My Favorite Cheek Lift Face Yoga Move
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I believe in the power of face yoga. It’s not just about looking younger, though that’s a pretty wonderful bonus. For me, it’s about taking a few quiet minutes each day to reconnect with my body, soften stress, and give my skin a little extra love. One of the first techniques I learned—and still one I practice almost daily—is the Cheek Lift. It’s simple, it feels good, and it makes such a difference in how bright and lifted my face looks.
Why I Love This Move
The cheeks tend to be one of the first areas to show signs of aging. They slowly lose that youthful volume, and smile lines deepen as the skin starts to relax. I used to notice that when I was tired, my whole mid-face looked heavy, almost as if gravity had pulled everything down an inch. The Cheek Lift changed that for me. It strengthens the zygomatic muscles (the ones that create your smile), so instead of sagging downward, they start lifting upward again.
And here’s the best part: it’s not just about appearance. Every time I do this move, circulation floods my face. My skin feels warmer, my energy shifts, and I get this natural glow that makeup alone could never mimic.
How I Do the Cheek Lift
Here’s my routine, step by step. Try it with me right now if you’d like.
Sit tall and soften. I take a deep breath, straighten my spine, and let my shoulders relax. It’s almost like signaling to my body: we’re switching gears into self-care mode.
Make an “O” shape. I gently drop my jaw into an “O” sound. This little stretch wakes up the cheeks immediately.
Smile into it. Without separating my lips, I smile as wide as I can. I feel the muscles under my eyes and along my cheekbones working hard.
Add a little resistance. I place two fingers lightly on my upper cheeks and push down just enough to challenge the lift. My muscles press up against the resistance, and it’s almost like weight-training for the face.
Hold and release. I keep that lifted smile for about five to ten seconds before relaxing. I’ll repeat this ten times, usually while breathing deeply.
What I Notice Afterward
After a few rounds, my cheeks feel alive, like they’ve had their own mini workout. Over time, I’ve seen my smile lines soften, my cheeks look more defined, and my whole expression feels lighter. I also notice less puffiness because the movement helps with lymphatic drainage.
A Small Ritual with Big Rewards
The beauty of this practice is that it doesn’t require expensive tools or hours of time. Just your own hands, a few minutes, and the willingness to be present. When I do the Cheek Lift daily, I feel more radiant—not only in my skin, but in my mood. It’s a reminder that small, consistent rituals really do add up.
If you decide to try this, let me know how it feels for you. I love hearing when someone else discovers the simple joy of face yoga.
