By the time you say hello, it’s already over!
New studies are revealing that first impressions happen a lot faster than you might think. When you meet someone for the first time, it can take as few as 100 milliseconds for them to judge your character.
Rather than relying on your words, or clothes, individuals will look at your face first, to measure your characteristics. Face shape types help the brain decide whether someone’s approachable, authoritative, and attractive.
If you want to always have the upper hand when it comes to fashion, and social interactions, you need to learn your face shape type. Understanding your face’s shape means being able to take full advantage of every great feature you have.
Instead of hoping something looks good, you can confidently make decisions about your style. Read on to learn about the different face shapes and how to determine yours.
How Many Face Shape Types Are There?
There are 6 basic face shapes that we’ll be discussing in this article. Yet, keep in mind that everyone’s face is unique. There’s always a slight variation to every rule when it comes to choosing your face’s shape.
If you find that you don’t perfectly fit into any of the 6 face shape types, try finding the shape that most closely describes you. From there, you can find the next shape that most closely resembles your face. Individuals that can relate to more than one face shape have the fun advantage of being able to pull off more styling options.
What You’ll Need to Learn Your Shape
You’ll need a few measurements to accurately determine your face shape. Here’s a quick list of the supplies you’ll need:
- Flexible tape measure
- Notebook
- Mirror
Looking at your face, it can be difficult to tell with the naked eye, what parts of your face are long and what parts are short. While your forehead may appear to be wide, a measurement could reveal that your cheekbones are the widest part of your face.
To avoid any mistakes, you should always measure your face to find out what parts are long, short, or the same. We also recommend having a notebook to jot down your measurements as you go.
Measuring All 4 Features
Now that you have your supplies in hand, you’re ready to start measuring your face. Here are the 4 facial features you’ll need measurements of:
- Forehead
- Cheekbones
- Jawline
- Face length
It’s always a good idea to measure 2 and sometimes 3 times, to ensure you’ve got the right numbers.
Forehead Measurements
You should begin measuring your face by finding out the width of your forehead. To get an accurate measurement, make sure you’re measuring the widest part of your forehead. Typically, the widest part of your forehead will be about halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline.
Cheekbones Measurements
Next, you’re ready to find out the width of your cheekbones. For your cheekbone measurement, you’ll want to place the tape measurer below your eyes. The tape should measure the pointest part, just below the outside corner for each eye.
Jawline Measurements
Now you’re ready to measure your jawline. Start the measurement from the tip of your chin, to just below your ear. The measurement should end right below your ear at the part of your jaw that starts to angle up towards your head. Go ahead and double the number you get since you have 2 sides to your jawline.
Face Length Measurements
Finally, you’ll need to find out the length of your face. Take the tape measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Oval Face Shapes
Oval faces are one of the easiest face shapes to determine. Classic oval-shaped celebrity faces include Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, and Rhiana.
Oval face shapes have some of the most balanced proportions, making them a much sought after look. Here are the measurements that qualify as oval faced:
- Face length greater than cheekbone width
- Forehead wider than the jawline
- Round Jaw angle
Typically individuals with oval faces have narrow foreheads and narrow chins. Yet, the cheekbones tend to be wide for oval shapes.
If you have an oval faced shape and you need glasses, you’re in luck! You’re ideally balanced proportions make it easy for you to pull off almost any type of eyewear.
Almost any frame style will be successful in complimenting your oval-shaped face. However, you’ll still need to avoid wearing any glasses that might detract from the natural balance of your face. For example, oversized frames that don’t fit your face properly could throw your features off balance.
Heart Face Shapes
It doesn’t matter what gender you are, if you have a heart-shaped face, your high cheekbones are your most prominent feature. Following close behind the cheekbones, the jawline is the second most prominent feature. Specifically, the jawline will be one that tapers into a well-defined chin.
Here are the measurements that qualify for heart face shape types:
- Forehead’s wider than cheekbones
- Forehead’s wider than the jawline
- Chini appears pointed
If you have a broad forehead, high cheekbones, and a pointed chin, you probably have a heart-shaped face. Similar to oval face shapes, hearts can enjoy a versatile selection of styling choices.
For hairstyles, wavy hair with fun short bangs can create a vibrant look for heart shapes. Jennifer Garner is a good example of a perfect heart-shaped face that looks great with waves and bangs.
Square Shaped Faces
Looking at your face, what feature stands out the most to you? If it’s your jawline then you might have a square face. Here are the measurements that qualify for a square face shape types:
- Forehead measures similar to cheekbones
- Cheekbones measure similar to face length
- Sharp jaw angle
Square face shapes will have similar measurements for the cheekbones, forehead, and face length. The jaw measurements may also be similar, yet the jawline itself will have an angle, rather than a rounded look. A lot of celebrities have square-shaped faces since angular bone structures are very photogenic.
Round Face Shapes
If your jaw isn’t prominent, your face might be round. Here are the measurements that qualify for round face shapes:
- Cheekbones are similar to face length
- Cheekbones are wider than the forehead
- Cheekbones are wider than the jawline
Round face shapes have wide foreheads and even wider cheekbones. Their chins are typically rounded, and the jawline is soft rather than prominent.
When you’re looking at a round-shaped face, you’ll notice that the face has a circular appearance. Rather than having any strong lines or angles, round faces are softer all around.
If your face shapes round, you’ll look great with a variety of long and short hairstyles. If you prefer long hair, try layering it, to help provide depth to your look. Or if you prefer short hair, go ahead and be bold by wearing a short bob with side-swept bangs.
Diamond Shaped Faces
When it comes to determining face shape types, it’s common for individuals to confuse heart-shaped faces with diamond ones. While there are similarities between the two, diamond faces bring their unique qualities to the table. Here are the measurements that qualify as diamond face type shapes:
- Face length longest measurement
- Cheekbones widest part of your face
- Jawline smallest measurement
If your face length is the longest measurement you wrote down, then you probably have a diamond-shaped face. Other traits of diamond shapes are having a pointy chin and short jawline.
One of the biggest differences between heart shapes and diamond shapes is the forehead. If you have a diamond-shaped face, your forehead won’t be as wide as a heart-shaped face would be. Instead, it’ll be your cheekbones that stand out as the widest part of your face.
Triangular Shaped Faces
Do people often see you as a strong authority figure? You may have your face shape to thank!
Individuals with triangular-shaped faces can highlight their jawlines to evoke feelings of strength. Here are the measurements that qualify for triangular face shape types:
- The jawline is larger than cheekbones
- Cheekbones are wider than the forehead
- The forehead is smaller than your jawline
Typically, if you have a narrow forehead, yet your cheeks are wide, you probably have a base down triangular face shape. Pulling a little bit of attention away from your jawline, while also promoting your forehead, is a great way to balance your features.
Styling Tips for Your Face Shape
Now you know why to face shape types matter, and how to determine what shape describes you. Yet, simply knowing about what shape your face is, won’t be enough to get the look you’ve always wanted.
When it comes to fashion and beauty, oftentimes it’s a matter of trial and error. While knowing your face shape can help you choose the best items to flatter your features, you still have to be willing to try new things!
Your change can be as big as changing your hair length, or as subtle as trying a new shade of lipstick. Right now, choose one aspect of your look you could have fun trying something new with.
Need some ideas to help inspire your style? Check out our Beauty section today!
Readers Also Liked:
5 Attractive Gifts for Men with Beards
Natural Hairstyles If You’re Looking To Switch your Style Up
Types of Lehenga Choli to Adorn to Parties
