How to Make Face More Defined Guide

in healthfitness · 8 min read

woman in black spaghetti strap top
Photo by William Priess on Unsplash

Practical, step by step guide on how to make face more defined using mewing, jawline exercises, posture, nutrition, and skin care. Includes

Overview

The phrase how to make face more defined appears in this guide to ensure clarity about the goal: improving jawline definition, enhancing cheekbone prominence, and tightening facial soft tissue by combining mewing, jaw exercises, posture, body-fat management, and skin care. You will learn practical daily routines, specific exercises, posture corrections, dietary tweaks, and measurable ways to track improvement.

Why this matters: facial structure influences perceived health, age, and confidence. Small, consistent changes to tongue posture, chewing patterns, neck muscle tone, and overall body fat can produce noticeable improvements over months.

Prerequisites: basic health clearance if you have TMJ issues or neck problems, a mirror, a stable chair, a towel or resistance band for some exercises, and patience. Time estimate: most steps take 5 to 20 minutes daily, with cumulative results visible in 4 to 12 weeks depending on genetics and adherence.

Step 1:

Establish Correct Tongue Posture with Mewing

Correct action to take:

  1. Close your mouth so teeth are lightly touching or slightly apart.
  2. Place the entire tongue body against the roof of the mouth, not just the tip. Flatten from tip to rear.
  3. Seal the lips and maintain nasal breathing.
  4. Hold this posture when sitting, standing, and walking.

Why you are doing it:

Mewing promotes upward and forward pressure on the maxilla and helps align soft tissues over time. Consistent tongue posture reduces mouth breathing, improves midface support, and can subtly change jawline appearance.

Commands and examples:

  • Practice 5 minutes sitting straight, gently pressing tongue to palate.
  • Use a sticky note at eye level that reads “Tongue Up” to remind you during the day.
  • Daily micro-routine: 5 minutes morning, 5 minutes midday, 5 minutes evening.

Expected outcome:

Improved nasal breathing, better posture habit formation, slight enhancement in midface lift and cheek musculature over 2 to 6 months with consistency.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Trouble keeping the back of the tongue up: practice swallowing with tongue on palate; pause and reset.
  • Jaw pain or TMJ discomfort: reduce force, consult a dentist or physio if persistent.
  • Mouth breathing during exercise: pause and focus on nasal breathing drills.

Time estimate: ⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 2:

how to make face more defined with Posture and Cervical Alignment

Correct action to take:

  1. Perform daily posture checks: ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips.
  2. Strengthen deep neck flexors with chin tucks: sit upright and retract the chin backward, hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times.
  3. Stretch chest muscles: doorway stretch 30 seconds each side.

Why you are doing it:

Forward head posture shortens the neck and blunts the jawline. Restoring cervical alignment reveals the submandibular angle and lengthens the neck appearance, making the face appear more defined.

Commands and examples:

  • Micro-breaks: every hour, stand and do 10 chin tucks.
  • Use the 20 20 20 rule adapted for posture: every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds correcting posture.

Example schedule (code block for simple routine):

Morning: 10 chin tucks, 30s doorway stretch each side
Midday: 5 chin tucks, posture check, 1 min neck tilt stretch
Evening: 10 chin tucks, 30s chest stretch

Expected outcome:

Reduced double chin appearance, sharper jawline silhouette, and less neck strain after 4 weeks of consistent practice.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Neck fatigue: reduce repetitions and build up gradually.
  • Inability to feel muscle activation: place fingers on throat and note movement during chin tuck.
  • Workstation ergonomics: raise monitor to eye level and use a supportive chair.

Time estimate: ⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 3:

Jawline and Masseter Strengthening Exercises

Correct action to take:

  1. Perform resisted jaw closures: place a fist under chin and gently try to close jaw against resistance, hold 5 seconds, repeat 8-10 times.
  2. Chewing drills: use sugar-free chewing gum or simulated chewing with a water bottle to create balanced chewing on both sides, 10 minutes total.
  3. Chin tucks against resistance: using a small towel under chin, press downward while resisting with the towel for 5 seconds, 8-10 reps.

