When we shop for clothes, we choose garments and accessories that accentuate our frame. Why is it then that we don’t apply the same rules to our makeup and hairstyling routines? Sure, following the latest beauty trends is one way to create a memorable look, but if you want to look your absolute best, getting dolled up with your face shape in mind can make a world of difference.
Where celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips says that knowing your face shape can help determine the perfect placement for contour, blush, and even lashes, celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons says that it’s crucial for choosing hairstyles that enhance your natural beauty and showcase your personal style. IGK Hair Care co-founder Aaron Grenia agrees. “Knowing your face shape helps you choose hairstyles that enhance your features, create balance, and highlight your best attributes,” he explains. “It guides you in selecting haircuts, parting styles, and lengths that complement your natural face structure.”
Now the only question is, what’s your face shape? The easiest (and quickest) way to identify your face shape is to look in the mirror, analyze your face, and compare it to a Google image of face shapes. “Think about whether your features lean more towards softness or angularity and where the widest part of your face falls,” Fitzsimons says. “These simple questions can give you a better sense of your facial structure.”
Another option is to upload a photo of your face to an online face shape calculator. Though, R+Co Vice President of Technical Education Adam Federico points out that they’re not always accurate.
As such, if you want to determine your face shape with a bit more precision, Federico reveals his step-by-step method, below.
- Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a flexible measuring tape, a mirror, and maybe a pencil and paper to jot down measurements.
- Pull Your Hair Back: If you have long hair, pull it back away from your face with a hairband or clips so you can see your entire face clearly.
- Measure Your Face: Take the following measurements of your face. Measure across your forehead at its widest point, typically from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the peak of the opposite arch; across your cheekbones, starting and ending at the pointiest part below the outer corner of each eye; from the tip of your chin to the point below your ear where your jaw angles upward and then multiply that number by two to get the full jawline length; and from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
- Compare the Measurements: Use your measurements to determine which face shape category you fall into.
Round
Defining Features
Round faces have nearly equal width and length and tend to be shorter overall.
“Round faces have soft, curved contours with equal or nearly equal width and length,” Fitzsimons says, noting that the cheeks are typically the widest part of the face. “Celebrities like Selena Gomez exemplify this facial structure, having a youthful appearance with fuller cheeks and gentler features.” Emma Stone is another starlet with a beautiful round face.
Suitable Makeup
- Blush: Celebrity makeup artist Marz Collins says to be mindful of where you apply blush on a round face. “Apply blush slightly higher on the cheeks, rather than on the apples,” she says. “Sweep it towards the temples to create a lifting effect.”
- Contour: “For rounder faces, contouring is key, but the most important thing is to keep it gentle and soft,” says celebrity makeup artist Gregory Arly. “For a powder contour, I like to start by using an angled, fluffy brush. I find a fluffier brush is more forgiving, diffusing the lines as opposed to a firmer brush which will make sharper edges.” When applying contour, Arlt says to work under the cheekbone up to the temples to create the illusion of depth and lift. “It’s best to lift the brush just before hitting the cheek which will give the face structure and not look like a stripe on the face,” he explains.
- Highlight: An easy way to balance out a round face? With highlighter! “I keep the highlight towards the center of the face like under the eyes, the center of the forehead, down the bridge of the nose, and on the center of the chin,” Phillips says.
- Lashes: Phillips, who is an Eylure ambassador, recommends adding a long fluttery lash to the mix for round faces. “A long fluttery lash will help allude to an elongated face,” she explains. To get the look, she says to apply medium lashes at the center of the eye with longer lashes on the outer corners.
Suitable Hairstyles
- Long Layers: Fitzsimons and Genia agree that long layers look fabulous on round face shapes. “Soft, face-framing layers help elongate the face and add dimension,” Fitzsimons explains. “They create the illusion of length, balancing out the roundness for a more defined look.”
- Side-Swept Bangs: You can balance out the appearance of a round face by adding side-swept bangs to the mix. “Side-swept bangs are a game-changer for round faces,” Fitzsimons says. “They add angles and draw attention to your eyes, making your face appear longer.” Grenia says the same goes for side parts in general. “They break the roundness and add dimension,” he explains.
