Lets check all types of face shapes & the right makeup look to enhance your natural beauty, but what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, understanding your face shape is the key to applying makeup.
The makeup of the face has to be in the right proportion . When doing makeup, you need to shade and highlight accordingly.
1. Why knowing your face shape & types of face shapes is important:
Understanding your face shape can make a huge difference in your overall look. It helps you:
Apply makeup correctly : Making your makeup as per your face shape size can increase your natural features.
Choose flattery hair style: Different hair styles are suitable for different types of face shapes.
Select the correct spectacles: Some frame styles are compatible with special face size.
Types Of Face Shapes : Will help you understand difference between yours & other shapes so you are careful while trying new look.
What are different types of face shapes?
There are 7 commonly recognized face shapes, each with its own distinct characteristics. Here’s an overview of the most common face shapes and how they are defined:
- Oval Face Shape
Characteristics: The oval face shape is slightly longer than it is wide, with a rounded jawline and forehead. The cheekbones are usually the widest part of the face, tapering gently to the chin and hairline.
How It Looks: This face shape is often considered versatile and balanced, hence easy to pull off various hairstyles and makeup looks. - Round Face Shape
Characteristics: A round face is approximately equal in length and width, with full cheeks and a softer, more rounded jawline because this there are no sharp angles.
How It Looks: The round face gives a youthful appearance due to its softer contours. - Square Face Shape
Characteristics: A square face has a broad forehead, wide cheekbones, and a strong, angular jawline, so mostly all dimensions fairly equal in length.
How It Looks: This face shape is often associated with a strong, defined jawline and therefore has more structured appearance. - Heart Face Shape
Characteristics: Because the heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and gets down to a narrow, pointed chin, so it resembles an inverted triangle. - How It Looks: The face often has a softer, more delicate look, with prominent cheekbones and a narrow jawline hence creates shape like heart.
- Diamond Face Shape
Characteristics: The diamond face shape is narrow at the forehead and jawline, with the widest point being the cheekbones. It’s similar to the heart shape but without the narrow chin.
How It Looks: This shape tends to be angular, with dramatic cheekbones that can give a striking appearance. - Rectangle (Oblong) Face Shape
Characteristics: The rectangular or oblong face shape is longer than it is wide, with a straight jawline and a similarly straight forehead. The sides of the face are usually parallel.
How It Looks: This face shape gives a more elongated appearance, which can be softened with certain hairstyles or makeup techniques. - Triangle (Pear) Face Shape
Characteristics: The triangle face shape is characterized by a narrower forehead and a wider jawline, as a result creating a base-heavy appearance.
How It Looks: This face shape often has a more prominent jawline, with a softer upper face. - These face shapes can guide makeup application, hairstyle choices, and even accessories, helping to enhance natural features and create a balanced appearance.
2. Determining Your Face Shape
How do you determine your face shape ?
This guide will help you know what are the types of face shapes and how to find the best makeup techniques for different face shapes.
Steps to find your face shape:
You can determine your face shape by following these easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare
Pull your hair back: Use a headband or tie your hair back so that your face is fully visible.
Stand in front of a mirror: Make sure you have good lighting.
Step 2: Measure your type of face shape.
Use a flexible measuring tape or string. Or Use a washable marker or lipstick to outline your face in the mirror and take the following measurements:
Face Length: Measured from the center of the hairline to the tip of the chin.
Forehead Width: Now measure the distance from one side of your hairline to the other at the widest point of your forehead so you get the forehead width. It is usually above the eyebrows.
Cheekbone Width: Measure from the outer corner of one eye to the outer corner of the other eye, passing through the most prominent part of your cheekbones. This is usually the area under your eyes where your cheekbones are most high.
Jaw Width: Measure from the tip of your chin to the edge of your jawline, below one ear. Now repeat this on the other side of the jaw and add the two to get the width of the jaw.
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Step 3: Compare your measurements to find your type of face shape
Now compare your measurements to these common types of face shapes:
Oval face shape: If the length of the face is greater than the width of the cheekbones and the width of the forehead is greater than the width of the chin. Its oval face shape. Additionally, the jaw angle is rounded.
Round face shape: If the width of your cheekbones and the length of your face are almost equal and these measurements are larger than the forehead and jawline width, you likely have a round face shape. Additionally, a round face typically has a softer, less defined jawline.
Square Face Shape: If your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are almost the same width, you have a square face shape. Square faces also typically have sharp, well-defined jawlines.
Heart-shaped face: If the width of your forehead is wider than the width of your cheekbones and jawline, and your chin is pointed, you have a heart-shaped face.
Diamond face shape: If your face length is the longest, followed by your cheekbones and forehead, and your jawline is the smallest, you have a diamond face shape. Additionally, the front face of a diamond typically has a pointed chin.
