How to Slim Down Puffy Cheeks

Whether you spent the night partying, had an early wake-up call or simply find your cheeks a little too plump, puffy cheeks can change the entire appearance of your face. Plump, pinchable cheeks are certainly not a bad thing -- but if you prefer a trimmer look, you can turn to plenty of slimming methods. It takes a combination of tactics -- both short and long term -- to slim down your visage.

Hydrate with nine 8-ounce glasses of water every day. If your body isn't properly hydrated, it attempts to hold onto the water stores it does have, resulting in a bloated and puffy face. Always have a glass of water first thing in the morning.

Eat more hydrating foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Apples, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, iceberg lettuce and oranges work particularly well in keeping your body -- and your cheeks -- properly hydrated.

Avoid drinking alcohol. One of the key causes of facial bloat, alcohol dehydrates your body, resulting in puffy cheeks and baggy eyes. Similarly, reduce the amount of salt and high-sodium foods you eat. Like alcohol, salty snacks and processed foods often lead to a swollen look.

Trim calories from your diet and burn additional calories through cardiovascular and strength-training exercises, such as running, swimming, jogging and weightlifting. As you burn calories and gain muscle tone, your entire body -- including your face and cheeks -- firms up. Over time, less fat reveals slimmer facial features.

Sleep with your head somewhat elevated, such as on a tall stack of pillows, to reduce the chances of facial swelling in the morning.

Apply a simple cold compress made of ice cubes wrapped in a clean towel to your cheeks. Leave the compress on for about 10 minutes. This quick remedy helps reduce puffiness from normal swelling or bloating.

Apply highlighter just at the top of your cheekbones when doing your makeup. Blend a bright-colored cream or blush below the highlighter, in the center of your cheeks. Apply bronzer or a darker powder under the cheekbones, blending as you go. This creates a sclupted effect, lifting your cheekbones and lending your cheeks a more angular aspect.

Warnings

If your puffy cheeks result from an allergic reaction, any sort of medical condition or an injury, consult your physician as soon as possible.