You’re probably aware that not everybody’s face is round! In fact, when you spend a few minutes looking at the people who pass you in the street, you will notice that they have faces of numerous shapes and sizes.
Perhaps this has prompted you to consider what type of face you have and why it’s important to know this information. Here, we introduce you to the seven most common face shapes, explain how to determine the shape of your face, and reveal why it’s helpful to know your face type.
[Related topics: Diamond VS oval face shape]
What is my face shape? 7 shapes to consider
Knowing your face shape will be super helpful when it comes to choosing the best hairstyle, picking eyeglasses or sunglasses, and various other styling choices. If you haven’t thought much about your face shape before, now is the perfect time to work out which type of face you have. Here are the most common face shapes that you may have:
Round face
Perhaps the most common face type is the round face, which is characterized by a rounded hairline and jawline. This face type is usually symmetrical, with equal face width and length measurements, making it easier to discern than other face types on this list.
Triangle face
If you have a triangular face, its main characteristic is likely to be the high cheekbones, paired with a narrow jaw. Another way to check if this is your face type is to check the width of your forehead and cheekbones against your chinline. If you have a triangle-shaped face, your forehead and cheekbones will be wider and your chin will come together in a pointed, angular finish.
Square face
As you might expect with a square face type, the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all the same width. Most people with square faces also have a pronounced jawline and forehead. While there are similarities between square and round faces, the main difference is that a square face is more angular, with minimal curves.
Rectangle face
In a rectangular face, the face is longer than it is wide. In most cases, the cheekbones, forehead, and jaw are a similar width. Though young people can have rectangular face shapes, this type is more commonly associated with older people, where the skin from their jowls has settled into the face’s lower half.
Oval face
People with oval faces have elements of square and round faces. One distinguishing mark of an oval face is that the cheekbone width is more significant than the forehead width, while the face is longer than it is wide. You will also have a rounded chin and jawline, contrasting with a square face’s sharper, angular features.
Diamond face
Diamond faces are often confused with oval faces, as they are very similar. However, from the outset, a diamond face is more angular than an oval face, with high, strong cheekbones that are slightly wider than the forehead. You will also notice that the chin is more angular than it is in an oval face.
Heart face
The hairline, which resembles the top of a heart, is the easiest way to determine a heart-shaped face. Also, the forehead in a heart face is wider than the jawline, while the chin is narrow and pointed.
How to know what shape my face is?
Ascertaining your face shape is relatively straightforward. Begin by looking in the mirror and using our explanations above to determine which characteristics your face has. You should then be able to tell which face type you have. Failing that, and if you want to be more specific, take the following measurements:
- The width of your forehead
- The width of your cheekbones
- The width of your jawline
Note the measurements of each and use them as your starting point for determining your face type based on the explanations above.
For example, if the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline is the same, you likely have a square-shaped face. However, if your forehead and cheekbones are wider than your jawline, you might have a triangle-shaped face.
Why do I need to know my face shape?
There are three primary reasons why knowing your face shape can help you:
- Hair styling: Different haircuts and styles lend themselves to different face shapes. Knowing which type of face you have is a great starting point for considering which hairstyle will suit you best. For example, if your hair is feathered hairstyle, you may need to use a heat protectant before blowing out hair your. And it would be healthier to use an ionic blow dryer Laifen Swift Special with a diffuser nozzle.
- Makeup placement and use: The makeup you use and the facial features you highlight can be influenced by your face type. When you know what your face type is, you may want to emphasize or accentuate specific features that you’re most proud of.
- Eyeglasses and sunglasses: If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, knowing which face shape you have will help you select glasses that complement your face. You can ask your optician to make recommendations based on your face type, which can save time and hassle when choosing the best glasses.
The bottom line
There are numerous face shapes, ranging from square to diamond. Though you don’t necessarily need to know which face shape you have, working it out is useful, as it can help you with hair styling, makeup, and choosing the best glasses.
You can use our guide above to work out which face type you have, which should then help you with styling and accessorizing decisions going forwards.
