How to Determine Your Face Shape
Stand in front of a mirror., Trace the outline of your face., Judge your facial outline., Clean the mirror.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Stand in front of a mirror.
Any large, stationary mirror will do.
You should be able to easily reach it from a standing position in front of it
- you'll need to be able to draw on it without having to lean forward.
Stand looking directly forward into the mirror, with your back straight, your head high, and your shoulders back.
If you have bangs, pull them out of the way.
Make sure the lighting is over head and not directional.
Lighting will affect the shape you draw. -
Step 2: Trace the outline of your face.
Using lipstick, a bar of soap, chalk, a dry-erase marker, or some other non-permanent sketching tool, carefully trace the outline of your face in the mirror.
Start from the bottom of your chin, proceed up the edge of your face on one side past your cheek bones, follow the curve of your hairline, go down the other side of your face, and end up back at your chin.
Try to stay as still as possible while you do this.
Don't include your ears
- just the edges of your face. , Step back and look at the shape you've traced.
Where is it widest? Is it tall or short? What shape are your jaw and forehead? Based on the answers to these questions, your face should fit in to one of the following categories:
Oblong:
Your outline should roughly resemble a tall rectangle with rounded corners.
Oblong faces have broad but even foreheads, cheekbones, and jaws.
Round:
If your outline closely resembles a circle, with wide cheekbones and a tapering jaw and forehead, you might have a round face.
Square:
Your outline should not be tall but should be wide at all points, with a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and an angular jaw.
Oval:
The forehead should be slightly broad, with narrower cheekbones and a tapering jawline.
Heart-shaped:
These faces are characterized by a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and a small chin.
Triangular:
If your outline features a broad jaw but a small forehead, this might be the ticket.
Diamond:
A diamond face differs from a round or oval face in that the cheekbones are significantly wider than the chin and forehead, which are both narrow. , Wash or wipe away any markings you've made, especially if you're in a public restroom! -
Step 3: Judge your facial outline.
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Step 4: Clean the mirror.
Detailed Guide
Any large, stationary mirror will do.
You should be able to easily reach it from a standing position in front of it
- you'll need to be able to draw on it without having to lean forward.
Stand looking directly forward into the mirror, with your back straight, your head high, and your shoulders back.
If you have bangs, pull them out of the way.
Make sure the lighting is over head and not directional.
Lighting will affect the shape you draw.
Using lipstick, a bar of soap, chalk, a dry-erase marker, or some other non-permanent sketching tool, carefully trace the outline of your face in the mirror.
Start from the bottom of your chin, proceed up the edge of your face on one side past your cheek bones, follow the curve of your hairline, go down the other side of your face, and end up back at your chin.
Try to stay as still as possible while you do this.
Don't include your ears
- just the edges of your face. , Step back and look at the shape you've traced.
Where is it widest? Is it tall or short? What shape are your jaw and forehead? Based on the answers to these questions, your face should fit in to one of the following categories:
Oblong:
Your outline should roughly resemble a tall rectangle with rounded corners.
Oblong faces have broad but even foreheads, cheekbones, and jaws.
Round:
If your outline closely resembles a circle, with wide cheekbones and a tapering jaw and forehead, you might have a round face.
Square:
Your outline should not be tall but should be wide at all points, with a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and an angular jaw.
Oval:
The forehead should be slightly broad, with narrower cheekbones and a tapering jawline.
Heart-shaped:
These faces are characterized by a broad forehead, strong cheekbones, and a small chin.
Triangular:
If your outline features a broad jaw but a small forehead, this might be the ticket.
Diamond:
A diamond face differs from a round or oval face in that the cheekbones are significantly wider than the chin and forehead, which are both narrow. , Wash or wipe away any markings you've made, especially if you're in a public restroom!
About the Author
Douglas Simmons
Enthusiastic about teaching home improvement techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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