How to Determine Your Face Shape and Enhance Your Look
Ever wonder why certain hairstyles, sunglasses, or makeup techniques look better on some people than others? It all comes down to one thing: your face shape. Knowing your face shape can make a world of difference when it comes to choosing the right styles that enhance your natural features.
Luckily, figuring out your face shape isn’t rocket science. In fact, it’s pretty simple once you know what to look for. In this guide, you’ll learn how to determine your face shape and how to use that knowledge to elevate your everyday look.
Why Does Face Shape Matter?
Think of your face as the canvas. Just like an artist chooses the right frame for a painting, you want to complement your face shape with styles that highlight your best features. Whether you’re trying to find the perfect haircut, contour your face, or pick out flattering accessories, knowing your face shape can help you make the right choices.
How to Figure Out Your Face Shape
You don’t need a fancy app or professional advice to figure out your face shape. All you need is a mirror, a measuring tape (or ruler), and a few minutes of your time.
Step 1: Grab a Mirror and a Measuring Tool
Stand in front of a mirror, pull back your hair, and take the following measurements:
- Forehead Width: Measure from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the peak of the other.
- Cheekbone Width: Find the outer edge of one cheekbone to the outer edge of the other.
- Jawline Width: Measure from the tip of your chin to the place below your ear where your jaw angles upward, and multiply by two.
- Face Length: Measure from the center of your hairline down to the tip of your chin.
Step 2: Compare Your Measurements
Now that you’ve taken your measurements, compare the lengths and proportions. Which parts are the widest? Is your face longer than it is wide? Use this info to find the shape that matches you best.
Common Face Shapes and How to Identify Yours
Here are the most common face shapes and key traits of each:
Oval Face Shape
- Face length is greater than the width of the cheekbones
- Forehead is wider than the jawline
- Jawline is rounded
Style Tip: Lucky you—oval face shapes can rock just about any hairstyle or accessory!
Round Face Shape
- Cheekbones and face length have similar measurements
- Soft jawline with rounded edges
- Face is roughly the same in width and length
Style Tip: Try hairstyles with volume on top to elongate your face, and avoid blunt cuts that sit at the cheeks.
Square Face Shape
- Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are about the same width
- Sharp, angular jawline
Style Tip: Soften strong angles with wavy styles or curtain bangs. Round sunglasses and hoop earrings work great too!
Heart Face Shape
- Forehead is wider than both cheekbones and jawline
- Chin is pointed
Style Tip: Draw attention to the lower half of your face with layers or curls that fall below your chin.
Diamond Face Shape
- Cheekbones are the widest part
- Narrow forehead and jawline
Style Tip: Go for hairstyles that add width at the forehead and jaw—think chin-length bobs or side-swept bangs.
Oblong (or Rectangular) Face Shape
- Face length is the largest measurement
- Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width
Style Tip: Avoid styles that add too much height. Instead, opt for styles that add width—like waves or layered cuts.
Still Not Sure? Use This Trick
If measuring sounds like too much math, there’s a simpler way. Stand in front of the mirror with a bar of soap or dry-erase marker. Trace the outline of your face directly on the mirror. Step back and look at the shape you’ve drawn. Does it look more round, square, oval, or heart-shaped?
This quick and easy mirror test can give you a rough idea without whipping out the measuring tape.
How to Use Your Face Shape to Elevate Your Style
Once you’ve nailed down your face shape, it’s time to put that info to good use. Here’s how:
Haircuts
Choosing a haircut that suits your face shape can instantly enhance your overall look. For example, if you have a round face, a long layered cut adds length. For a square face, soft waves help balance strong angles.
Makeup
Contouring and highlighting can be powerful tools. Use bronzer to minimize wider areas and highlighter to bring attention to the features you want to pop. A heart-shaped face might benefit from contouring at the temples and highlighting the chin for balance.
Accessories
Sunglasses, earrings, and even hats can either flatter or overwhelm your face shape. For example, cat-eye sunglasses elongate a round face, while round frames soften a square face.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s no “perfect” face shape—only the perfect way to enhance the one you have. Embrace your unique features and use your face shape as a tool to guide your style choices. Remember, it’s not about changing how you look—it’s about celebrating what makes you, you.
So next time you’re wondering if those bangs are a good idea or which glasses to buy, return to your face shape. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
Ready to Get Started?
Pull your hair back, grab a mirror, and start measuring. The sooner you know your face shape, the sooner you’ll feel confident in all your style decisions—from haircuts to highlighter. You’ve got this!
Got questions or still unsure about your face shape? Drop a comment below or share with a friend who’s on the same journey. Style is all about experimenting and having fun—so enjoy the process!