The Complete Guide to Face Shapes: Unlock Your Best Look
Ever wonder why some hairstyles or accessories seem to work magic while others fall flat? It might have to do with your face shape. Face shapes play a big role in how we style ourselves, from makeup to glasses to haircuts. Understanding yours can make a world of difference, helping you choose looks that highlight your best features and feel true to who you are.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different face shapes and give you practical tips to elevate your style with confidence. Let’s get started!
The Main Face Shapes
Understanding your face shape is the first step toward highlighting your natural beauty. Each face shape is unique, and knowing the characteristics of yours can help guide your style choices. Here’s an in-depth look at the ten main face shapes:
1. Oval Face Shape
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: An oval face shape is often considered the most balanced and versatile. The forehead is slightly wider than the chin, and the face tapers gently toward the jawline. Cheekbones are typically prominent, but the overall proportions are harmonious.
Style Tip: Lucky you! Most hairstyles, glasses, and makeup looks suit an oval face shape. To emphasize your natural symmetry, opt for center-parted hair or soft waves. Avoid covering too much of your face, as it can hide your balanced features. Accessories like drop earrings or aviator glasses work particularly well.
2. Round Face Shape
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: A round face is about as wide as it is long, with full cheeks and a soft, rounded jawline. There are no sharp angles, giving the face a youthful and approachable look.
Style Tip: The goal for round faces is to create the illusion of length and angles. Choose hairstyles with height, like a voluminous ponytail or an updo with added texture. Long, vertical earrings or necklaces can elongate the appearance of your face. For makeup, use contouring techniques along the jawline and temples to add definition.
3. Square Face Shape
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: Square faces are characterized by a strong, angular jawline, a broad forehead, and sides of the face that are almost vertical. The overall impression is one of strength and symmetry.
Style Tip: Soften the sharp angles with styles that add curves and movement. Side-swept bangs, layered waves, or textured lobs work beautifully. Avoid hairstyles that add width, like blunt bangs. Accessories like rounded glasses or hoop earrings can help balance the look. In makeup, focus on highlighting the cheekbones and adding a hint of softness to the jawline with subtle contouring.
4. Heart-Shaped Face
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: A heart-shaped face has a broad forehead and cheekbones that taper down to a narrow or pointed chin. This shape often creates a striking and romantic look.
Style Tip: Balance the width of your forehead by drawing attention downward. Hairstyles with soft curls or chin-length layers work wonders. Avoid heavy, straight bangs that emphasize the forehead. Accessories like teardrop earrings or necklaces that sit close to the collarbone are flattering. For makeup, highlight your cheekbones while softening the chin with subtle contouring.
5. Diamond Face Shape
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: Diamond faces are defined by narrow foreheads and jawlines, with broad, prominent cheekbones that are often the widest part of the face. The overall shape is angular and elegant.
Style Tip: The key to styling a diamond face is to soften the angles and enhance the cheekbones. Choose hairstyles that tuck behind the ears or include side-swept bangs to show off your bone structure. Oval or cat-eye glasses can complement the face. For makeup, use highlighter to accentuate the cheekbones and add volume to the forehead and jawline with soft contouring.
6. Rectangular/Oblong Face Shape
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: Rectangular or oblong faces are long and narrow, with a high forehead and a defined jawline. The face is longer than it is wide, creating an elegant and elongated appearance.
Style Tip: Add width and softness to balance the length. Hairstyles with horizontal volume, like soft waves, shoulder-length cuts, or side parts, are ideal. Bangs, especially curtain bangs, can shorten the appearance of the face. Avoid overly long hair that drags the face down. For accessories, choose round glasses or earrings that add width. Use bronzer to subtly contour the sides of the face for a more proportional look.
7. Triangle Face Shape (Inverted Triangle)
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: A triangle face has a wide jawline that tapers up to a narrower forehead. It creates a strong, grounded appearance with a distinctive structure.
Style Tip: Balance the broader jawline by drawing attention upward. Hairstyles with volume at the crown, such as tousled layers or half-up styles, work beautifully. Accessories like bold statement earrings can add interest higher up on the face. For makeup, contour the jawline lightly and highlight the cheekbones to create harmony.
8. Hexagonal Face Shape
Image source: Pinterest
Characteristics: A hexagonal face has a mix of soft and sharp angles, often with broad cheekbones and a strong jawline. It’s a unique and striking shape.
Style Tip: Highlight the symmetry by choosing sleek hairstyles with clean lines, such as a sharp bob or straight hair tucked behind the ears. Avoid overly voluminous styles that obscure the jawline. Accessories like geometric earrings can emphasize your features. For makeup, focus on enhancing the cheekbones and softening any overly sharp angles with blending techniques.
How to Identify Your Face Shape
Identifying your face shape is easier than you might think, and it can be a game-changer for your styling decisions. Follow these steps to determine your face shape with confidence. All you need is a mirror, a measuring tape (or ruler), and a little patience.
