How to Determine Your Face Shape
Whether you're deciding on a new hairstyle or buying a hat, knowing what shape your face is can help choose you the most flattering style. There are four basic face shapes: oval, round, heart, and square, plus a few sub-shapes such as triangle (or 'pear'), diamond, and rectangle (or 'oblong'). The first step to determining which you are is to get out a tape measure and write down some numbers.- First, measure across the top of your cheekbones.
- Then measure across your jawbone, from widest point to widest point.
- Third, measure across your forehead at the widest point (somewhere between your eyes and hairline)
- Measure from the top of your face (at the hairline) to the tip of your chin.
Oval You have an oval face if the length (#4) is 1 1/2 times the width (usually #1 or #2) and all features are evenly balanced and proportioned. Oval faces usually have small features and prominent cheekbones.
Round If your face is just as wide at the cheekbones (#1) as it is long (#4), with the forehead and jawline being slightly narrower.
Square All four measurements will be roughly the same in square face, with the face being more angular and about as wide as it is long.
Heart Heart shaped faces are widest at the forehead or cheekbones and taper down to a narrower jaw.
Diamond Diamond faces are similar to the oval but with less proportion in the form of very prominent cheekbones. They also should have close to equal jaw and forehead measurements.
Triangle Triangle faces are widest at the jaw and more narrow at the cheekbones and forehead.
Rectangle Rectangle faces are like the square but with measurement #4 (length) slightly longer than the others (width).
Now that you know your face shape you can make the most of beauty advice like our article on How to Choose the Most Flattering Hat. Also keep in mind that face shapes can change over time, depending on factors like weight, age, and overall health, so it's not a bad idea to reevaluate every so often.
