Before choosing the makeup or hairstyle you want to achieve, you must first know exactly the shape of your face. Different models are made for certain face shapes and features, so knowing what face shape you have can help you find the right makeup. A bob haircut should suit your face, otherwise you will not get the desired result.
Of course, everyone's makeup is unique and some people don't fit into a single category, but face shape is one element that beauty experts often use as a starting point when making decisions for their clients.
The easiest way to find your shape—or which category it's closest to—is to measure your face at certain points with a tape measure that can be easily traced to your contours, says celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro. Here's how:
1. Measure from the back of the jaw to the middle of the chin and multiply by two. If you are using an elastic measuring tape, you can also place it across your jaw.
2. Place the tape from the center base of the hairline to the chin to determine the length of your face.
3. Measure from the middle of the ear along the cheekbones to the other ear to determine the width.
Heart shaped face
If your jaw measurements are smaller than your forehead and you have a sharp chin, you most likely have a heart-shaped face.
Pro tip: If you want to contour your face, focus on the chin area, highlighting it as much as possible. The chin is already a prominent area on heart-shaped faces, so taking this step will allow your other features to shine.
Round shaped face
When measuring a round face, there should be more width than length, but rounder faces are often easier to tell than others.
Pro tip: Those with round faces may want to create a more contoured look. To do this, contour just above your jawline to thin your face and add more contour, says Bardo.
Oval shaped face
If your face is longer than it is wide, with the cheekbones being the widest part of your face and your forehead and jawline being similar in size (but slightly narrower), you most likely have an oval face.
Pro tip: Contour the cheekbones. Apply your product starting at the top of the ear and moving towards the tip of the nose to contour the cheekbones.
Square shaped face
Square shaped faces will have similar width measurements across the forehead, jaw and cheekbones. Rather than having more volume on one half of the face than the other, squares usually show a symmetry in width.
Pro tip: For a softer look, contour across the "cuts" of the jawline. Following the natural face shape with contouring on a square face would enhance your look, says Bardo.
Diamond/oblong face shape
If your cheekbones are the widest part of your face and you have a narrow forehead and chin, you may have a diamond-shaped (also known as oblong) face.
Pro tip: Cheekbones are the most prominent on diamond faces. But if you want to tone down their appearance, you can contour below the cheekbones and highlight the forehead and chin to even out the focus, says Bardo.
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