The shape of the face is one of the key criteria for the selection of makeup, hairstyles, jewelry, glasses and hats. Our journalists interviewed the leading metropolitan image makers, who were asked 'How to determine the shape of the face?' recommended two methods.
Option 1: Outline Drawing
The method is designed for use at home. The technique is simple to implement, but does not take into account all the proportions of the face, which allows you to determine the shape of the four most common: circle, oval, square, triangle. Rare types, such as a pear or a rhombus, are not identified by the method.
Outline drawing algorithm:
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Take a large wall mirror. The reflective surface must be strictly vertical, the slope will distort the outline.
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Gather your hair in a ponytail, fix the bangs with hairpins.
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Stand by the mirror at arm's length, straighten your back, straighten your shoulders.
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Close one eye. It's easier to focus your eyes this way.
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Trace the reflection with a pencil. A contour that does not cover the ears and hair is considered correct. For a clear drawing, try not to move your head while working with a pencil.
The resulting outline is taken as a form for the selection of a basic image.
Option 2: Identify visually
The method involves a two-stage form determination. First, the widest part of the head is selected, then it is compared with the shapes of other areas of the face. The following combinations are characteristic of various types:
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Wide upper head + Narrow cheekbones + Pointed chin = Triangle / Diamond / Heart
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Wide cheekbones + Sloping forehead + Sharp extended chin = Rhombus
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Wide cheekbones + Sloping forehead + Round jaw = Circle
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Wide square lower jaw + Other smaller parts of the head = Pear-shaped
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Equal in width forehead and cheekbones + Rounded chin = Oval
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Face width is the same at all three levels = Rectangle / Square
In the latter case, in order to determine the shape, it is necessary to estimate the height of the head. If it is comparable to the width, then we are talking about a square. Otherwise, we are dealing with a rectangle.
Option 3: Measure
High-precision technique applied by professional stylists. The essence of the technology lies in the sequential measurement of different parts of the face. Comparison of the obtained values makes it possible to determine its shape, taking into account all physiological characteristics. To measure, you will need paper, a pen (pencil), a measuring tape, and a large mirror.
Algorithm of actions:
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Preparation. Comb your hair back, remove the bangs. Turn on good lighting in the room, sit in front of a mirror.
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Determine the width of the forehead. Attach a measuring tape to an imaginary line dividing the area between the eyebrows and the bangs growth border into 2 sections equal in width. Record the distance from the left to the right temple on the paper.
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Determine the width of the face. Feel for the cheekbones – the most prominent lumps under the outer corners of the eyes. Determine the length of the line connecting the tragus of the auricles and cheekbones. Focus on the reflection, press the tape not to your cheeks, but to your nose. Write down the resulting number.
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Determine the width of the jaw. It is equal to the length of the line between the outer corners of the lower masseter bone.
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Determine the height of the head. Use a tape to measure the distance between the bottom of your chin and the highest point in the center of your forehead. To get an accurate reading, do not press the centimeter against your face, but pull it vertically in front of the tip of your nose.
Next, we compare the recorded results. Different types of faces have specific proportions.
Oval
Signs of an oval shape are considered to be a rounded contour of the lower jaw, weakly expressed cheekbones, a straight forehead of medium height. In this case, the height of the face is 1.2-1.5 times greater than the width. Such proportions are in perfect harmony with any type of makeup, therefore they are considered standard for professional fashion models.
A circle
A form in which the width of the face is equal to the height, and the forehead, cheeks and chin form a smooth line without angularities. Girls of this type are not recommended for a classic square, even thick bangs, ponytails, voluminous jewelry, fox glasses. Each of these elements will visually expand the face, narrowing it vertically.
To harmonize proportions, you should pay attention to the following techniques:
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Sculpting the face. Dark pigments need to highlight the temples, areas under the cheekbones, lines from the wings of the nose to the inner corners of the eyes, as well as areas from the base of the lower jaw to the temple. By means of light shades, they emphasize the area between the bridge of the nose and the border of hair growth, the bridge of the nose, the central part of the chin.
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Asymmetrical haircuts. Oblique bangs, cascades visually extend the face vertically.
Use of long chain earrings. Such decorations also harmonize shapes.
Square
The square shape is characterized by equal values of the height and width of the face at all three control levels, and a clearly defined geometry of the lower jaw. Girls of this type go with long curls, high hairstyles without volume on the sides. Sculptural makeup with an emphasis on darkening the temples and the corners of the jaw will help to correct the proportions.
Rectangle
Determined by the following criteria:
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The height of the head is 1.2-1.5 times greater than its width.
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All control lines are equal in width
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Jaw square
To balance the harsh corners, we recommend short voluminous hairstyles, sculpted makeup with darkening around the perimeter of the face contour, while the center is better lightened with a highlighter.
Triangle, heart, diamond
The form in which the width of the forehead is maximal, the line of the cheekbones is 20-30% less, and the chin is narrow. Hairstyles with volume at the neck, wide, thick bangs, makeup with a drop of bronzer on the chin will help to balance the features.
Rhombus
Determined based on the following parameters:
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The cheekbone line is the widest part of the head
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Forehead and jaw are of comparable width
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The chin is sharp, extended
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The diamond shape is harmonized by darkening the cheekbones and chin. Lush bangs, asymmetrical hairstyles with side parting will also visually smooth out the angularity of the cheeks.
Pear-shaped face
It is an inverted triangle with a massive base along the jaw line. The balance of facial proportions is achieved by lightening the forehead with a highlighter, as well as applying dark contouring to the cheekbones and lower jaw. A pile or curvy strands at the top of the head will enhance the effect of visual redistribution of facial volume.
Competent makeup, correctly selected hairstyle will correct any natural flaws in the female look. All problems can be solved if you understand how to determine the shape of the face and not be afraid to change it.
