you appear rounder. Dehydration and subsequent water retention are major causes of puffiness rather than facial oedema, which might indicate more serious problems. This theory explains why drinking alcohol in the evening can affect your facial appearance. In any case, it's not enjoyable to not feel your best. Whether it's because you're swollen from your period, puffy after crying all night over a breakup, or just plain bloated, nobody likes to be unflattering.
How to depuff your face 101
Lymphatic drainage massage
In addition to being incredibly soothing, massaging your face with sweeping motions helps stimulate lymph flow and alleviate puffiness. It would be ideal to have a professional do it. But you may easily do it yourself at home. Pay close attention to the areas surrounding the jawline, neck, and collarbone as well as the facial lymph nodes located in front of and behind the ear.
Always lie on your back while you sleep
Fluid retention throughout the night is common, but if you find that your face is abnormally swollen upon waking, you may choose to change the way you sleep. To help fluid drain while sleeping, use a good pillow and lie on your side. Your room temperature should be approximately 18°C to support excellent sleep, which is also beneficial for depuffing.
Gua Sha
Alicia Keys and Phoebe Dynevor are just two of many famous people who value quality time spent with their gua sha. The lymphatic drainage system and Chinese meridian points are both worked on by gua sha. The process helps reduce puffiness by improving oxygen levels in the skin, increasing blood flow, and getting rid of toxins and stagnation. In addition to reducing swelling and making the face feel lighter, it helps untangle any tight fascia and muscles, which releases trapped fluids in certain areas of the face.
Instant makeup hacks on how to depuff your face
Use cosmetics with earth tones
The use of muted tones around the lips, cheeks, and eyes draws the viewer's gaze. Your vibrant lips or eye colours won't capture someone's attention the moment they lay eyes on you. This is useful information to have on hand if you're experiencing puffiness; colour attracts attention, so if you're not in top form, this will help you blend in.
Wing out your liner
By drawing a flick from the outside corner of your eye and tracing your top lash line, you may make your eyes look larger and less puffy by drawing attention upward.
Apply abundant coats of mascara
Using a generous amount of mascara is a simple technique to draw attention to the middle of your face if you have a round face and want it to look narrower. The more space your eyes occupy on your face, the more they serve to bring the viewer's gaze within.
Define the arch of your cheeks
For a long time, contouring has been renowned for its ability to make your face seem slimmer while simultaneously giving you considerable bone structure. If looking chiselled like Bella Hadid is your 2025 moodboard, then investing in a gorgeous cheek bronzer and blush duo is just what you need!