Why you are doing it:

Strengthening masseter and suprahyoid muscles defines the jawline by increasing muscle tone and reducing laxity. Balanced chewing prevents asymmetric masseter hypertrophy.

Commands and examples:

  • 3 sets of resisted jaw closures daily.
  • Chew gum for two 5-minute sessions during the day.
  • Optional device: jawline trainer or gum massager can be used cautiously for additional resistance.

Expected outcome:

Increased masseter tone, more pronounced jaw angle, and reduced soft tissue sag with consistent training over 6 to 12 weeks.

Common issues and fixes:

  • TMJ pain: stop immediately and consult a dental professional before resuming.
  • Overdeveloped masseter on one side: consciously chew on the weaker side for equal reps.
  • Tooth sensitivity: use soft chewing surfaces and consult dentist for underlying issues.

Time estimate: ⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 4:

Submental and Neck Muscle Conditioning

Correct action to take:

  1. Perform platysma lifts: tilt head back, tighten neck muscles to pull lower face upward, hold 5 seconds, repeat 12 times.
  2. Supine chin tucks: lie on back, press tongue to roof of mouth, slide lower jaw forward and back, 3 sets of 10.
  3. Resistance band chin lifts: wrap band under chin and pull head up against resistance slowly, 3 sets of 8-10.

Why you are doing it:

Targeting submental muscles reduces a soft neck appearance and increases the contrast between the jawline and neck. Neck muscle tone helps maintain a defined mandibular border.

Commands and examples:

  • 3 sets of platysma lifts morning and night.
  • Use a soft resistance band with gradual tension increase each week.
  • Keep movements slow and controlled to avoid strain.

Expected outcome:

Tighter submental area, less jowl creeping, and a more vertical neck line after 8 to 12 weeks.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Neck strain: lower reps and ensure neutral cervical spine before starting.
  • Dizzy feeling when lying supine: pause and sit up slowly.
  • No visible change: combine with fat loss strategies and skin tightening for better results.

Time estimate: ⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 5:

Reduce Facial Fat and Optimize Diet

Correct action to take:

  1. Track daily calories and aim for a moderate 250 to 500 calorie deficit if body fat reduction is desired.
  2. Prioritize protein intake: 1.2 to 1.6 g per kg of bodyweight to preserve muscle.
  3. Stay hydrated: 2 to 3 liters daily; reduce high-sodium processed foods.

Why you are doing it:

Facial definition is strongly influenced by overall body fat. Losing excess subcutaneous fat on the face reveals underlying bone and muscle structures. Proper nutrition preserves muscle mass while fat is lost.

Commands and examples:

  • Example macro plan for 75 kg person aiming to lose fat:
Calories: 2000 kcal daily
Protein: 120 g
Carbs: 200 g
Fat: 70 g
  • Use apps like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to track intake.
  • Maintain consistent sleep and stress control to avoid cortisol-driven fat retention.

Expected outcome:

Noticeable decrease in cheek fullness and submental fat in 4 to 12 weeks depending on starting body fat.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Rapid weight loss causing hollowness: aim for slow loss 0.5 to 1% bodyweight per week.
  • Plateaus: adjust calorie intake or increase resistance training.
  • Dehydration: drink water steadily, avoid overconsumption of diuretics.

Time estimate: ⏱️ ~10 minutes (planning plus ongoing tracking)

Step 6:

Skin Care, Grooming, and Noninvasive Tools

Correct action to take:

  1. Daily skin routine: gentle cleanser, sunscreen SPF30+, nightly retinoid or peptide serum.
  2. Hair and beard grooming: use beard shaping or trimming under the jawline to create sharper shadows.
  3. Consider noninvasive options: radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasound (HIFU), or filler for immediate contouring after consulting a licensed practitioner.