Step 1: Tie Your Hair Back
Start by pulling your hair away from your face so you can clearly see your hairline, forehead, jawline, and overall facial structure. Use a headband or hair tie for a clean look. If you wear glasses, consider removing them temporarily for a clear view of your features.
Step 2: Observe Your Face in the Mirror
Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and look directly at your reflection. Take note of the following:
- Is your forehead wider than your jawline?
- Are your cheekbones the widest part of your face?
- Does your jawline appear round, angular, or pointed?
- Is your face longer than it is wide?
Jot down these observations as they’ll help narrow down your shape.
Step 3: Measure Key Areas of Your Face
Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the following areas:
- Forehead Width: Measure across the widest part of your forehead, usually from one temple to the other.
- Cheekbone Width: Measure from the outer corner of one cheekbone to the other. This is often the widest point on many face shapes.
- Jawline Width: Measure from the tip of your chin to the angle of your jaw (below your ear) on one side, then multiply that number by two.
- Face Length: Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Step 4: Compare the Measurements
Once you have your measurements, compare them to identify which features are more prominent. Here’s how to interpret them:
- If your face length is significantly greater than your width, you likely have a rectangular or oblong face shape.
- If your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, and your jawline and forehead are narrower, you might have a diamond shape.
- If your forehead is noticeably wider than your jawline and your chin tapers, you may have a heart-shaped face.
- If your jawline is the widest part, with a narrower forehead, you likely have a triangular or pear-shaped face.
Step 5: Examine the Overall Contour of Your Face
Stand back and observe the general outline of your face. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your jawline rounded, squared, or pointed?
- Does your face appear symmetrical or more angular?
- Is the width of your forehead, cheeks, and jawline similar?
These visual cues will provide additional insight into your face shape.
Step 6: Use an Online Tool or Template (Optional)
If you’re still unsure, try using online face shape tools or apps where you can upload your photo for an analysis. Alternatively, draw your reflection on a mirror or use a printed face shape template to compare.
Hairstyles and Makeup for Different Face Shapes
The right hairstyle and makeup can work wonders in enhancing your natural beauty. They allow you to accentuate your best features, balance proportions, and express your personal style. Here’s a detailed guide to hairstyles and makeup tips tailored for each face shape:
1. Oval Face Shape
Hairstyles:
- Oval faces are incredibly versatile and can pull off almost any hairstyle.
- Try sleek bobs, long layers, or beachy waves to frame your face beautifully.
- Experiment with center parts or side parts depending on your preference. Avoid covering too much of your face, as oval shapes are already well-balanced.
Makeup:
- Focus on enhancing your natural symmetry.
- Highlight the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and brow bone.
- Experiment with bold eye makeup or lip colors since an oval face provides a great canvas.
2. Round Face Shape
Hairstyles:
- Create the illusion of length with hairstyles that add height at the crown, such as a voluminous updo or teased ponytail.
- Long layers and side-swept bangs help to elongate and slim the face.
- Avoid chin-length cuts or blunt bangs, as they can emphasize roundness.
Makeup:
- Contour along the sides of your forehead, under your cheekbones, and along the jawline to create angles.
- Highlight the center of your forehead, chin, and tops of your cheekbones to draw attention to the middle of your face.
- Opt for arched eyebrows to add definition.
3. Square Face Shape
Hairstyles:
- Soft, layered hairstyles work best to balance a strong jawline.
- Waves, curls, and side parts add movement and soften angular features.
- Avoid blunt cuts or styles that end at the jawline, as they may make your face appear wider.
Makeup:
- Use bronzer to contour the jawline and forehead, softening the angular structure.
- Apply blush in circular motions on the apples of your cheeks to add a touch of softness.
- Focus on a bold lip or dramatic eyes to draw attention upward.
4. Heart-Shaped Face
Hairstyles:
- Go for styles that balance a wider forehead and narrow chin. Soft waves, chin-length bobs, or side-swept bangs are ideal.
- Avoid hairstyles with too much volume at the crown, as they can exaggerate the forehead.
Makeup:
- Highlight the center of your forehead and cheekbones to bring focus to these areas.
- Contour lightly along the sides of your forehead and under your chin to create balance.
- Play with natural-looking, fluffy brows to soften your look.
5. Diamond Face Shape
Hairstyles:
- Side-swept bangs and hairstyles that tuck behind the ears can emphasize your cheekbones.
- Shoulder-length hair with layers works well to balance the narrow forehead and jawline.
- Avoid styles that add too much volume at the sides, as they can make the face appear wider.
Makeup:
- Use highlighter on your cheekbones to draw attention to their natural prominence.
- Contour the forehead and jawline to balance proportions.
- Soft, blended makeup looks, like smoky eyes or natural lips, complement this shape beautifully.
6. Rectangular/Oblong Face Shape
Hairstyles:
- Add width to balance the length of your face with horizontal volume like waves, curls, or layers.
- Bangs, especially curtain bangs or side-swept bangs, can shorten the appearance of the face.
- Avoid overly long, straight hairstyles that emphasize vertical length.