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Step 4: Makeup to shape your face
Based on your measurements, you should now be able to identify the shape of your face Let’s see the makeup tips:
Best makeup tips for oval face shape
Oval face shape, one of the common types of face shapes, characterized by balanced proportions.
Oval faces are well proportioned, making them ideal for many makeup styles Here’s how to apply makeup for an oval face:
Contour lightly, concentrating on the lower cheekbones and letting the highlighter do most of the work. To widen the face and highlight the cheekbones, apply blush to the center of the forehead, under the eyes and under the contour.
Highlight and Contour: Begin by contouring just below the cheekbones. Then, add highlights to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your forehead.
Blush Placement: Next, apply blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend it out towards your temples to get the best look.
Eyebrows: Finally, ensure your eyebrows follow their natural arch while keeping them neat and well-groomed.
Makeup Tips For Round Face Shape
Makeup tips for round face shape, a popular types of face shapes you will find around, featuring curved contours and full cheeks
Round faces are characterized by full cheeks and a soft jawline. Therefore, the goal is to add definition and length.
Contouring: Start by applying bronzer or contour in a “C” shape. Begin at the cheekbones and blend upwards towards the hairline and temples. This technique helps to create the illusion of a longer or oval face shape rather than a round one.
Highlighting: Next, highlight the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the tops of your cheekbones. This adds brightness and enhances the definition of your facial features.
Blush Placement: Finally, apply blush slightly higher on your cheeks and blend it upwards. This technique creates the illusion of a longer face by lifting and elongating your cheekbones.
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Softening Makeup tips for Square Face Shape
Makeup tips for square face shape, a distinctive types of face shapes among females, marked by strong angular jawline and prominent cheekbones
Square faces are characterized by a strong jawline and broad forehead, with straight lines forming the forehead, hairline, and jawline. The goal is to soften these angles and create a more balanced appearance.
Contouring: Begin by contouring the cheekbones and jawline to give the impression of a more oval shape. Additionally, contour the corners of your forehead and jawline to soften the edges and create a smoother look.
Highlighting: Next, apply highlighter to the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and the center of your chin. This brightens these areas and helps to enhance your facial features.
Blush Placement: Finally, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it towards your ears. This technique adds warmth and dimension, helping to balance the strong angles of a square face shape.
Makeup for Heart Face Shape
Heart-shaped faces typically have a wider forehead and a narrow chin. Therefore, the goal is to balance these proportions.
Contouring: Start by contouring the sides of your forehead and underneath your cheekbones. This helps to balance the width of your forehead with the narrowness of your chin.
Highlighting: Next, highlight the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and the center of your chin. This adds brightness to the middle of your face and helps to even out the overall look.
Blush Placement: Finally, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outward towards your ears. This technique adds warmth and dimension, drawing attention to your cheeks and balancing the face shape.
Use soft and natural eye makeup to keep the focus on your eyes, complementing the overall balance of your face.
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Makeup for Diamond Face Shape
Diamond faces are known for high cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin. The goal is to soften the angles and create a more balanced look.
Contouring: Start by applying contour with a bronzer, foundation, or concealer that’s one shade darker than your natural skin tone. Apply it gently on your forehead near your hairline, and then sweep it down from the outer corners of your eyes to your temples and under your cheekbones. Be sure to avoid using darker colors on your brow area, as this can make your forehead appear smaller.
Highlighting: Next, highlight the center of your forehead, the tops of your cheekbones, and the center of your chin. This adds brightness and emphasizes the high points of your face.
Blush Placement: Finally, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards your temples. This technique adds warmth and helps balance your facial features.
By using these tips, you can enhance your diamond face shape and achieve a harmonious, beautiful look.
Makeup Tips for Triangle Face Shape
A triangle face shape, also known as a pear face shape, is characterized by a narrower forehead and a wider jawline, with a broad and strong chin. To create a more balanced appearance, the goal is to soften the angles and bring harmony between the wide jawline and the narrow forehead.
Contouring and Highlighting: First, apply contour along your jawline and under your cheekbones. This step helps to slim down the jawline and add definition to your cheeks. Next, highlight your temples or forehead to draw attention upwards and create balance.
Blush Placement: For the blush, start by applying it to the apples of your cheeks. Then, blend it upwards towards your temples. This technique not only enhances your cheekbones but also shifts focus away from the wider jawline.
Detailed Contouring and Highlighting
- Contouring the Jawline: Begin by applying contour along the sides of your jawline to make it appear slimmer.
- Highlighting the Forehead: Following that, highlight the center of your forehead to draw attention upwards and balance the narrow forehead.
- Contouring the Cheeks: Next, apply contour just below your cheekbones and blend it upwards to add definition and structure.
