Which FACE SHAPE looks BEST?
Some beauty rules are really outdated. I think redheads look really good in red lipstick, for example, and I'd never tell you that you can't mix up your warm and cool tones.
But when it comes to face shapes, I think a bit of beauty rule-following is more than okay!
That's because your face shape can impact so many components of your look. It's the reason why certain haircuts are amazing on your best friend, but aren't as flattering on you. Even just the way you cut your bangs can be complicated by the relative width or narrowness of your jaw, cheeks and forehead.
Then there's makeup. Ever thought about why you prefer dramatic smoky eyes to a bright bold lip, or vice-versa? It might have to do with your face shape, because emphasizing one feature can create the illusion of fullness where it's not. Your face shape also dictates where you put your contour and/or blush—or if you even need to use them at all.
(Of course, this is not to say that you EVER have to "compensate" for your face shape with hair and makeup. If you love your face shape, by all means play it up—there's nothing wrong with rocking it loud and proud!)
Need help figuring out your face shape? Grab a mirror and follow these steps:
Step 1: What's the Widest Part of Your Face?
- Forehead: If your forehead is the widest part of your face, tapering down to a narrower jaw, you probably have an inverted triangle or heart-shaped face. Proceed to Step 2 to get more insight.
- Cheekbones: If your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, you probably have an oval, round, diamond or heart-shaped face. Proceed to Step 2 to get more insight.
- Jaw: If your jaw is the widest part of your face, with a narrower forehead, you probably have a pear-shaped face. Skip to the Pear section below to learn more!
- They're all equal: If your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about equal in width, then you probably have a long or square face. Proceed to Step 2 to get more insight.
Step 2: What's Your Jaw Shape?
- Round: If you have a rounded jaw shape, you probably have a round, long or oval-shaped face. Proceed to Step 3 to get more insight.
- Pointy: If you have a pointy chin, and your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, with a narrower chin and forehead, you probably have a diamond-shaped face. Skip to the Diamond section below to learn more! If you have a pointy chin and your forehead or cheekbones are the widest part of your face, you probably have an inverted triangle or heart-shaped face. Proceed to Step 4 to get more insight.
- Square: If you have a square jaw shape, you probably have a square-shaped face. Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw should also be about equal in width; your face may be as long as it is wide, or slightly rectangular. (Note: Pear-shaped faces can also appear to have a square jaw, but the forehead is narrower.) Skip to the Square section below to learn more!
Step 3: How Long is Your Face?
- Short: If your face length and width are about equal, and your jaw is rounded, you probably have a round face shape. Skip to the Round section below to learn more!
- Average: If your face is slightly longer than it is wide, and your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, with a rounded chin, you probably have an oval face shape. Skip to the Oval section below to learn more! If your face is slightly longer than it is wide, with a pointy chin, you probably have an inverted triangle or heart-shaped face. Proceed to Step 4 to get more insight.
- Long: If your face is noticeably longer than it is wide, you probably have a long face shape. Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw should also be equal in width, with a rounded jaw. Skip to the Long section below to learn more!
Step 4: Do You Have a Widow's Peak?
- Yes: If you have a widow's peak and pointy chin, and your forehead or cheekbones are the widest part of your face, you probably have a heart-shaped face. Skip to the Heart section below to learn more!
- No: If you don't have a widow's peak, but you do have a pointy chin, and your forehead is the widest part of your face, you probably have an inverted triangle face shape. Skip to the Inverted Triangle section below to learn more!
Note: Some people are a combination of face types, such as a long square (rectangle), rounded heart, etc. If this is the case, go with the shape that is most dominant.
Here's a closer look at each shape to help you find your match:
The Round Face Shape
The round face shape is approximately as long as it is wide.
If you have a round face shape, your face length and width are about equal. You have no angles to your jaw, which is also rounded. Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face. To balance this face shape, choose hairstyles and makeup that elongate the face.
Celebrities with round faces: Elizabeth Olsen, Mila Kunis, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Upton, Ginnifer Goodwin, Selena Gomez
Celebrity examples of the round face shape.
Related:The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Round Face Shapes
The Long Face Shape
The long face shape is longer than it is wide.
If you have a long face shape, your face is noticeably longer than it is wide. Your forehead, cheekbones and chin are all equal in width, and your chin has a rounded shape. To balance this face shape, choose hairstyles and makeup that create the illusion of width.
