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Understanding your face shape is the first step to finding the most flattering hairstyles, makeup techniques, and even eyewear that enhance your natural beauty. While many people struggle to identify their face shape accurately, this comprehensive DIY guide will teach you exactly how to measure and determine your face shape, complete with celebrity examples for each category.
Your face shape influences countless style decisions, from the perfect haircut to the most flattering necklines and accessories. Once you understand your face shape, you can make informed choices that work with your natural features rather than against them. The key is learning to identify which measurements are your largest and how your facial features relate to each other.
Before beginning your face shape analysis, gather these simple tools:
Flexible measuring tape (like a tailor’s tape measure - avoid rigid builder’s tape)
A well-lit mirror
Notebook and pen to record measurements
Hair tie or clips to pull hair completely away from your face
Pull your hair back completely and face a well-lit mirror straight on. Good lighting is crucial for accurate measurements, so position yourself near a window or bright light source.
Write down all four measurements and identify which is the largest. The dominant measurement will help determine your face shape category.
Key Features:
Face length is greater than cheekbone width
Forehead is slightly wider than the jawline
Gently curved jawline with no sharp angles
Balanced, harmonious proportions
Celebrity Examples: Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, Blake Lively, Emma Watson, Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, Kate Middleton, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Lawrence.
The oval face shape is often considered the most versatile, as it naturally balances all features. Celebrities like Beyoncé showcase how this face shape creates a feminine, elegant appearance with well-defined cheekbones and a narrowed jawline.
Key Features:
Face length and cheekbone width are roughly equal
Cheekbones are wider than both forehead and jawline
Soft, curved lines with rounded chin and jawline
Fuller cheeks are often the widest part of the face
Celebrity Examples: Selena Gomez, Chrissy Teigen, Drew Barrymore, Emma Stone, Mila Kunis, Kirsten Dunst, Sarah Hyland, Mindy Kaling, and Adele.
Round faces have a youthful, cherub-like quality. Selena Gomez perfectly exemplifies this face shape with her soft curves and balanced proportions that create a naturally youthful appearance.
Key Features:
Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all similar in width
Strong, angular jawline
Face length is shorter in proportion to width
Sharp, defined angles rather than curves
Celebrity Examples: Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, Margot Robbie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sandra Bullock, Keira Knightley, and Demi Moore.
Square faces are characterized by their bold, structured appearance. Angelina Jolie demonstrates how a strong jawline can be incredibly striking and elegant.
Key Features:
Forehead and cheekbones are wider than the jawline
Face tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin
Often features a widow’s peak hairline
Creates an inverted triangle silhouette
Celebrity Examples: Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Naomi Campbell, Florence Pugh, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kerry Washington, and Nicole Richie.
The heart face shape creates a delicate, feminine appearance. Reese Witherspoon showcases how this face shape can be both sophisticated and charming with its distinctive tapering from forehead to chin.
Key Features:
Cheekbones are the widest part of the face
Narrow forehead and pointed chin
Face length is typically the largest measurement
Often features sharp, prominent cheekbones
Celebrity Examples: Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Zendaya, Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson, and Tyra Banks.
Diamond faces are considered rare and striking. Jennifer Lopez exemplifies this face shape with her prominent cheekbones and narrow forehead, creating an elegant, defined look.
Key Features:
Face length is noticeably longer than width
Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width
Elongated appearance with straight sides
Can appear narrow or like a blunt rectangle
Celebrity Examples: Liv Tyler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexa Chung, Uma Thurman, and Meryl Streep.
The oblong face shape creates an elegant, elongated appearance. These celebrities often choose hairstyles that add width to balance their naturally longer face structure.
Key Features:
Jawline is significantly wider than the forehead
Strong, wide jawline with narrow forehead
Face can be any length
Creates a pear or triangle silhouette
Celebrity Examples: Jennifer Lawrence, Meghan Markle, Kelly Osbourne, Jennifer Aniston, Geena Davis, and Minnie Driver.
The triangle face shape is the least common, but can be very striking. Jennifer Lawrence demonstrates how this face shape can be both powerful and feminine.