Makeup:
- Use bronzer along the forehead and chin to visually shorten the face.
- Apply blush horizontally across the cheeks to add width.
- Focus on soft eye makeup and bold lips to shift focus from the length of the face.
7. Triangle Face Shape (Inverted Triangle)
Hairstyles:
- Add volume at the crown to balance the wider jawline. Layered haircuts or soft waves work well.
- Avoid straight cuts that draw attention to the jawline.
Makeup:
- Contour lightly along the jawline to soften its appearance.
- Highlight the forehead and cheekbones to bring focus upward.
- Use winged eyeliner or bold eye looks to draw attention to the upper half of the face.
8. Hexagonal Face Shape
Hairstyles:
- Structured styles like sharp bobs or long, straight hair tucked behind the ears highlight the symmetrical features of a hexagonal face.
- Avoid overly voluminous styles that obscure the jawline or cheekbones.
Makeup:
- Emphasize symmetry with well-defined brows and bold, geometric eyeliner.
- Highlight the cheekbones to bring attention to the angles of the face.
- Use subtle contouring to soften overly sharp edges for a balanced look.
Accessories for Face Shapes
The right accessories can enhance your overall look by complementing your natural features. From glasses to earrings to necklaces, every face shape benefits from carefully selected accessories that balance proportions and highlight your best features. Here’s a detailed guide to choosing accessories based on your face shape:
1. Oval Face Shape
Oval faces are often seen as the most balanced shape, with gently curved contours and a proportional forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. This natural symmetry makes it easy to experiment with a variety of accessory styles. Accessories that emphasize your cheekbones and maintain your balanced proportions work particularly well.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Oversized frames, aviator styles, or rectangular frames.
- Earrings: Dangling earrings, teardrop earrings, or medium-sized hoops.
- Necklaces: Statement chokers, layered necklaces, or bold pendants.
2. Round Face Shape
Round faces have softer, curved lines, with the width and length of the face being almost equal. Accessories that add angles and elongate the appearance of the face are ideal. Angular shapes and vertical designs help create contrast and balance.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Rectangular frames, cat-eye glasses, or semi-rimless styles.
- Earrings: Long drop earrings, geometric studs, or vertical bar designs.
- Necklaces: Long chain necklaces, V-shaped pendants, or tassel necklaces.
3. Square Face Shape
Square faces are defined by strong jawlines and equally wide foreheads, cheekbones, and jawlines. Accessories that soften these sharp angles add harmony to the face, while rounded or flowing designs bring a touch of softness.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Round frames, oval-shaped glasses, or rimless styles.
- Earrings: Large hoops, rounded drop earrings, or oval-shaped dangles.
- Necklaces: Circular pendants, beaded necklaces, or soft, flowy chains.
4. Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces are characterized by a broad forehead and cheekbones that taper to a narrow chin. Accessories that draw attention to the lower half of the face help balance proportions and create a more harmonious look.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Aviators, butterfly-shaped frames, or glasses with a wider bottom frame.
- Earrings: Chandelier earrings, teardrop designs, or tassel earrings.
- Necklaces: V-shaped necklaces, lariat necklaces, or layered pendants.
5. Diamond Face Shape
Diamond-shaped faces feature high, prominent cheekbones and a narrower forehead and jawline. Accessories that draw attention to the cheekbones and soften the angles work best, helping to create a balanced look.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Cat-eye frames, oval glasses, or lightweight rimless styles.
- Earrings: Cluster studs, small hoops, or ear cuffs that hug the ear.
- Necklaces: Delicate chokers, Y-shaped necklaces, or fine chains with subtle pendants.
6. Rectangular/Oblong Face Shape
Rectangular or oblong faces are longer than they are wide, with a prominent jawline and high forehead. Accessories that add width and reduce the perception of length bring balance to the face.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Oversized frames, round glasses, or wide rectangular frames.
- Earrings: Wide hoops, clustered designs, or circular drop earrings.
- Necklaces: Short chokers, collar necklaces, or bold bib necklaces.
7. Triangle Face Shape (Inverted Triangle)
Triangle faces have a wider jawline and a narrower forehead, creating a strong and grounded look. Accessories that emphasize the upper part of the face help balance these proportions, drawing attention away from the jawline.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Cat-eye glasses, semi-rimless frames, or wide-top designs.
- Earrings: Triangle-shaped studs, crescent earrings, or dangles that taper upward.
- Necklaces: Layered necklaces, high chokers, or delicate chains with small charms.
8. Hexagonal Face Shape
Hexagonal faces combine soft curves with angular features, often with a broad jawline and high cheekbones. Accessories that highlight the cheekbones and enhance symmetry work beautifully.
Recommended Accessories:
- Glasses: Hexagonal frames, angular designs, or clear, minimalist styles.
- Earrings: Asymmetrical designs, geometric earrings, or stud-and-drop combinations.
- Necklaces: Bold statement necklaces, clean-lined chains, or sculptural pendants.
