Reflection

 “You need to step away from the mirror every once in a while, and look for another reflection like the one in the eyes of the people who love and admire you.” (Stacy London)

Your face is unique because it is the number one way that people distinguish you from other individuals. That being said, is there an easy way to determine the face shape you identify best with? The face shape is broken down into three parts: the forehead and cheekbone width, the jawline, and the face length.  Most people identify mainly into one category, but it's possible to have characteristics of more than one face shape.

Knowing your face shape serves a purpose. It can help you determine the best glasses for you or the most flattering haircut. Let's take a look at the seven main types of face shapes:

Round (Circle):

·        It involves no major angles or edges. The cheekbones are not prominent in this face shape.

·        The jawline and chin are rounded (as well as the forehead at the hairline).

·        The length and width of the face are the same.

·        This face shape looks good in eyeglasses that are strong angular shapes and rectangular frames.  This face shape looks better in longer hair that lengthens the face. Long layers are the most flattering for this face shape. Short layers can accentuate the roundness of the face. Side swept bangs can also add length to a round face.

·        This face shape’s personality is a giver that can make others feel welcomed and comforted.

Square:

·        The cheekbone has minimal curves.

·        The forehead has the same width as that of the cheekbones and jaw.

·        The hairline is a straight line.

·        The jawline is strong, sharp and squared.

·        The length and width of the face are the same.

·        This face shape looks good in eyeglasses that are oval, round, and circular shapes.  For this face shape, deep side parts, texture, and soft bangs helps balance the square face shape. Longer length looks great with the more angular and powerful jawline. This face shape should avoid straight lines.

·        This face shape’s personality is a natural-born leader and tends to handle stress better by being humorous with the ability to complete big projects to their completion.

Heart:

·        Forehead and cheekbones are of the same width are wider than the jawline.

·        Length of the face is more than its width.

·        The chin is angled with a narrow jawline.

·        There is a rounded hairline which forms a point in the shape of the English alphabet V at the center of forehead.

·        This face shape looks better in eyeglasses that are narrow, rimless and bottom heavy.  For this face shape, adding side swept bangs to helps disguise the width of the forehead. By keeping the style fuller around the jaw, it helps to add weight to the narrower chin.

·        This face shape’s personality is generous, and tends to be creative. They also tend to be stubborn and can be a little strong-minded.

Oval (Oblong):

·        Cheekbones are the widest feature of this face shape and are even wider than the forehead.

·        Chin and jawline are rounded.

·        Length of the face is more than its width.

·        For this face shape, almost any eyeglass shape will work.  This face shape looks good in any length of haircut.

·        This face shape’s personality tends to be a realistic overachiever and always sets their expectations high for themselves and other people.

Diamond:

·        Cheekbones are wider than forehead and jawline.

·        Chin is strongly pointed and narrow.

·        The face is as long as it is wide.

·        The forehead is narrow and is not as wide as that in a heart-shaped face.

·        For this face shape, cat eye eyeglasses work (as well as ones that are oval, narrow, or top heavy). Hairstyles that work for this face shape have narrower sides and fullness at the chin. A bob haircut works for this face shape. Straight bangs help to shorten the face. Tucking your hair behind your ears accentuates your prominent cheekbones.

·        This face shape’s personality is a perfectionists and great communicators.

Rectangle:

·        A defining characteristic of this face shape is a tall forehead

·        Cheekbones have minimal curves

·        Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are of the same width

·        It has a straight hairline

·        It is a combination of oval and square face shapes

·        The face is twice as longer than its width

·        The jawline is strong and squared

·        For this face shape, eyeglasses that are oval and curvy, rounded edges, and quite wide. Hairstyles for this face shape can focus on shortening the appearance of the face with a slightly shorter length.

·        This face shape’s personality is intelligent, but is an overthinker. They are big planners that are slightly distant with their own feelings.

Pear (Triangle):

·        There is a full and slightly squared jawline while the face looks fuller and has rounded cheeks.

·        The narrowest part of this face shape is the hairline while the widest part is the chin.

·        For this face shape, eyeglasses that are slightly wider than the jawline are ideal. Hairstyles for this face shape that are longer help disguise the prominence of the jawline. When considering a shorter hair cut, add volume to the top in order to add fullness to the top of the face.

·        This face shape’s personality is passionate, artistic, creative, and sensitive.

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty you get the face you deserve.” (Coco Chanel)[i]

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[i] Adapted from:

·        “How to Find Your Face Shape - 7 Types of Face Shapes” by Shalu Bhati

·        “The Shape of Your Face Can Explain Everything about Your Personality” by Kate Taylor

·        “What Makes Your Face Unique?” by Mike Mill

·        “What your face shape says about you!” BY ALISHA KHAN

·        “Your face is the number one way that people distinguish you from others. It’s what makes you unique” by Chrissy Callahan

·        “Hairstyles To Fit Your Face Shape” by SoZo Hair

·        “What Eyewear Frames Match Your Face Shape?”

·        “Basic Face Shapes: Knowing Your Shape and Choosing the Right Style” by In touch Salonspa

·        “How to Choose Glasses for Triangle Face Shape?” by framesbuy

Stacy London of the series, What Not to Wear