Forget the Push-Up Bra — Makeup Is the Best Way to Fake Cleavage

Getty | Marc Piasecki

Some of us have been blessed with an ample bosom, and then some of us have not (for which I am in the latter group). Regardless of what the numbers and letter(s) say on your current bra-sizing tag, sometimes a little makeup trickery can come in handy to create the illusion of fullness.

In lieu of spending an exorbitant amount on a fancy padded bra or wearing an uncomfortable bustier that's just not you, here's an affordable way to put a smile on your significant other's face without having to suffer financial or physical pain. Read ahead for my three-step method for faking cleavage with makeup.

  • Step one: contour. Using a small blush brush, sweep contouring powder or bronzer (at least one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone) up and down the area between your breasts. Next, envision a curved "Y" shape, sweeping your bronzer along the natural curvature and roundness at the top of each of the breasts. This will create an illusion of depth.
  • Step two: highlight. To feign fullness, use a highlighting powder or cream (or a concealer one to two shades lighter than your skin tone) and apply along the upper half, "pushed-up" areas of your breasts. Tip: use the top of your bra line as a general guide. Then, apply to the inside part of the top of the "Y" directly against the chestbone. Coupled with the contour, this will make your faux cleavage really pop.
  • Step three: set it and forget it. Blend to diffuse any harsh lines, and set with a pressed or loose powder.
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