- High Ponytail: It’s a myth that pulled-back hairstyles don’t flatter round faces. “A high ponytail is one of my favorites for round faces,” Fitzsimons says. “This look is the perfect style for adding height at the crown, which elongates the face. High ponytails are a chic, effortless style that also highlights your cheekbones and jawline.”
Square
Defining Features
Square faces have nearly equal width and length and are characterized by a strong, sharp jaw.
“Square faces are characterized by strong jawlines and nearly equal proportions across the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw,” Fitzsimons says. “The measurements of square faces are similar to that of round face shapes, however, the total structure is much more angular. Think actress Olivia Wilde for example, conveying strength and symmetry in her facial structure.” Angelina Jolie is another prime example of a square face shape.
Suitable Makeup
- Blush: “For square face shapes I like to use contour, highlight, and blush to soften the already structured features,” Phillips says. With that in mind, she says to apply blush to the apples of the cheeks, as well as across the bridge of the nose to draw the eye in and create the appearance of a more balanced face shape.
- Contour: “For a square face, focus on softening the angles,” celebrity makeup artist Tarryn Feldman says. “Use contour on the sides of your forehead, along the jawline, and under the cheekbones to create a more oval appearance.”
- Highlight: “The goal is to soften the angels and create the illusion of a more oval shape,” Collins says. “Apply a highlighter to the center of the forehead, down the bridge of the nose, on the tops of the cheekbones, and the chin. Highlighting these areas will help bring light to the center of the face, softening the overall look.”
- Lashes: Eyes can sometimes seem lost on a square face. Make them stand out with a curled lash. “A lash that curls outwards widens the eye,” Phillips explains. To get the look, she says to apply two medium lashes to the outer corner of each eye and one short lash closer to the center.
Suitable Hairstyles
- Soft Waves: Fitzsimons and Grenia agree that soft curls and waves help soften the sharp angles of a square face. “They add movement and femininity, softening the jawline and creating balance,” Fitzsimons says.
- Layered Bob: Fitzsimons and Grenia also agree that a layered bob can look beautiful on square face shapes. “It reduces the sharpness of the jawline and adds movement,” Grenia says.
- Side Part: ICYMI, the side part is coming back—and that’s great news for square face shapes. “A side part is your secret weapon,” Fitzsimons says. “It breaks up the symmetry of a square face, drawing attention away from the width of the forehead and jawline and bringing attention to the center of your face for a more balanced look.”
Oval
Defining Features
Oval faces have nearly equal forehead, cheekbone, and chin measurements, with slightly wider cheeks and an extended length.
“A combination of square and round, oval faces have very balanced proportions with slightly wider cheekbones than the forehead and a more gentle, softly rounded jawline along with an overall longer face shape,” Fitzsimons says. “Jessica Alba is a perfect example of an oval face shape.” Beyoncé is another gorgeous example of an oval face.
Suitable Makeup
- Blush: Liven up your complexion with a lifted blush application. “Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it slightly upward toward your temples for a natural, lifted look,” Feldman says.
- Contour: The goal is to balance out the length of the oval face. “When applying contour, I recommend taking a bit across the top of the forehead blending into the hairline—that will ‘shorten’ the forehead a bit,” Arlt says. “I don’t recommend too much under the cheekbones since that can look a bit sunken in; instead try highlighting the upper cheekbones to impart depth to the face.”
- Highlight: Oval face shapes have slightly wider cheeks that glisten with a well-applied highlighter. “For an oval face, apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your brow bones to accentuate your features,” Feldman says.
- Lashes: As the “perfect” face shape, oval faces can get away with just about any lash style. “I feel that an oval face shape can experiment with a lot of different lash styles,” Phillips says. “However, I love emphasizing the corners of the eyes with long lashes. I like to use the long eyelid clusters at the outer corners of the eyes and add a medium in the center of the eye to blend the lashes together.”
Suitable Hairstyles
- Sleek High Bun or Pony: Oval face shapes look downright regal with a sleek, lifted hairstyle. “A sleek high bun is the ultimate chic style for an oval face,” Fitzsimons says. “It highlights your balanced proportions and elongates your neck, giving you an elegant, sophisticated look.”
