They say that the face is the mirror of the soul, and it is undoubtedly one of the most expressive and communicative parts of our anatomy.

It is one of the parts of the body with which we feel most identified, and one of the first that comes to our mind when we think of another person. In fact, it is considered so important that throughout history different types of studies have been developed that have sought (among other multiple objectives) to find ways to successfully beautify it to make it more attractive.

In this sense, we often resort to different techniques in order to accentuate our most attractive features and hide what we consider to be imperfections. Hairstyle, beard, make-up, earrings/piercings… And to do this it is useful to analyse the effect on the face. In this sense, it is useful to analyze the effect on the face, initiated by Claude Juillard, which aims to beautify and promote the image of the face through various techniques. But for this purpose it is useful to analyse and classify the types of face according to different criteria, among them that of their shape. Let’s see them throughout this article.

Main types of face according to their shape

As we have mentioned, it is possible to find different ways to classify the types of face. However, the most common is undoubtedly the one that uses form as a criterion. George Westmore was one of the pioneers in making this type of classification , taking into account the existing proportions between width and height of the face both in general and in relation to key points such as the chin and jaw, the cheekbones and the forehead.

Let’s see below the main and most known types of face according to their shape, applicable to both women and men.

1. Round face

This type of face is characterized by having approximately the same height as width, generating a circular figure in which one does not observe angular forms but curves and in which the cheeks approach the chin, in addition to wide cheekbones. They tend to give an impression of placidity and sweetness, as well as joviality (although sometimes also of a certain childishness). Examples of a rounded face can be found in Martin Freeman in the case of men or Drew Barrymore or Marilyn Monroe in the case of women.

Aesthetically, it is usually recommended to look for elements that diminish the image of roundness and enhance the generation of angles.

Medium or long haircuts are recommended and avoid fringes. In men, the inverted T-shaped fence or goatee may be useful to lengthen the face, with greater density at the bottom than at the side. In both sexes, if glasses are used, it is recommended that they be rather square or rectangular.

2. Oval face

The oval face is considered the most harmonious and flattering form of face in general but especially in the female sex, being the closest to the ideal of beauty proper to the aesthetic canons of our society .

Like the round face, we find a face shape in which curves prevail, although the face is more elongated than wide. The chin tends to be shorter than the forehead and the cheeks are usually very marked .

Examples of oval faces are found in Sharon Stone, Grace Kelly or Beyoncé in women and Adam Levine in men.

On an aesthetic level, as it is so close to the ideal of beauty, large corrections are not usually recommended. If anything, hair and makeup styles that favor the expression of the features, especially those that are to be highlighted, are recommended. The same happens with the beard in the case of men.

3. Square face

The square face is characterized by a very angular face shape and marked features. In this type of face the forehead and jaw are usually equally wide, a width that corresponds to the height of the face. The jaws are usually very marked .

The square face is usually linked to masculinity, strength and stability, and is generally more valued by men. Examples of square face types can be found in Demi Moore, Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger.

On an aesthetic level, styles that reduce the angularity of the face are usually recommended, such as round glasses and long, curly and/or wavy hair, especially in the case of women. The man will be favored with short sideburns and short hair and long beard.

4. Rectangular/elongated face

We can consider the rectangular or elongated face type as the square version of the oval face. In it we see a generally long forehead, high cheekbones and not very marked features . It is often difficult to distinguish from the square (although its chin is usually more rounded) and the oval. Examples of this type of face are found in Claudia Schiffer, Gwyneth Paltrow or David Beckham.

On an aesthetic level, it is recommended that you try to reduce the width of the face, seeking to round it out. Fringe and wavy hair usually favor them, as well as short hair.

5. Hexagonal/diamond/rhombic face

The hexagonal face, also called diamond-shaped, is characterized by very marked cheekbones that stand out in width compared to the jaw and forehead . The chin tends to be marked. Scarlett Johansson is an example, as well as George Clooney or Robert Pattison.

It is recommended to smooth without hiding the cheekbones and avoid overloading the area between the ears and the cheekbone, with haircuts where there is more volume in the upper part than in the lower part.

6. Triangular face

The triangular face is characterized by a wide jaw and a narrow forehead in comparison , with the cheekbones in an intermediate situation.

With this type of face it is advisable to leave the forehead clear. Short hairstyles and little or no bangs are more common.

7. Inverted triangle face/heart

The heart-shaped face, also called inverted triangle, is characterized by having cheekbones wider than the jaw but less than the forehead . The chin is delicate and sometimes pointed. Rihanna, Shakira or Jennifer Love Hewitt have this type of face, as well as Ryan Gosling in the case of men.

On an aesthetic level, it is usually recommended to use elements that help widen the jaw, such as make-up, or reduce the size of the forehead, as in this case very common fringe.