The oval face shape is said to be the ideal one. But the faces of Hollywood actresses and super models come in all different shapes.
For example, the square shaped face is very popular nowadays. Many super models and actors of today have powerful chins.
The most important thing is to try to create symmetry in the face in order to look good. You can’t change your facial shape but there are some tricks you can use to deceive the eye. Hair is one way, make-up another and finally clothes is a third way. Generally you want to make your face look longer or rounder.
Determine your face shape
All faces are different so it's sometimes difficult to determine which category your own face fits into. See this as a guide to choosing the right hair style. A great thing you can try, is to find a celebrity (or friend) whose face shape is similar to yours and be inspired by her choice of hair style.
Oval face shape: The length of your face is equal to one and a half times its width. Oblong face shape: Your face is longer than one and a half times its width with a narrow chin. Round face shape: Your face is shorter than one and a half times its width with rounded cheekbones. Rectangular face shape: Same as oblong, but forehead and chin are about as wide. Square face shape: Your face has equally wide forehead and chin but is shorter than one and a half times the width.
Heart face shape: Your face is narrow at the jaw line but wide at the cheekbones and/or forehead - just like a heart.
For pictures of celebrities with different face shapes, go to the Hair section.
Oblong face shape
Take a look at these photos of Liv Tyler who has an oblong face shape. Note how she manages to create symmetry with a hat and a choker, hair style with bangs and and a sweatshirt with high neckline.
An important note: Recent scientific studies have shown that orthodontics that involve retraction can lead to a narrow and long face. Usually the person has an oblong face shape before treatment but this is aggravated because the face is guided to grow downwards and backwards. It can damage your profile quite severely, especially if you have premolars extracted. Read more about this in the braces adults blog.
Round face shape
Kristin Kreuk below has a typically round face which is almost hard to tell after she's managed to make it look longer with long hair styles and low cuts.
You could try a wig before you decide to let a hairdresser have some fun with the scissors.
The most effective thing though, is to control your face shape with the right hair style. Once you have determined your face shape, go to the Hair section to find out what hair styles suit you best.
Glasses
Personally I think glasses can be cool and fun! But some people get tired of them from time to time and then contacts can be a good alternative.
A word about contact lenses
If you're considering switching to contact lenses you should know that some people get dry eyes from contacs, however most people won't experience any problems at all. Contacts are easy to use and smart. Besides you can change your eye color whenever you want if you wear color lenses! Here's more about colored contact lenses.
Glasses and face shape
Anyway, glasses. If you're going to spend money on something, make it the glasses. Think about it, you're going to wear them a lot (even more than your favorite tshirt) so choose with care! (I'm not saying you have to buy expensive glasses, just don't think too much about the price if you've found the perfect pair.)
It's possible nowadays to buy eyeglasses on the net.
The general rule is to pick a frame that offsets the shape of your face.
Oval: Any frame shape looks good on you, but be careful with the size. Oblong: Round or triangular shapes. Round: Wide and rectangular frames. Rectangular/Square: Wide and rounded frames. Heart: Any shape will do, but avoid frames that are wider at the top than the bottom.
If you have a delicate face, try finding a rimless frame.
