Knowing your face shape is the first step to mastering makeup application, choosing flattering hairstyles, and even selecting the perfect eyewear. But how do you accurately determine your face shape without a professional consultation? This guide outlines key tactics for successfully identifying your face shape from the comfort of your own home.
Gather Your Supplies: A Simple Yet Crucial Step
Before you begin, gather a few essential items. You'll need:
- A Flexible Tape Measure: This will ensure accurate measurements. A soft fabric measuring tape is ideal to avoid pinching your skin.
- A Mirror: Preferably a large, well-lit mirror to allow for clear visibility of your entire face.
- A Pen and Paper: To jot down your measurements and your face shape conclusion.
- Hair Tie (Optional): If you have bangs or long hair that obscures your hairline, a hair tie will help to keep your hair pulled back for a clear view.
Accurate Measurement: The Foundation of Face Shape Determination
The accuracy of your face shape determination hinges on precise measurements. Follow these steps carefully:
- Cleanse Your Face: Ensure your face is clean and free of makeup to get the most accurate measurements.
- Pull Your Hair Back: Secure your hair away from your face using a hair tie. This will prevent your hair from interfering with the measurements.
- Measure Your Forehead: Measure the width of your forehead from the widest point on one side to the widest point on the other.
- Measure Your Cheekbones: Locate the widest part of your cheekbones, usually just below your eyes, and measure the distance from one cheekbone to the other.
- Measure Your Jawline: Measure the width of your jawline from the widest point of your jaw on one side to the other.
- Measure Your Face Length: Measure the length of your face from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Identifying Your Face Shape: Putting the Pieces Together
With your measurements in hand, it's time to determine your face shape. Compare your measurements to the descriptions below:
Oval Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Longer than it is wide. The forehead is slightly wider than the jawline, which tapers gently towards the chin.
- Measurement Comparison: Face length is significantly longer than the forehead width, cheekbone width, and jawline width.
Round Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Soft curves with a full jawline and rounded cheeks. The length and width are roughly equal.
- Measurement Comparison: Forehead, cheekbone, and jawline widths are relatively similar, with the face length being similar or only slightly longer.
Square Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Defined jawline with strong angles. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are approximately the same width.
- Measurement Comparison: Forehead, cheekbone, and jawline widths are all similar and almost equal to the face length.
Heart Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Wider forehead that tapers down to a pointed chin.
- Measurement Comparison: Forehead is wider than the cheekbones, which are wider than the jawline.
Long Face Shape:
- Characteristics: The length of the face is significantly longer than the width.
- Measurement Comparison: Face length is considerably greater than the forehead, cheekbone, and jawline widths.
Diamond Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Narrow forehead and chin, with the widest point at the cheekbones.
- Measurement Comparison: Cheekbones are the widest point of the face; forehead and jawline are narrower.
Triangle/Pear Face Shape:
- Characteristics: Narrow forehead and a wider jawline.
- Measurement Comparison: Jawline is wider than both the cheekbones and forehead.
Beyond the Measurements: Consider Visual Cues
While measurements provide a strong foundation, visual cues can also help confirm your face shape. Observe the overall shape of your face in the mirror; do you see prominent angles, soft curves, or a combination of both?
Mastering Your Face Shape: The Next Steps
Once you've identified your face shape, you can use this knowledge to enhance your appearance through makeup, hairstyles, and accessories. Numerous online resources and tutorials offer specific guidance on accentuating your features and minimizing any perceived imperfections based on your individual face shape.
Remember, knowing your face shape is about understanding your features and finding what works best for you. Don't be discouraged if the measurements aren't perfectly precise; the goal is to get a general idea. Now go forth and conquer your beauty routine!
