The vocabulary
Glossary
Mewing, softmaxxing, canthal tilt… The scene speaks its own language. Here is what each term means, without the hype.
- Canthal tilt
- The tilt of the eye axis, from inner to outer corner. Much discussed on forums, but essentially genetic: nothing actionable day to day.
- Castor oil
- A thick oil applied to beard and eyebrows. It coats and softens the hair; it does not, however, grow new follicles.Read the article →
- Cheekbones
- The malar bones. Their prominence depends on bone structure and body fat; you do not build them, you reveal them.Read the article →
- Dermaroller
- A roller covered in micro-needles that creates micro-punctures to stimulate collagen production. Hygiene and needle depth are critical: misused, it damages the skin.Read the article →
- Face yoga
- A set of facial gymnastics exercises meant to tone the face muscles. Evidence is thin, but the relaxation and postural-awareness effect is real.Read the article →
- Glycation
- A reaction between sugars and collagen that stiffens skin fibres and accelerates ageing. One reason excess sugar shows on the face.Read the article →
- Gua sha
- A flat stone, traditionally jade or obsidian, glided over the face to drain fluid and release tension. Most visible on morning puffiness.Read the article →
- Hardmaxxing
- Irreversible or medical procedures: surgery, injections, heavy orthodontics. Out of scope for a tools shop, and never to be considered without medical advice.Read the article →
- Ice roller
- A cold roller passed over the face on waking to tighten features and de-puff the eyelids. Immediate but temporary effect.Read the article →
- Jawline
- The line of the jaw, from ear to chin. Its definition depends mostly on body-fat level, water retention and posture — far more than on masseter training.Read the article →
- Looksmaxxing
- The practice of methodically optimising your appearance: skin, jawline, posture, sleep, style. The term comes from English-language forums and covers lifestyle, tools and grooming alike.Read the article →
- Masseters
- The chewing muscles, on each side of the jaw. Training them slightly thickens the lower face. Use in moderation: overloading them causes joint pain.Read the article →
- Mastic gum
- Mastic resin from the island of Chios, chewed like gum but much harder. Used to train the masseter muscles.Read the article →
- Mewing
- A tongue posture where the whole tongue rests against the palate, lips closed and teeth lightly touching. Popularised by John Mew. Its effect on adult bone is debated; the postural benefit is real.Read the article →
- Microneedling
- The principle behind dermarollers and derma stamps: triggering a controlled skin repair response. Clinical depths are far greater than those of home devices.Read the article →
- Mouth breathing
- Habitually breathing through the mouth. In a growing face it is associated with a narrower, longer facial development — hence the focus on nasal breathing.Read the article →
- Mouth taping
- Lightly sealing the lips with a suitable tape overnight to force nasal breathing. Not to be used with nasal obstruction or untreated sleep apnoea.Read the article →
- Retinol
- A vitamin A derivative, the best-documented active against wrinkles and acne marks. Requires a gradual ramp-up and daily sun protection.Read the article →
- Softmaxxing
- Everything achievable without medical intervention: sleep, diet, training, skincare, haircut, posture. This is where most of the progress lies for most people.Read the article →
- SPF
- Sun Protection Factor. By far the best effort-to-result anti-ageing habit. To be applied year-round, not only in summer.Read the article →