The 7 types of face (classified according to facial features).
A classification of the types of face according to their shapes and proportions of the features.
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 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 in order to be more attractive.
In this sense we often resort to different techniques in order to accentuate our most attractive features and disguise what we consider imperfections. Hairstyle, beard, make-up, earrings/piercings... And for this it is useful to analyze the effect on the face. In this sense, visagism, initiated by Claude Juillard, which aims to beautify and enhance the image of the face or face through various techniques, is useful. But for this purpose it is useful to to analyze and classify the types of face according to different criteria, including 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 face types. However, undoubtedly the most common one is the one that uses shape as a criterion. George Westmore was one of the pioneers in this type of classification.The face shape, 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, cheekbones and forehead.
Let's see below the main and most known face types 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 no shapes are in which the cheeks are close to the chin and the cheekbones are wide. They usually give an impression of placidity and sweetness, as well as joviality (although sometimes also a certain childishness). Examples of round faces 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 bangs should be avoided. In men, the inverted T-shaped bard or goatee can be useful to lengthen the face, with greater density on the lower part than on the side. In both sexes, if glasses are used, it is recommended that they be square or rectangular.
2. Oval face
The oval face is considered to be the most harmonious and flattering face shape in general, but especially in the female sex, being the closest to the ideal of beauty of the aesthetic canons of our society..
Like the round face, we find a face shape where 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 can be found in Sharon Stone, Grace Kelly or Beyoncé in women and Adam Levine in the case of men.
Aesthetically, being so close to the ideal of beauty, no major corrections are usually recommended. If anything, it may be advisable to use hairstyles and make-up that favor the expression of the features, especially those that are to be highlighted. The same applies to beards 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 pronounced.
The square face is usually associated with masculinity, strength and stability, and is generally more valued in the male sex. Examples of square face types can be found in Demi Moore, Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Aesthetically, 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. Men will favor short sideburns and short hair and elongated beard.
4. Rectangular/elongated face
We can consider the rectangular or elongated face type as the square version of the oval face. Here we see a generally long forehead, high cheekbones and not very pronounced features.. It is often difficult to distinguish from the square face (although its chin is usually more rounded) and the oval face. Examples of this type of face can be found in Claudia Schiffer, Gwyneth Paltrow or David Beckham.
Aesthetically, it is recommended to reduce the width of the face, seeking to round it. Bangs and wavy hair usually favor them, as well as short hair.
5. Hexagonal face/diamond/diamond face
The hexagonal face, also called diamond-shaped, is characterized by very pronounced cheekbones that highlight very pronounced cheekbones that stand out in width in comparison to the jaw and forehead.. The chin tends to be pronounced. Scarlett Johansson is an example, as well as George Clooney or Robert Pattison.
It is recommended to soften without hiding the cheekbones and avoid overloading the area between the ears and the cheekbone, with haircuts where there is more volume at the top than at the bottom.
6. Triangular face
The triangular face is characterized by a wide jawline and a narrow forehead in comparison.with cheekbones in an intermediate position.
With this type of face it is advisable to leave the forehead uncluttered. Short hairstyles and little or no bangs are more common.
7. Inverted triangle/heart-shaped face
The heart-shaped face, also called the inverted triangle, is characterized by having cheekbones that are wider than the jawline but the jawline is 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.
Aesthetically, it is usually recommended to use elements that help to widen the jaw, such as makeup, or reduce the size of the forehead, as in this case the very common fringe.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)