- Long and Straight: Oval faces also look stunning with loose, long, straight hair. “Long, straight hair is a classic for oval faces,” Fitzsimons says. “It enhances your face’s natural symmetry and looks effortlessly stylish.”
- Beachy Waves: To balance out a slightly narrower oval face, Grenia suggests beach waves. “They add volume and texture without overwhelming the face’s natural symmetry.”
Diamond
Defining Features
Diamond faces are longer and have a notably narrower forehead and jawline, with the cheekbones being the defining feature.
“Diamond-shaped faces have narrow foreheads and jawlines, with the widest point at the cheekbones,” Fitzsimons says. “Think of this face shape as a more angular version of an oval face.” Prime examples of a diamond face shape include Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.
Suitable Makeup
- Blush: Aim high! “Blush looks great when it’s higher on the cheekbones on diamond face shapes so I like to apply blush on the top of the cheekbones and blend upwards towards the temples,” Phillips says.
- Contour: Diamond face shapes call for subtle contouring. “The goal is to soften the angles and emphasize the cheekbones while minimizing the width at the temples and jawline,” Collins says. “Apply contour to the sides of the forehead to reduce the width at the temples; contour the hollows of the cheeks just below the cheekbones to define them; and lightly contour along the jawline to soften the angles.”
- Highlight: Shine bright light a diamond—with the proper highlight placement, that is. “Highlight the tops of the cheekbones to make them stand out; highlight the center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, the brow bones, and the chin to bring light to the center of the face and create balance,” Collins instructs.
- Lashes: Diamond face shapes are similar to oval face shapes in that the cheekbones and center of the face are the widest, even if marginally.
Suitable Hairstyles
- Layered Lob: Fitzsimons and Grenia agree that layered lobs look stunning on diamond face shapes. “A layered lob adds volume around the face shape, balancing the sharp angles of a diamond face—it draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones, making them pop,” Fitzsimons says.
- Side-Swept Pixie: If you prefer shorter styles, Fitzsimons recommends a side-swept pixie. “A side-swept pixie cut with longer layers on one side softens the angularity of diamond-shaped faces,” he says. “It is an edgy yet elegant look.”
- Deep Side Part: Diamond face shapes are yet another that can pull off a deep side part. “A deep side part creates asymmetry, taking focus away from the width of your cheekbones and directing it to your eyes and lips, beautifully balancing the face,” Fitzsimons explains.
Heart
Defining Features
Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and cheekbones with a narrow, pointed chin.
“Heart-shaped faces have wider foreheads that taper down to a narrower, sometimes pointed chin, often accentuated by prominent cheekbones,” Fitzsimons explains. Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Greene, and Scarlett Johansson all have heart-shaped faces.
Suitable Makeup
- Blush: Heart-shaped faces are rather renowned for their cheeks, so accentuating them with blush is a must. “Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend upwards towards the temples,” Collins says. “This technique emphasizes the cheekbones and adds a natural flush to the face.”
- Contour: The easiest way to balance out a heart-shaped face is with creative forehead and chin contouring. “It’s best to contour the forehead the most when applying makeup to heart face shapes,” Phillips says. “I tend to contour the temples and perimeter of the forehead, cheekbones, and underneath the chin. Contouring under the chin will make it appear more rounded.”
- Highlight: To create a more rounded, less angular appearance, Arlt says to apply highlight on the forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin.
- Lashes: Since heart-shaped faces have similar forehead and cheek proportions to that of a round face, a long, fluttery lash is ideal.
Suitable Hairstyles
- Wispy Fringe: Looking to soften the appearance of a wider forehead? Just add bangs! “A wispy fringe softens the forehead and draws attention downward and towards your eyes,” Fitzsimons says. “It is a playful and flirty look fitting for a heart-shaped face.”
- Layered Shaggy Cut: Hoping to balance out your chin? “A layered shag adds volume and texture around the jaw, softening a more pointed chin, a characteristic of heart-shaped faces,” Fitzsimons says. “This cut will enhance and compliment your natural face shape, plus, it is very on-trend.”