Celebrities with long face shapes: Alexa Chung, Molly Sims, Joan Smalls, Liv Tyler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Maggie Q
Celebrity examples of the long face shape.
Related: The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Long Face Shapes
The Heart Face Shape
The heart-shaped face has a pointy chin and widow's peak.
If you have a heart-shaped face, you have a widow's peak and pointy chin. Your forehead or cheekbones are the widest part of your face, tapering down to a narrower jaw. To balance this face shape, choose hairstyles and makeup that de-emphasize the wide forehead, and create the illusion of width at the jawline.
Celebrities with heart face shapes: Kat Graham, Alyson Hannigan, Blake Lively, Kourtney Kardashian, Kerry Washington, Cote de Pablo
Celebrity examples of the heart face shape.
Related:The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Heart-Shaped Faces
The Square Face Shape
The square face shape has a square jaw and minimal curves.
If you have a square face shape, you have a squared jaw, and minimal curves to your face. Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about equal in width. Some squares have faces that are as wide as they are long, while others are longer and more rectangular in shape. To balance this face shape, choose hairstyles and makeup that soften the jawline.
Celebrities with square face shapes: Keira Knightley, Rosario Dawson, Angelina Jolie, Bella Heathcote, Olivia Wilde, Lucy Liu
Celebrity examples of the square face shape.
Related: The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Square Face Shapes
The Diamond Face Shape
The diamond face shape has wide cheekbones, tapering into an equally narrow forehead and jaw.
If you have a diamond face shape, your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, with a matching narrower jaw and forehead. The chin is pointy, but the difference between a diamond and a heart or inverted triangle is that the hairline is not as wide. To balance this face shape, choose hairstyles and makeup that create the illusion of a broader forehead and jawline.
Celebrities with diamond face shapes: Camila Alves, Freida Pinto, Halle Berry, Ashley Greene, Vanessa Hudgens, Selma Blair
Celebrity examples of the diamond face shape.
Related:The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Diamond Faces
The Inverted Triangle Face Shape
The inverted triangle face shape has a wide forehead and narrow, pointy chin.
If you have an inverted triangle face shape, your forehead is the widest part of your face, tapering down to a narrower, pointy chin. The difference between an inverted triangle and a heart is that the heart shape has a widow's peak. The inverted triangle hairline is either straight across or slightly rounded. To balance this face shape, choose hairstyles and makeup that de-emphasize the wide forehead, and create the illusion of width at the jawline.
Celebrities with inverted triangle face shapes: Scarlett Johansson, Rashida Jones, Jessica Szohr, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Chloë Moretz
Celebrity examples of the inverted triangle face shape.
Related:The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Inverted Triangle Faces
The Pear Face Shape
The pear face shape has a wide jaw, with a narrower forehead.
If you have a pear face shape, your jaw is the widest part of your face. Your forehead and cheeks are both narrower. To balance this face shape, choose hairstyles and makeup that soften the jawline and create the illusion of a wider forehead.
Celebrities with pear face shapes: Ellie Kemper, Kelly Osbourne, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jenna Ushkowitz, Ali Larter, Minnie Driver
Celebrity examples of the pear face shape.
Related:The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Pear-Shaped Faces
The Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape is slightly longer than it is wide, with a rounded jaw and curved shape.
Oval face shapes are slightly longer than they are wide, similar to the shape of an egg, and the cheekbones are the widest part of the face. The jaw and forehead are rounded, and the sides of the face are slightly curved—there are no sharp angles. The oval is considered the "ideal" face shape, and is also the most common.
Celebrities with oval face shapes: Paula Patton, Sienna Miller, Camilla Belle, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson
Celebrity examples of the oval face shape.
Related:The Best (and Worst) Bangs for Oval Faces
Conclusion
Hopefully, by following the steps and referencing these celebrity examples, you're a lot closer to figuring out your face shape! Like I said, many of us are combinations of two different face shapes, but try to go with the shape that is most dominant.
Whether you're a square, heart or pear, remember that ALL face shapes are beautiful. This knowledge should just help you feel a little bit more confident in choosing your best haircut, bang style and makeup.
Stay tuned for more articles about how to work with your face shape... and in the meantime, tell me:
Which face shape are you?
What's your biggest challenge with your face shape?
