Face Shapes: Hairstyles for Rectangle/Oblong Faces
Rectangle attributes: Long and thin, pointy chin, angular features and high forehead. (Editor's note: Concerned that you never see "rectangle" or "oblong" shape listed in other articles? Don't freak. You can follow "oval" advice since your face is most closely related to that shape.)
Hairstyles that work: Long, brow-skimming bangs like and chin-length bobs or layers, as shown on Liv Tyler, work well on rectangular faces because they give the illusion of width.
Hairstyles to avoid: Styles that rely on a middle part or that add height, are not suited to rectangular faces.
Next: Makeup tips for rectangle/oblong faces.
Image via Dave J Hogan/Getty
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Face Shapes: Makeup for Rectangle/Oblong Faces
Makeup mission: To make your face seem less long.
Makeup dos: To minimize your forehead and chin, you want to play up the middle section of your rectangular face like Joan Smalls shows here. Apply blush under your cheekbones and blend out towards your ears and up to your temples. You can further downplay your lower face by applying the same blush on the underside of your jawbone and adding a dusting of highlighting powder to the center of your forehead and chin.
Makeup don't: You may want to think twice about drawing attention to the lower half of your face with bright lip colors and opt, instead, for a more neutral hue.
Next: Tips for square faces.
Image via Grant Lamos IV/Getty
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Face Shapes: Hairstyles for Square Faces
Square shape attributes: Proportional width and length, broad jaw line and forehead
Hairstyles that work: Long layers and wispy bangs will soften your facial angles as will an off-center part like Sandra Bullock's.
Hairstyles to avoid: Steer well clear of heavy, straight bangs and anything that has a lot of height at the crown, which will only emphasize the square angles of your face.
Next: Makeup tips for square faces.
Image via John Shearer/Getty
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Face Shapes: Makeup for Square Faces
Makeup mission: To downplay your harsh angles.
Makeup do: To help soften strong, angular features, celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose recommends going for a "soft, feminine" makeup look like Amy Poehler's and recommends using rosy toned blushes and lip colors.
Makeup don't: For square faces, Barose cautions against "anything harsh or severe" like bold lip colors or strong eyeshadow shades.
Image via C Flanigan/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.
