Ways To Make Your Nose Skinnier

Exercise and a healthy diet often whittles a double chin, slims down chipmunk cheeks, and tones your body. Unfortunately, wide noses don't respond to weight loss strategies as readily as wide hips do. To slim your nose, either resort to plastic surgery or learn a few hair and makeup tricks that create the optical illusion of a skinnier nose.

Cosmetics

Contour powders are readily available in the makeup aisle of your favorite drug store or department store. If you don't have access to contour makeup, use a foundation or powder shade one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Paula Begoun, author of "The Complete Beauty Bible," suggests laying your index finger down the center of your nose and applying the contour powder on the areas of your nose not covered by your finger. Remove your finger and continue to apply contour powder on your nose tip and nostril flairs. For an extra slimming effect, apply to the bridge of your nose contour powder that is a shade or two lighter than your natural tone.

Hairstyle

Avoid hair styles that frame your face. Excess hair around your face casts shadows, making your nose stand out more in contrast. Pixie cuts or severe buns also make your nose appear more prominent. Opt instead for styles that add softness without extra volume around your face, like a loose upsweep or wispy bangs.

Eyeglasses

If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses regularly, invest in a pair which plays up your best features and contrasts your face shape to draw attention away from your wide nose. If you have vibrant blue eyes, for example, go bold with eyeglass frames that match your eye color. Or play up your auburn locks with tortoiseshell frames with either your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Choosing an angular, narrow shape to contrast your nose may make it appear longer and thinner. A clear bridge may also add to the optical illusion in a way that is similar to the makeup contouring trick described above.

Medication

In some cases, your wide or swollen-looking nose may actually be caused by a condition known as rhinophyma. The condition is thought to be a severe form of the skin condition rosacea. Consult your physician if you suspect you may have rhinophyma. Other symptoms include a "bulb-like" shape, redness and thickened skin. Your doctor may suggest surgery, but prescription acne medication can also reduce the swelling.

Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic surgery can slim a wide nose, as well as alter other nose features you may be displeased with, such as narrow nostrils. According to MayoClinic.com, risks for this kind of plastic surgery, known as rhinoplasty, include numbness, nosebleeds, disfiguration, breathing difficulties and scarring. However, serious health complications are rare. Unless your insurance carrier considers the surgery medically necessary, you can expect to pay between $4000 and $7000.