Take Note and Take Shape
To each their own
Just as there are certain hair styles that look better on different people, there are also certain styles of eyeglasses that look better – or worse – on different people. No one in this world looks like you or is shaped like you, so you shouldn’t assume that all eyeglass frames will be your best look. Read below about the different face shapes and how to determine the shape you have. Learn which style(s) of frames look best on you.
Determine your face shape
There are a few ways you can determine the type of face shape you have.
1. Drape your face with a towel, stand in front of a mirror and draw an outline of your face with lipstick (or with your finger if you want less clean up!)
2. Ask a friend or your hairstylist what their opinion is. If you get several opinions, keep asking around until you get a majority.
3. Use a measuring tape to determine the below measurements. Then, use the measurements to trace an outline on a sheet of paper.
- Across the top of your cheekbones
- Across your jaw line from the widest point to the widest point
- Across your forehead at the widest point (the widest point will be somewhere about halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline)
- From the tip of your headline to the bottom of your chin
Face versus Frames
Oval
The most common face shape is oval. Your forehead, cheekbones, jaw line and chin are balanced and proportionate to each other. Because the face is proportional, almost any shape of frames suits you! Try square or geometric-shaped frames that soften the effects of your curved features. Some famous oval faces include; Beyonce, Cindy Crawford, Mariah Carey, Julia Roberts, Kid Rock and Kiefer Sutherland.
Round
Your face is somewhat short and broad with full cheeks and rounded angles and chin. Geometric and square-shaped frames lessen your curves and add structure to your face. You should stay away from round frames or large frames that shorten your face. Some famous round faces include; Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Drew Barrymore, Elijah Wood and Jack Black.
Diamond
You have a narrow jaw line and forehead with wide cheekbones. When choosing frames, you should aim to reduce width at the cheek line. You should avoid thin or narrow frames that emphasize the chin and forehead. Some famous diamond faces include; Pete Wentz, Dane Cook, Katherine Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman and Cameron Diaz.
Heart
You have a wide forehead, eye line and cheek bones, with a pointed, narrow chin. You should look for frames that mask the width of the upper part of your face, such as round, narrow or rimless frames. You should stay away from thick, decorative frames. Some famous heart-shaped faces include; Reese Witherspoon, Christina Ricci, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake and Scarlet Johansson.
Oblong
Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw line are all narrow, and your neck is usually long and thin. You should choose frames that add width and fullness, such as wide-temple and decorative frames. Avoid narrow or rimless glasses that accentuate your narrow features. Some famous oblong faces include; Kirstie Alley, Sarah Jessica Parker, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlie Sheen, Ben Affleck and Eminem.
Square
You have a broad forehead and cheekbones with a square, often wide chin. This shape needs frames that will soften the effects of the angles, such as oval and round frames. Glasses that are wider at the outermost edges and narrow toward your nose (butterfly-shaped frames) are a good choice for you. Stay away from square-shaped or geometric frames that bring attention to the angular structure of your face.
Some famous square faces include;
Matt Damon, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Janet Jackson, Jessica Simpson, Hilary Swank, Sandra Bullock, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, David Beckham and Nick Lachey.