Why you are doing it:

Skin elasticity and surface shadowing influence perceived definition. Good skin quality reduces sagging and enhances contour. Hair and facial hair shape can provide immediate, aesthetic changes.

Noninvasive procedures offer faster results for those seeking faster improvement.

Commands and examples:

  • Morning: cleanse, antioxidant serum, SPF.
  • Evening: cleanse, retinoid or peptide product, moisturize.
  • Schedule professional treatments only after research and a consultation.

Expected outcome:

Improved skin texture, firmer jawline area, and immediate visual enhancement from grooming and temporary clinical treatments.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Skin irritation from retinoids: start with low concentration twice weekly and build up.
  • Unsuitable procedures: vet providers by reviews and certifications.
  • Beard makes face rounder: test different styles and use trimmers for precise contours.

Time estimate: ⏱️ ~10 minutes

Testing and Validation

How to verify it works with checklist:

  • Weekly photo record: take front, 45 degree, and profile photos every 7 days at the same time, same lighting, neutral face.
  • Measure compliance: mark daily tasks completed for mewing, exercises, and posture in a tracker.
  • Functional checks: improved nasal breathing, less jaw fatigue, easier neck posture maintenance.
  • Objective measures: use a tape measure to track neck circumference monthly and body fat estimate tools biweekly.

Checklist:

  1. Photos taken weekly
  2. Daily mewing attempts logged
  3. Exercise sessions recorded 3 to 5 times per week
  4. Nutrition tracked daily when aiming for fat loss

If after 12 weeks there is no perceptible change, re-evaluate adherence, check for underlying medical conditions, or consult a specialist for personalized plan.

Common Mistakes

  1. Expecting instant results: facial structure changes slowly; inconsistent practice yields no change.
  2. Overtraining the masseters or using aggressive devices: can cause TMJ pain and asymmetry; use low resistance and consult a dentist if pain arises.
  3. Neglecting overall body fat: targeted facial exercises alone will have limited impact if overall fat is high.
  4. Ignoring posture and nasal breathing: proper tongue posture and cervical alignment are foundational; skipping these undermines other efforts.

Avoid these by setting realistic timelines, tracking adherence, moderating exercise intensity, and combining strategies.

FAQ

How Long Before I See Results?

Most people notice subtle changes in 4 to 8 weeks for posture and muscle tone, and more visible facial slimming in 8 to 12 weeks with a calorie deficit. Individual genetics and starting body fat change timelines.

Can Mewing Change Bone Structure?

Mewing primarily influences soft tissue posture and can affect maxillary development in young people whose sutures are still flexible. In adults, benefits are mostly soft tissue repositioning and improved posture.

Will Chewing Gum Make My Jawline More Defined?

Chewing gum can strengthen jaw muscles slightly and improve tone when used safely, but excessive unilateral chewing can cause masseter hypertrophy or TMJ issues. Use short sessions and chew on both sides.

Is Surgery Necessary for Dramatic Change?

Surgery such as buccal fat removal, chin augmentation, or neck liposuction yields dramatic, immediate results. Noninvasive methods and exercises offer gradual improvement and lower risk. Consultation with a certified plastic surgeon is advised for surgical options.

Can I Do All Steps If I Have TMJ Pain?

If you have TMJ pain, start with low intensity posture and neck work and avoid resisted jaw exercises. Consult a dentist or physical therapist who specializes in TMJ before attempting jaw resistance training.

Next Steps

After completing this guide, maintain a daily log of mewing posture, exercises, posture checks, and nutrition for at least 12 weeks. Reassess weekly photos and neck measurements. If results plateau, adjust caloric intake or increase resistance training intensity.

For faster or pronounced changes, research credentialed clinicians for skin tightening or surgical options and schedule consultations. Continue combining posture, targeted exercises, and healthy lifestyle habits for sustainable definition.

Further Reading

Jamie

About the author

Jamie — Founder, Jawline Exercises (website)

Jamie helps people improve their facial structure through proven mewing techniques and AI-guided jawline exercises.

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