- Half-Up Half-Down: Can’t decide between an updo or a loose mane? Go halfsies! “A half-up half-down style with loose waves or curls softens the face and adds volume to the lower half,” Fitzsimons says. “This style is versatile and elegant, accentuating your cheekbones and eyes.”
Oblong
Defining Features
Oblong faces are longer than they are wide and feature a rounded forehead and jawline. They’re the cousin of the oval face shape.
“Oblong faces stretch longer than they do wide, sporting straighter sides and a gently rounded jawline,” Fitzsimons says. “Take Joan Smalls, for instance—her facial structure perfectly embodies this sleek shape.” Other great examples? Cher and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Suitable Makeup
- Blush: “For an oblong face, the goal is to create the illusion of width and balance,” Feldman says. “Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards horizontally to add width and balance your features. This technique helps to shorten the look of an elongated face and creates a more balanced appearance.”
- Contour: Contour can create sharp definition but it can also create the appearance of a shorter face. “Use contour along your hairline and the bottom of your chin to shorten the appearance of your face,” Feldman says.
- Highlight: “For an oblong face, I would highlight the center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, and under the eyes and outward towards the temples,” Phillips says. This technique draws the focus to the center of the face, which lends to a rounder, more balanced appearance overall.
- Lashes: Seeing as the oblong face is the cousin of the oval face, pretty much any lash style will work. Have fun experimenting with them all!
Suitable Hairstyles
- Blunt Bangs: Create the appearance of a shorter face by adding blunt bangs to the mix. “Blunt bangs are a fabulous and chic option for oblong faces,” Fitzsimons says. “They add width at the forehead and create an illusion of a shorter face length, balancing the elongated proportions of an oblong face.”
- Textured Layers: Since oblong faces are longer than they are wide, textured layers can help create balance width-wise. “Textured layers add volume and movement, creating the appearance of width and softening the angular features,” Fitzsimons explains. “It's all about balance and adding that extra flair, and this look is perfect for just that.”
- Side-Swept Updo: Need a more formal style? Opt for a side-swept updo. “A side-swept updo adds width to the sides, again balancing out the length of an oblong face,” Fitzsimons says. “It draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones, and is the perfect look for a night out.”
Triangle
Defining Features
Triangle faces have a narrow forehead that cascades into wider cheeks and a slightly wider jawline.
“A triangle face has a narrow forehead that widens at the cheeks and jawline, giving a triangular appearance with the base at the jaw,” Grenia says. A-listers sporting the unique face shape include Jennifer Anniston and Kelly Osbourne.
Suitable Makeup
- Blush: “For a triangle face, the goal is to balance a wider jawline with a narrower forehead,” Feldman says. “Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend slightly upwards to lift the face. This helps to create a more harmonious balance between the broader jawline and the narrower forehead.”
- Contour: Be careful where you contour on a triangle-shaped face. “Apply your favorite contour product along the jawline to soften its width; lightly contour the hollows of the cheeks to add definition,” Collins instructs. “Avoid heavy contouring on the forehead, as you want to create the illusion of width here.”
- Highlight: Since the top of a triangle face is the narrowest, you want to work highlight magic to draw the eyes up and to create a more balanced appearance overall. “Apply highlighter to the center of your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, and on the tops of your cheekbones to draw attention upward,” Feldman says.
- Lashes: Again, you want to think about balance. To make your eyes appear wider, ultimately making the top of your face feel more balanced with your chin, opt for fluttery outer lashes that open the eyes.
Suitable Hairstyles
- Layered Shag: One of Grenia’s favorite ways to balance out a triangle face shape is with a layered shag. The choppy haircut creates volume up top, effectively balancing the narrow forehead and wider jawline.
- Side-Swept Bangs: Another of Grenia’s go-tos for triangle face shapes? A side-swept bang. “It adds width to the forehead and softens the jawline,” he explains.
- Chin-Length Bob with Volume: If you prefer shorter hairstyles, Grenia recommends a voluminous chin-length bob. “It enhances the upper face and creates a balanced look,” he says.