- Highlighting the Cheekbones: Additionally, highlight the tops of your cheekbones to bring light to the center of your face.
- Blush Placement: Finally, apply blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards your temples. This technique helps to lift the face and balance the wider jawline.
By following these steps, you can enhance your triangle face shape, creating a harmonious and well-balanced look.
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Makeup Tips for Oblong Face Shape
An oblong face is known for its longer length compared to its width, with a smooth, rounded jawline and generally equal width at the forehead and jawline. It tends to be long and narrow, with the middle part of the face being the longest.
Contouring the Sides: Start by applying dark foundation or contour along the sides of your forehead and jawline. This technique helps to reduce the length of your face and add balance.
Highlight the Center: Next, highlight the center of your forehead and chin. This adds dimension and creates the illusion of width, balancing out the length of your face.
Blush Placement: Finally, apply blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend it outward towards your temples. This technique adds a rounder appearance to your face and helps to create a fuller look.
By following these makeup tips, you can enhance your oblong face shape, making it appear more balanced and harmonious.
Makeup Tips for Rectangular Face Shape
A rectangular face shape features a longer length than width, with straight sides and similar widths for the forehead and jawline. It often has a strong, angular jawline. The goal for a rectangular face is to soften these strong angles and add balance to the face’s length.
Contour the Sides of the Forehead and Jawline: Start by applying contour along the sides of your forehead and jawline. This helps reduce the length of your face and creates a softer appearance.
Highlight the Cheekbones: Next, use highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones. This brings focus to the center of your face and adds dimension, especially if your cheekbones are less pronounced.
Blush Placement: Finally, apply blush just above the apples of your cheeks in circular motions and blend it towards your temples. This technique adds fullness to your cheeks and softens the angles, giving your face a more rounded look.
By following these makeup tips, you can enhance your rectangular face shape, making it appear more balanced and harmonized.
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FAQs on Face Shapes and Makeup
Q1: Which makeup suits a round face?
For a round face shape, opt for makeup techniques that add definition and balance. Use contouring to elongate the face, applying contour along the sides of your forehead and under your cheekbones. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones and the center of your forehead to create a more elongated look. A soft blush applied to the apples of your cheeks and blended upwards can also help to enhance the contour.
Q2: How do I identify my face shape?
To identify your face shape, start by measuring from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin. Then, measure from the left side of your face to the right side. If your face length is greater than its width, you may have an oval face shape. If your face width is greater than its length, you might have a round or heart face shape. This measurement process helps determine your face shape, guiding your makeup choices.
Q3: How do I choose my makeup for a type of face shape?
When choosing your makeup, aim to soften and balance your features. Use contouring techniques with deep shades to define the sides of your face and add dimension. Apply highlighter to the center of your forehead and the tops of your cheekbones to bring attention to these areas. Avoid using heavy, flat makeup styles that may emphasize the width or length of your face. For heart-shaped faces, using contouring and highlighting can help to balance a wider forehead.
Q4: Can you have a mix of two face shapes?
Yes, it is possible to have a combination of two face shape categories. For example, Jennifer Lopez is known for her distinct facial features, and her face shape can be described as both oval and diamond. Many individuals exhibit unique blends of face shapes, and understanding these combinations can help you select the most flattering makeup techniques.
Q5: How do I choose my hairstyle?
When selecting a hairstyle, your goal should be to balance and soften your features. For a more balanced look, choose hairstyles with deep side parts and lots of layers. These styles can help create an even appearance. On the other hand, avoid straight bangs and flat hairstyles, as well as center parts and very short bangs. These can make your face look longer or wider. For those with a heart-shaped face, hairstyles with bangs can help cover a wider forehead and give a more balanced look. ( Bangs refer to the hair that is cut and styled to hang over the forehead. Bangs are often used to frame the face and can help in altering the perception of face shape and balancing features.)
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Q6: Which hairstyle suits a round face?
For a round face shape, consider hairstyles that add length and balance. Long, layered cuts work well as they create vertical lines, which elongate the face. Alternatively, a short pixie cut can also be flattering, as it adds structure and helps to define the cheekbones.
These FAQs offer guidance on choosing the right makeup techniques and identifying your face shape, helping you enhance your natural features effectively.
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Suhasini Machagar
Hello, I'm Suhasini Machagar
Expertise Makeup and Beauty : Trained & certified in beauty and makeup courses.
Education MBA (HR)
I love all the things which are related to cosmetics and beauty. I have recently started on my journey into the world of beauty content writing. I also aim to create content that is not only educational but also relatable to the audience. As a new content creator, I am also eager to carve my niche in the beauty industry. In my free time I also enjoy cooking, making comedy reels on instagram