Knowing your face shape is the first step to mastering makeup application, choosing flattering hairstyles, and selecting eyewear that complements your features. It might seem daunting, but identifying your face shape is easier than you think! This in-depth walkthrough provides a simple, step-by-step guide to help you determine your face shape with confidence.
Gather Your Supplies
Before we begin, you'll need just a few things:
- A Flexible Tape Measure: This will help you take accurate measurements. A regular ruler can work in a pinch, but a tape measure provides more precise results.
- A Mirror: Preferably a full-length mirror to see your entire face clearly.
- Pen and Paper: To jot down your measurements.
- A Hair Tie (Optional): To pull your hair back for an unobstructed view of your face.
Step-by-Step Guide to Determining Your Face Shape
Follow these steps to accurately measure your face and identify your shape:
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Prepare Your Face: Pull your hair back tightly to avoid obstructing your view. Ensure your face is clean and free of makeup to get the most accurate measurements.
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Measure Your Forehead: Using the tape measure, find the widest part of your forehead and measure across. Record this measurement.
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Measure Your Cheekbones: Find the widest point of your cheekbones, usually located just below your eyes. Measure the distance across your cheekbones and record it.
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Measure Your Jawline: Measure the width of your jawline at its widest point. This is usually at the corners of your jaw. Record this measurement.
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Measure Your Face Length: Measure the distance from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin. This is the length of your face. Record this measurement.
Common Face Shapes and Their Characteristics
Now that you have your measurements, let's examine the characteristics of common face shapes:
Oval Face Shape:
- Characteristics: The length of your face is longer than its width. Your forehead is slightly wider than your jawline, and your chin is rounded. This is considered the ideal face shape by many.
- Measurements: Face length is significantly greater than the width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. The forehead and jawline are relatively similar in width.
Round Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Your face is almost as wide as it is long. Your cheeks are full, and your jawline is softly rounded.
- Measurements: Face length and width are nearly equal. Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width.
Square Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are approximately the same width. Your jawline is strong and angular.
- Measurements: Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are almost equal in width; face length is similar or slightly longer than the width.
Heart Face Shape (or Inverted Triangle):
- Characteristics: Your forehead is the widest part of your face, tapering down to a pointed chin.
- Measurements: Forehead width is significantly greater than cheekbones and jawline width. The jawline is narrow.
Oblong Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Your face is long and narrow, with similar widths across the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
- Measurements: Face length is considerably longer than the width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. The forehead, cheekbones and jawline have similar widths.
Diamond Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, with a narrow forehead and chin.
- Measurements: Cheekbones are the widest point, with forehead and jawline significantly narrower, and the face length is greater than the width.
Pear Face Shape (or Triangle):
- Characteristics: Your jawline is wider than your forehead. Your chin is typically broader.
- Measurements: Jawline is wider than both the forehead and cheekbones.
Understanding Your Results
Compare your measurements to the descriptions above to determine your face shape. Remember that face shapes can sometimes fall between categories, or even be a combination of shapes. Don't be discouraged if you don't perfectly fit into one category.
Beyond the Measurements
While measurements provide a good starting point, consider the overall shape of your face as well. Look at your face in the mirror and note its general contour and angles. This will further help you confirm your face shape.
Knowing your face shape empowers you to make informed choices about your style and appearance. Use this knowledge to enhance your natural beauty!
