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How to Determine Face Shape

Jami Stansfield
March 29, 2024
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Have you ever wondered what face shape you have and how you can enhance your overall appearance? Figuring your face shape is fun and tricky at the same time. If you have randomly searched "What is my face shape" or "What face shape do I have?" in Google, then you are someone who is eager to know about your facial structure and curious whether it's round, oval, or square. But don't worry, you are not alone; you have landed in the right place. 

Determining the shape of your face is an essential step in understanding how to enhance your natural features and can be necessary for several reasons. Choosing the faltering hairstyles, makeup looks, and accessories will be easy if you can correctly figure out what face shape you have. In this beauty guide, "How to Find Your Face shape", I will reveal simple tips to measure your face and analyze the overall proportion to figure out your accurate face shape. Finding your exact face shape helps you make informed decisions about your style and confidently enhance your unique beauty.

Why Is Understanding Your Face Shape Important?

Understanding your face shape is essential to make a balanced appearance in your overall features. It serves as a guide to help you choose the best appearance and highlights your beauty features. The shape of your face can inform you how you can contour and sculpt your face in the best way. By identifying your face shape, you will have a proper idea of what to choose and avoid to enhance your appearance. Analyzing the shape of your face can guide you in choosing a hairstyle, makeup application process, and accessories to wear and make sure that you highlight the best of you.

For example, if you have a round face shape, you may want to avoid hairstyles that are too curved inward. This prevents you from drawing attention to your face's too-roundness. And those who have heart-shaped faces look best with hairstyles that hit at the chin or collar bone to soften the smaller chin area.

[Recommended to Read: Different Types of Eye Shapes]

How Do I Measure My Face Shape

Measuring your face is a simple and effective method to identify its shape. By following simple steps, you can have a clear idea of the structure of the face. So, pull your hair back so that your hairline and jawline are clearly visible. Collect your measuring tape or a flexible ruler and get started step-wise.

  • Measure across your forehead at the widest point above your eyebrows.
  • Measure the distance between the tops of each cheekbone at their widest point.
  • Measure from the tip of your chin across your jawline to the other side.
  • Measure the length of your face from the center of your hairline to the bottom of your chin. 

Comparing these key measurements will give you significant clues about whether you have an oval, round, heart-shaped, square, or other face shape. Pay attention to your overall proportions and angles as well. Measuring your face shape in this way provides practical ways to determine your face shape and unique features. 

Different Face Shapes: What is My Face Shape?

Every individual face shape is beautiful and unique in a different way. We can find a variation in shapes and sizes. Remember that those variations don't fit perfectly into any one specific shape. In reality, our face shapes rarely fall into one distinct, clear-cut shape. Let's discuss the different face shapes we commonly find.

Oval Face Shape:

An oval face shape is considered a versatile and well-balanced shape. People with oval faces usually have a forehead that is slightly wider than the chin. It is characterized by slightly wider cheekbones and a gently rounded jawline. The oval face shape is considered ideal because it can go with a wide range of hairstyles and accessories.

Round Face Shape:

A round face shape has soft, curved, and equal width and length. The jawline is less defined in round face shape, and the cheekbones are typically the wildest part of the face. For the round face shape, layered cuts and side-swept bangs work well as they help to create the illusion of length and add more definition to the facial structure.

Square Face Shape:

A square face has a broad, straight jawline with little to no curve. The width across the forehead, cheeks, and jawline is all fairly equal. Square faces have an overall angular look, often with a strong jawline. Layers around the face and side-swept bangs can soften the sharp angles, and contouring along the jawline helps add subtle definition.

Heart Face Shape:

Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead area that becomes narrower towards the chin. Heart-shaped faces resemble an upside-down triangle or heart shape. The cheekbones are often high. Hairstyles that add width around the chin, like layered cuts, help balance out the larger forehead. Bangs or face-framing layers can highlight the cheekbones.

Diamond Face Shape:

Diamond face shapes are rare. They have smaller, pointed chin areas with narrower forehead regions. The cheekbones are typically high and very defined, creating the diamond shape. Styles with volume on top and soft layers around the chin help add balance and highlight the stunning cheekbones.

Oblong Face Shape:

An oblong face is long and narrow, with a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline of similar width. The goal for this face shape is to add width and volume to create a more balanced appearance. 

Triangle Face Shape:

Triangle faces have a narrower forehead and wider jawline. The cheekbones may be important, and the face gradually narrows from the forehead to the jaw. This face shape aims to soften the jawline and create balance.

Haircut Based on Face Shape

Choosing a suitable haircut based on your face shape can enhance your features and create a harmonious look. Here are some general recommendations for different face shapes:

Oval Face Shape:

Oval faces are versatile and can be styled in various ways. Consider trying a layered cut, a shoulder-length bob, or long, loose waves. Avoid styles that overly elongate the face.

