Face Shapes 101: Understanding the Different Types of Face Shapes

Understanding your face shape will help you choose the right style of glasses, and decide on makeup and hairstyles that complement your features. Here’s a quick guide for you guys

Face Shapes 101: Understanding the Different Types of Face Shapes

Everyone might have tried to understand their face shape at least once in their lifetime. I was never worried about mine until one of my friends pointed out how the shape of my face is similar to a Vicks cough drops, that was a hilarious way to describe someone’s face shape. I went home that day and the first thing I did was try to understand my face shape. All the data on the internet, measurements, and all was very overwhelming for someone searching it for the first time. So today I‘ll guide you guys through an easy way to understand face shapes.

A girl touching her sharp jawline

The features of your face that let you understand face shapes are the Forehead, Hairline, Cheeks, and jaw. Some might have a narrower forehead, some might have a pointed jaw,  all this will help you determine what face shapes you have. So look in the mirror, pull your hair back, and start your ‘understanding face shapes’ sesh.

Different Face Shapes:

Face shapes

Triangle face shape

Similar to a triangle, that is narrow on the top and wide end. Look in the mirror and see if you have a narrow forehead and a wide Jawline. Or another easy way is to see if you resemble “Phineas” from the show Phineas and Ferb.  The jawline is very broad for these face shapes. Triangle faces can also be referred to as pear-shaped faces. 

Round face shape

For round face shapes, cheeks will be the broadest part and all sides will look equal with a softer jawline and hairline.

Oval face shape

A girl smiling

Even though people with sharp jawlines are found attractive, oval face shaped people with curved jawlines are considered the most versatile of all other face shapes. Y’all know how an oval shape is, length will be more than width. For oval-faced people, the forehead is slightly narrower than the cheekbones which is the widest part of your face. The Jawline becomes narrower towards a rounded chin. There will not be any sharp angles or features. So if the length of your face is longer than the width, and your cheekbones are the widest part, then you most probably have an oval face shape.

Elongated face shape

a girl with her eyes closed

People who have a long face are mistaken to have an oval face shape. But the main difference between oval face shape and elongated lies in the length. An elongated face is significantly longer than it is wide, with a narrow jawline and high cheekbones. The forehead, cheeks, and jawline of elongated face shapes have similar widths.

Square face shape

Do you have wide hairlines and sharp angles at the corner of your cheekbone? then you probably have a square-shaped face. See if the distance from your hairline to your jawline and then the distance across your forehead at its widest point are similar. Chin is short for people with square faces. 

Diamond face shape

Diamond face shapes are known to be the rarest of all face shapes. A diamond face shape often has a slightly pointed hairline at the peak. Your forehead and jawline are narrower and cheekbones are the widest? Then you might have a diamond face shape. 

Rectangle face shape

A girl smiling at the camera

Referred to as an oblong face shape, this face shape has a defined jaw with a slightly angular. If you have a rectangular face shape then the length of your face from hairline to chin is longer than the width of your face across your cheekbones, you might have a rectangle face shape. 

Heart face shape

Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and cheekbone area when compared to the jawline. Also, these people have a pointed chin.

In Conclusion:

Unlike the previous generations, we have the advantage of being able to select products best suited for our needs, be it deciding on hairstyle, doing makeup, or buying glasses by understanding the face shapes. Seeking guidance from a hairstylist or makeup artist if you are confused about what works best for you is also a great idea.

In addition, the Korean skincare trends have made plastic surgery, procedures like Botox allow the option to refine and sculpt facial features to achieve a slimmer face and enhance the jawline. Tools like gua sha and jade rollers have also gained popularity for their ability to shape the face this is a healthier method when compared to doing surgeries.

Even though there are countless beauty options available, we must learn to love and appreciate our natural face shape. Remember, there's beauty in authenticity, and falling in love with your natural features is always the best choice.