We could get all technical and have you fetch a measuring tape, but in the interest of keeping things fun, let's do away with the math and focus on tracing shapes.
Here's the simple way to do it. The next time you get out of the shower, look at your reflection and, using your finger, trace the shape of your face into the steam on the mirror. (Note: If you can't wait and just want to do it now! you can also trace your face onto a non-steamy mirror using an old eyeliner or lip pencil.)
Next: Ask yourself these questions to figure out which of the face shapes you have.
Image via PeopleImages/Getty
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Which Face Shape Are You?
Once you've drawn your face, step back, observe and ask yourself these questions:
1. Is my face as wide as it is long with the widest part occurring at the ears? (If yes, you have a round face.)
2. Is my face longer than it is wide? Is it long and slender with a narrow chin or high forehead? (If yes, you have an oblong/rectangular face.)
3. Are my forehead and cheekbones wide but my jaw narrow? (If yes, you have a heart-shaped face.)
4. Is my forehead the same width as my jaw line and is my jaw prominent? Is my hairline squared? (If yes, you have a square face.)
5. Is my jaw line wider than my forehead? (If yes, you have a diamond face.)
6. Is my face approximately twice as long as it is wide? Is it only slightly narrower at the jaw than at the temples? Is my hairline rounded? (If yes, then you have an oval face.)
Now that you have an idea as to what shape your face is, let's hit the point home a little more by looking at some celebs who share your shape -- and discuss some of the most flattering hair and makeup things you can do for it.
First up? Round faces.
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Face Shapes: Hairstyles for Round Faces
Round face attributes: Full face, round chin, very few clearly defined angles and prominent cheeks
Hairstyles that work: Minimize fullness with face-framing layers or a middle/slightly off-center part like Miranda Kerr's. And, as a general rule, it's a good idea to keep hair longer than your chin to help lengthen the appearance of your face.
Hairstyles to avoid: Beware of chin-grazing bobs — they can make your face look rounder. Keep away from blunt bangs, which will create a half-moon look. Opt, instead, for a bob that's longer in the front than the back.
Next: Makeup looks for round faces.
Image via Don Arnold/Getty
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Face Shapes: Makeup for Round Faces
Makeup mission: To make your face look slimmer and more angular.
Makeup do: Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose says that one key way to add definition is to go for "angular shaped brows to downplay the round shape of [your] face," as seen here on Ginnifer Goodwin.
Makeup don't: Refrain from applying blush to the apples of your cheeks. Two circular pops of color will only make your face look rounder. Try applying blush beneath your cheekbones instead, blending up towards your temples — this will help create the illusion of well-chiseled angles and a more slender visage.
Hairstyles that work: Long, side-swept bangs that hit the corner of the eyes (like Reese Witherspoon's) work wonders to balance out heart-shaped faces and take the focus off of pointy chins. Tapered bobs that are longer in the front than the back also add balance.
Hairstyles to avoid: Blunt cuts and heavy, choppy layers will add more angles to your already sharp-lined face.
Next: Makeup tips for heart-shaped faces.
Image via Jason Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty
Raise your hand if you know your face shape (and, subsequently, what kind of haircut or makeup you should wear). If your hand remains firmly planted by your side, you're not alone. Many beauty articles promise the "best haircut for your face shape," which all sounds really encouraging — until you realize that you haven't the foggiest idea of whether your face is a heart or a square or even a hexagon for that matter.
Let's say that we solve that little dilemma right now, shall we? Figuring out your face shape (and, best haircut) is really not that complicated (or scary) -- all you need is a mirror, a steady hand, a critical eye and your basic kindergarten knowledge of fundamental shapes. So, what do you say? Are you ready to unlock the mystery of your face shape once and for all and begin to reap the haircut and makeup benefits that finally knowing it will surely bring? Find out which of the face shapes you have here.
