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Determining Your Face Shape

Michael Bayba
Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Written by Michael Bayba Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Updated on September 24, 2024 4 min read 3 sources cited

Have you ever wondered what your face shape is? Knowing your face shape can help you choose the most flattering hairstyles, makeup, and even glasses.

In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps of determining your face shape and provide helpful tips on accentuating your unique features.

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How to Determine Your Face Shape

You can figure out your face shape by taking out a measuring tape and jotting down the following numbers:

  • Face length. From the top of your hairline to the lowest part of your chin.
  • Forehead width. The distance across the center of your forehead from hairline to hairline. Keep the measuring tape flat, and don’t bend it against the curve.
  • Cheekbone width. Measure across from one cheekbone to the other. Make sure to take your measurements from the highest point of your cheekbone while keeping the measuring tape flat.
  • Jawline width. Hold the measuring tape just below your ear and bring it down to the center of your chin, then multiply by two. You can bend the tape to sit against your skin for jawline width.

You can do this yourself or have someone else do it for you. If you don't have a flexible measuring tape, you can use tape apps built into smartphones.

Additional Tips to Determine Your Face Shape

One way to determine your face shape is to use a face shape finder like our AI Face Shape Tool. You upload an image of your face, and it will return your face shape.

These face shape finders or calculators use algorithms to compare your measurements with the characteristics of different face shapes. In some cases, these AI tools can provide personalized recommendations for glasses, hairstyles, makeup, and other accessories that suit your face shape.

What Are the Different Face Shapes?

There are different types of face shapes, each with its own unique characteristics, distinguishing features, and different ways to accessorize. Here are 6 of the most common types of face shapes:

Round Face Shape

A face’s fullness and soft features characterize a round face shape.

Characteristics Best frames for round faces
Wide cheekbones Square frames or geometric frames
No sharp angles or edges Cat-Eye frames
Rounded chin Wayfarer frames
A slight curve in the sides of your face Oversized frames & aviators/navigators

Read Best Glasses for Round Faces

Read Best Sunglasses for Round Faces

Square Face Shape

Unlike round face shapes, square face shapes are sharper and appear wider.

Characteristics Best frames for square faces
Approximately the same width and length for the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw Round or oval frames
Sharp jaw angles Browline frames
The sides of your face are straight Cat-eye frames
Angular features Aviators

Read Best Glasses for Square Faces

Read Best Sunglasses for Square Faces

Heart Face Shape

Heart-shaped faces are similar to square-shaped ones, but they’re longer than they’re wide.

Characteristics Best frame shapes for heart-shaped faces
Wide forehead Oval & circular frames
Pointed chin Rectangular frames
Cheekbones are the same width as your hairline Rimless & semi-rimless frames
Your face gets more angular towards the chin, finishing with a point Wayfarers & aviators
Cat-eye frames

Read Best Glasses for Heart-Shaped Faces

Read Best Sunglasses for Heart-Shaped Faces

Oval Face Shape

This face shape usually looks the most proportional out of the others.

Characteristics Best frames for oval faces
Wide cheekbones Square & rectangular frames
A longer face than it is wide Aviators
Soft and curved jawline Round & cat-eye frames

Read Best Glasses for Oval Faces

Read Best Sunglasses for Oval Faces

Oblong/Rectangular Face Shape

You can identify an oblong/rectangle face shape by length since it usually looks like the longest face shape.

Characteristics Best frames for oblong faces
Similar to a square-shaped face, but it’s longer than it is wide Square & rectangular frames
The jawline, cheekbones, and forehead are all the same width Wayfarer frames
Slightly curved chin

Read Best Glasses for Oblong/Rectangular Faces

Read Best Sunglasses for Oblong/Rectangular Faces

Diamond Face Shape

A diamond face shape might be the rarest of all face shapes.

Characteristics Best frames for diamond-shaped faces
High cheekbones Oval frames
Pointed chin Round frames
Similar to heart-shaped faces, but the main difference is the hairline Geometric frames
Diamond-shaped faces have narrower hairlines than heart-shaped face Rimless frames

Read Best Glasses for Diamond-Shaped Faces

Read Best Sunglasses for Diamond-Shaped Faces

Now that you know how to determine your face shape, you can confidently explore different styles and accessories that enhance your natural beauty. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so embrace your individuality and have fun experimenting with different looks.

3 sources cited

Updated on September 24, 2024

1.
Gould, W. β€œHow to Find Your Face Shape.” Real Simple, 2023.
3.
β€œThe Best Glasses for Different Face Shapes.” Warby Parker, 2022.

About Our Contributors

Michael Bayba
Michael Bayba
Author

Michael, a lead content writer for Vision Center, brings eight years of experience in medical copywriting and advanced research methodologies. With a B.A. in English and Linguistics from the University at Buffalo, he specializes in creating detailed, evidence-based content, particularly in the field of eye health, to educate readers and guide them toward appropriate treatments.

Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer with a passion for educating people about eye health. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and writing skills, Dr. Huang seeks to guide individuals towards healthier and happier lives. Her interests extend to Eastern medicine and integrative healthcare approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new skincare products, experimenting with food recipes, and spending time with her adopted cats.