Round Face Shape:

Go for haircuts that add vertical volume and angles to create the illusion of length. Try a layered cut with volume at the crown, an asymmetrical bob, or a side-swept fringe. Avoid chin-length bobs or blunt bangs that emphasize the roundness.

Square Face Shape:

Softening angular features is critical for square faces. To enhance this face shape, hairstyles with soft layers, textured waves, or a side part should be considered. Long bobs, wavy curls, or curtain bangs can also help create a more balanced and flattering look.

Heart Face Shape:

Wear hairstyles that add width at the jawline to balance a wider forehead. Consider a chin-length bob, layered pixie cut, or side-swept bangs. Avoid excessive volume at the crown or short, blunt cuts that accentuate the forehead.

Diamond Face Shape:

Hairstyles that add width at the forehead or chin can help balance diamond-shaped faces. Consider textured bobs, layered shoulder-length cuts, or side-swept bangs. Avoid styles with excessive volume at the cheekbones.

Oblong Face Shape:

For oblong face shapes, hairstyles with volume on the sides help to create the illusion of width and add fullness. Consider layered cuts, shoulder-length waves, or curtain bangs. Avoid overly long, straight styles that further elongate the face.

Triangle Face Shape:

Triangle faces aim to add width at the forehead and temples while softening the jawline. Try hairstyles with layers and volume at the crown, chin-length bobs, or side-swept bangs. Avoid styles that emphasize the jawline or add width at the bottom.

[Recommended to Read: How to Know Your Skin Type]

Makeup Tips for Different Face Shapes

Oval Face:

Use concealer and foundation for oval faces to create an even skin tone. Highlight your eyes with eyeshadow and mascara. Add a blush or bronzer on the cheekbones. Try different lip colors and finishes to find what you like best.

Round Face:

If you have a round face, create the illusion of more length and angles. To add definition, use bronzer or contour powder on the hollows of your cheeks and jawline. Shape your eyebrows higher and try elongating or winged eyeliner. Choose brighter or deeper lip colors to draw attention away from roundness.

Square Face:

For square faces, soften the angles and sharp lines. Use an even foundation and contour the jawline to make them less boxy. Use rounded, blended eyeshadow looks. Softly curved eyebrows help balance a strong jawline. Pick lip colors with softer, curved edges.

Heart-Shaped Face:

With a heart-shaped face, make your forehead appear narrower and highlight your eyes and cheekbones. Use a highlighter in the center of your face. Play up your eyes with shadows, liners, and mascaras. Contour along the sides of your forehead to minimize width. Add blush or bronzer on the cheekbones. Experiment with lip options.

Diamond Face:

Minimize the forehead and chin width for diamond faces while focusing on high cheekbones. Remember to contour the jawline. Make eyes stand out with eyeshadows and mascara. Use soft, curved eyebrow shapes. Place the blush on the cheekbones. Choose lip colors that make lips look fuller.

Oblong Face Shape:

For longer, rectangular faces, use glowy makeup based on the forehead, cheeks, and chin to create width. Contour the sides to make the jawline look wider. Apply soft, rounded eyeshadow, blush on the cheek, and deeper lip colors in the center to achieve an elegant look.

Triangle Face Shape:

If your face is wider at the jawline, use a radiant foundation to soften angles. Contour under cheekbones, blending up to minimize jawline width. Softly arched brows. Blended smoky eyeshadow and blush on cheekbones. Apply neutral or warm lip colors to highlight the appearance.

Final Thoughts on Different Face Shapes

Figuring out how to find your face shape is essential in understanding your unique features and finding hairstyles, makeup techniques, and accessories that enhance your natural beauty. By looking into your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and chin proportions, you can identify whether your face shape falls into categories such as oval, round, square, heart, diamond, oblong, or triangle. With this knowledge, you can confidently explore and experiment with different styles that flatter your face shape, allowing you to embrace your individuality and showcase your best features.

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FAQs on How to Determine Face Shape

What if my face shape doesn't fit perfectly into one category?

It's common to have a combination of features or fall somewhere between two face shapes. In that case, you can consider yourself a mix of those two shapes and adapt recommendations accordingly.

Is face shape the only factor to consider when choosing hairstyles or makeup?

While face shape is an important consideration, other factors like hair texture, skin tone, personal style, and lifestyle preferences also come into play. It's essential to find a balance between face shape recommendations and your unique characteristics.

How important is knowing face shape when choosing eyewear or accessories?

Knowing your face shape can help you select eyewear and accessories that complement your features. Certain styles and shapes can enhance your overall look and bring balance to your face.

Can my face shape change over time?

No, your face shape doesn't change significantly over time. However, factors like weight loss or gain can affect the appearance of your face temporarily.

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