Have you ever been told that you look sort of, well, bitchy—even when you feel as sweet as apple pie? As it turns out, some people naturally have what’s been dubbed “resting bitch face,” making them look angry or unapproachable while their face is at rest. So what’s to be done if you’ve got a mean case of the resting bitch face? Do dermal fillers for RBF work? How about full-on plastic surgery? Take a look at your options.
Is Resting Bitch Face Even a Real Thing?
First things first: is resting bitch face real, or is it some kind of illusion or made-up fuel for Internet memes? The truth? There’s actually science behind why RBF is a real thing. According to behavioral scientist Jason Rogers, the typical human face shows around 3% of hidden emotions when at rest. But those graced with RBF show double that—and most of those 6% of emotions are contempt. Apparently most of us feel some amount of distain for the public on a regular basis. Go figure.
Interestingly, some people who are truly feeling neutral have mouths that naturally raise slightly on one side. This makes them look like they’re PO’ed, even though they’re not. Other people have mouths and other facial features that are angled downward, resembling a constant frown.
Okay, So What to Do about RBF?
Now that you know RBF is totally a real thing, what can you do to fix it? Dermal fillers and/or BOTOX® are by far the most common cosmetic procedures to turn that frown upside down—quite literally. In the hands of an experienced professional, these quick fixes can leave you with a softer, more approachable appearance. And even better yet, the results can last up to around 18 months, depending on what type of injectable you choose.
In most cases, you can be in and out of your filler or BOTOX appointment in 30 minutes or less. So you can literally wipe away that not-so-angry scowl in minutes.
Got a case of serious RBF? Fillers are a quick, easy fix for that permanent frown.
Another option to remedy your RBF includes applying makeup to create the illusion of upward-turned features or to highlight your eyes to draw attention away from a natural frown. But let’s be real: you don’t want to have to slather on contouring powder every time you want to look pleasant.
If you really want an A for effort, you could consciously try to put a slight smile on your face to counteract the natural downward curve of your lips. Or, you could stick with fillers for your RBF and call it a win.
If All Else Fails, Own It, Girlfriend
If you want to get fillers and BOTOX to look more approachable, by all means, go get it girl. But don’t feel obligated to look like you’re smiling all the time just to impress random strangers on the bus. If you feel A-okay about your resting bitch face, rock it.
Related Posts
- How to Fix Fine Lines
- 4 Types of Wrinkles and How to Prevent Them
- The Top Tips for Looking Your Radiant Best by Valentine’s Day
