Choosing The Best Eyewear For Your Face
Finding the right pair of sunglasses is no easy task, given the number of brands and styles out there. Working out your face shape to determine what frame will work for you is vital when choosing a pair of glasses, so check out our guide on determining your face shapes and picking the perfect pair of glasses, whatever your lifestyle.
Determine your own face shape
The first step is to decide what your face shape is – so is it round, oblong, oval, diamond, triangle, square, or heart-shaped. Take a photo of yourself directly facing the camera and use a piece of tracing paper to outline the edge of your face to work out your face shape.
No camera? Then look in the mirror and with an erasable pen (or even some lipstick), trace the outline of your face on the mirror – whatever you do, just make sure you can wipe it off afterwards. We know this sounds odd, but it works!
Oblong
Oblong is defined as elongated do this face is longer than wide, equal width cheekbones and jaw, and sometimes a rounded jawline. To accentuate your natural features look for glasses that give your face a sense of balance. For oblong faces, square or round framed glasses will work well. Aviator Sunglasses styles would be a good option for you as it helps to accentuate your jaw and cheek bones.
Famous Oblongs: Carrie Bradshaw, Hilary Swank, Joan Smalls, Liv Tyler, Russell Brand
Diamond
For diamonds, the cheekbones are the widest part of the face with a narrower forehead and pointed jawline. For those with this face shape, rectangular frames are the best because it draws attention towards the eye area rather than towards the chin.
Famous Diamonds: Ashley Greene, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, Tyra Banks, Pete Wentz, Dane Cook
Square
If your face width and length are proportionate and you’ve got a broad forehead and a strong jaw, you’re probably in this category. For this face shape consider oval or round eyewear as they soften the jawline. Avoid angular frames as these will emphasise your angular features. You can also try rectangular shaped frames that have soft edges.
Famous Squares: Emily Deschanel, Lea Michele, Olivia Wilde, Rachel McAdams, Rihanna, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Lachey
Heart
A heart-shaped face is defined by a broader forehead and narrower jawline and chin. The choice of eyewear for a heart-shaped face should draw attention to the eyes, this will bring the entire face back into balance.
Famous Hearts: Angela Basset, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Zooey Deschanel
Triangle
If you’ve got a triangle face shape, we recommend an eyewear with a strong brow line to make your face appear wider. Avoid shallow frames that will lengthen its appearance.
Famous Triangles: Ali Larter, Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellweger, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake
Oval
Oval faces are evenly proportioned and softly rounded. If you’ve got an oval shaped face, almost all eyewear shapes will suit you. Choose a deep frame sunglass, i.e. a sunglass that covers the space between the top and bottom of the nose. Avoid using small or geometrical frames as they will make your face look even longer.
Famous Ovals: Kate Middleton, Oprah, Jamie Lee Curtis, Selma Hayek, Tina Fey, Carey Mulligan, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Jude Law, Ben Affleck
Round
Round faces tend to be fairly short with wider forehead, full cheeks and a rounded chin. If you’ve got a round shaped face, consider angular styles as they draw attention to the top half of the face, and avoid oval or round shaped frames. Go for frames that make your cheeks appear slimmer. Select sunglasses with wider frames.
Famous Rounds: Beyonce, Katie Couric, Mila Kunis, Penelope Cruz, Queen Latifah, Elijah Wood, Jack Black