Face Shapes; how to analyse yours

While there are many things we can modify when it comes to refining our personal style, our face shape and body shape are not among them. That’s because they are both based on our skeleton. 

Regardless of fluctuating weight, once we have achieved our adult skeleton, it is fixed. There’s no changing our skeleton unless we break bones or they deteriorate through illness or changes in our posture.

Similarly with face shape, it is based on the bones in our head which (we hope!) remain intact. There are three main determinants when it comes to face shape; 

• whether your face is predominantly curved or angled

• the ratio between the width and length of your face, and 

• where the widest part of your face is.

Of course no human face fits completely into a shape category but some are more obvious than others, and by considering your face shape when choosing accessories and designing an outfit, you can create an amazing look for yourself.

I have produced a table to help you analyse what shape your face is.

What shape is my face?

If it is long with curves, it will either be Oblong or Oval. They are similar but the Oblong is slightly longer and less tapered than the Oval at the forehead and jawline.

The other shape that shares similarities with Oblong is Rectangle. The proportions are similar but Rectangle has angles instead of curves.

Moving on, if you imagine Rectangle being shortened, you have Square. The uniqueness of Square lies in its width and length being almost the same. 

Related to Square is Round. With similar proportions, Round has curved sides instead of angled.

Heading back to Oval, if the curves are replaced with angular sides, it becomes Diamond.

Then there are two face shapes that are neither long nor short and combine curves with angles: Heart and Teardrop. Heart is rounded at the forehead and tapers into a narrow chin. Whereas Teardrop has a narrower forehead and transitions into a curved jawline.

Here are some examples of face shapes with accessories that reflect elements of them.

• Teardrop face with glasses frames combining curves and angles

• Round face with round pendant

• Diamond face with angled glasses frames

• Rectangle face with rectangular earrings

If you’d like to learn how to make the most of your face shape, you can. Simply head over here to select the guide that’s right for you.

A massive thanks to my friend and associate, Briar Jasper-Batson, for her design skills!