Buzz
If you've ever searched for terms like "how to determine my face shape" or "what is my face shape", you're in the right spot. Perhaps you're curious if you're sporting a square or heart-shaped face, or maybe you're hoping to learn how this information can shape your style choices in the future.
"Understanding your face shape can be beneficial for many reasons," says Dr. David Shafer, MD, FACS, a renowned plastic surgeon and founder of Shafer Plastic Surgery in New York. "It plays a role in everything from selecting a flattering haircut to choosing the perfect sunglasses, grooming eyebrows, and makeup application. It helps you play with different dimensions and figure out which features to emphasize or downplay."
Interesting fact: Knowing your face shape could even predict how it might age. It adds another layer of understanding and gives you extra insights into making informed decisions about your personal look.
Begin measuring your face to identify its shape by taking note of these key dimensions:
Before exploring different face shapes, grab a measuring tape and record the following measurements:
- Face Length: Measure from the top of your hairline down to the tip of your chin.
- Forehead Width: Measure the width of your forehead from one hairline to the other. Keep the tape flat and avoid bending it along your face's curve.
- Cheekbone Width: Locate the highest point of your cheekbones, then measure across from one cheekbone to the other. Again, keep the measuring tape flat against your face.
- Jawline Width: Place the measuring tape just below your ear, stretch it down to the middle of your chin, and multiply by two. For this measurement, you can curve the tape along your skin.
If possible, have someone assist with the measurements. You can also use the built-in measuring tape app on iPhones if you lack a flexible measuring tape. Even without one, there are visual clues that can help identify your face shape.
The Triangle Face Shape
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Face-shape_triangle-7f4c0af69b87442f897ad0b5ae70adb9.jpg)
A triangular face is defined by prominent high cheekbones and a narrow jaw, says Dr. Robert Sigal, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery. When measuring, you'll find that the width of your forehead and cheekbones is broader, while your chin is narrow, tapering to a point, either soft or more angular.
The Round Face Shape
A round face shape
The Square Face Shape
If your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all the same width, you likely have a square face shape. Additionally, both your jawline and forehead will appear more pronounced and wide, notes Dr. Shafer. Though the measurements resemble those of a round face, the square face has sharper angles and fewer curves.
The Oval Face Shape
An oval face shape combines features of both square and round shapes. Typically, the forehead is narrower than the cheekbones, and the face is longer than it is wide. Dr. Shafer notes that the jawline and chin are more rounded compared to the angular, sharp lines of a square face.
The Diamond Face Shape
The Rectangle Face Shape
A rectangle face shape
A rectangular face shape has a length that exceeds its width. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline appear to be evenly spaced. Dr. Sigal explains that this shape is more common in older individuals, where skin from the cheeks and jowls tends to settle in the lower part of the face. "Sometimes, younger people have prominent buccal fat pads," he adds. (The buccal fat pad is a natural fat deposit in the cheek.)
The Heart Face Shape
A heart-shaped face
Some Final Thoughts on Face Shapes
If you're thinking, "I don't quite fit into any of these face shape categories," that's perfectly okay.
"It's normal not to fit perfectly into a single face shape category. Many people have a combination of shapes, and it's actually quite common," says Dr. Shafer. "For example, Jennifer Lopez has distinct facial features, and her face shape could be described as both oval and diamond."
Face shapes can change as we age. For example, older individuals often have more rectangular face shapes due to changes in fat, muscle, and skin over time, while younger individuals are more likely to have a triangular face shape.
Ultimately, there are no strict rules when it comes to makeup or accessories, but you may find certain styles enhance your face shape more than others. Luckily, there are timeless styles, like a lob haircut, that complement almost every face shape. Enjoy the process, stay confident, and embrace your beauty.
Commonly Asked Questions
-
Can braces, Invisalign, or wisdom teeth removal alter your facial structure?
Braces and Invisalign are designed to straighten teeth, but they may cause slight changes to your face's shape. For instance, if your orthodontist corrects an overbite that pushed your upper lip outward, it might no longer protrude. However, removing wisdom teeth won't cause any significant or long-lasting changes to the shape of your face.
-
Does sleeping position influence facial features?
Sleeping on one side of your face consistently for years can lead to slight volume loss on that side due to the depletion of collagen and elastin over time.
-
Does aging affect the shape of your face?
Yes, as we age, the fat cells in our face shrink and lose volume, just as they do in other parts of the body. When we're young, the fat is evenly distributed, giving our features a fuller, plumper appearance. But with age, collagen and elastin decline, causing certain features to sag or shift downward over time.
-
How do square and rectangular face shapes differ?
A rectangular face shape features a long face and a pronounced, angular jawline. A square face, also angular, has a shorter length with the width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline being similar.
-
How does a round face differ from an oval face?
Oval face shapes have a longer face with a soft, rounded jawline and chin. On the other hand, round faces also feature a round jawline and chin, but with a shorter overall length.
