An oblong face shape, also called a rectangle or long face shape, is one of the least common face shapes. It is typically characterized by a longer length than width. The key features of an oblong face include a longer forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrow jawline. Understanding how to style this face shape is important to bring balance and enhance your natural beauty.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the oblong face shape. We’ll cover how to style your hair, apply makeup, and even select the best accessories that complement your face’s natural proportions. Embracing your face shape with the right choices can give you a harmonious and balanced look.
Key Points to Remember:
- An oblong face is longer than it is wide, with straight sides and a long forehead.
- The right hairstyle, makeup, and accessories can create the illusion of a more balanced face.
- Avoid adding height to the top of the head as it may elongate the face further.
What Is an Oblong Face Shape?
The oblong face shape is distinguished by its length. While other face shapes like round, square, or oval have relatively equal proportions, an oblong face is longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline usually maintain the same width, but the overall length of the face is noticeably greater.
This face shape tends to have a narrow jawline and slightly angular features. People with oblong faces often feel that their face appears longer than desired, but with the right approach, you can balance your features effectively. Understanding the dimensions of your face is the first step in choosing hairstyles, makeup, and accessories that work best.
Key Features of an Oblong Face:
- Length is greater than width.
- Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are approximately the same width.
- Narrow, sometimes angular jawline.
What Hairstyles Suit an Oblong Face Shape?
When choosing the right hairstyle for an oblong face, the key is to create the illusion of width and reduce the appearance of length. Here are some great hairstyle options:
1. Soft Waves and Curls
Soft waves or curls can add volume on the sides of the face, helping to create a more balanced appearance. By introducing softness and movement to the hair, you can distract from the elongated length of the face. Loose curls are a great way to frame the face without drawing attention to its vertical proportions.
2. Bangs
Bangs can work wonders in shortening the face. Side-swept bangs, blunt bangs, or curtain bangs help to break up the length of an oblong face. By covering part of the forehead and adding width, bangs reduce the overall length of the face.
3. Chin-Length Bob
A chin-length bob is a timeless hairstyle that is perfect for oblong faces. The bob hits right at the chin, adding width and making the face appear more balanced. This cut can also be styled with soft layers for added volume on the sides.
4. Layered Cuts
Layered cuts, especially those with volume around the cheekbones, help add width to the face. Layers that sit around the jawline can create the illusion of fullness and reduce the emphasis on length.
Here’s a table comparing some of the most flattering hairstyles for an oblong face:
| Hairstyle | Benefit for Oblong Face | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Waves/Curls | Adds volume and width | Loose, soft curls that frame the face |
| Bangs | Reduces face length visually | Side-swept or blunt bangs |
| Chin-Length Bob | Shortens face and adds width | Ends at the chin, creating balance |
| Layered Cuts | Adds fullness and width to face | Layers around the cheekbones and jawline |
How Can Makeup Help Balance an Oblong Face Shape?
Makeup can be an excellent way to create the illusion of a more proportional face. By using contouring, highlighting, and strategic blush placement, you can add width and balance to an oblong face.
1. Contouring
Contouring is an essential makeup technique for those with an oblong face. By applying contouring products on the sides of the forehead, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline, you can create the illusion of width. Focus on contouring areas that emphasize the length of your face.
2. Highlighting
Highlighting the high points of your face—such as the top of the cheekbones and the center of your forehead—draws attention to the middle of your face. This can break up the vertical proportions and make the face appear shorter and more balanced.
3. Blush Placement
When applying blush, aim for the apples of your cheeks and blend it toward your temples. This helps add fullness to the face and creates the appearance of a more rounded shape. Avoid placing blush too far up the cheeks, as this can elongate the face further.
Here’s a table comparing makeup techniques and their benefits for an oblong face:
| Makeup Technique | Benefit for Oblong Faces | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Contouring | Shortens face length visually | Contour the forehead, jawline, and cheekbones |
| Highlighting | Draws attention to the center | Highlight cheekbones and forehead |
| Blush Placement | Adds fullness to the face | Apply to apples of the cheeks, blend to temples |
What Accessories Complement an Oblong Face Shape?
Accessories are another way to balance the proportions of your oblong face. The right choice of earrings, scarves, and glasses can help soften the angular features and add volume to the sides of the face.
1. Earrings
Earrings that add width to the face are the best option for an oblong face. Round earrings, hoops, and statement earrings draw attention to the sides of the face, which can help reduce the emphasis on its length. Avoid long, dangly earrings as they can further elongate the face.
2. Scarves and Headbands
Scarves and headbands are perfect for adding volume to the sides of your face. A headband that sits across your forehead can shorten the face, while scarves can help to break up the length visually. Opt for wide, bold scarves to create a more balanced look.
3. Glasses
When it comes to eyewear, opt for round or oval frames. These shapes soften the angular features of an oblong face and create the illusion of a shorter face. Avoid long, rectangular glasses, as they may emphasize the length of your face.
Here’s a comparison table of accessories that work well with an oblong face:
| Accessory | Benefit for Oblong Faces | Ideal Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Earrings | Adds width to the face | Round or hoop earrings |
| Scarves/Headbands | Adds volume and balance | Wide headbands or scarves around neck |
| Glasses | Softens angular features | Round or oval glasses |
Conclusion
An oblong face shape, though unique, can be easily styled with the right techniques. By choosing the best hairstyles, makeup techniques, and accessories, you can create balance and enhance your natural features. Embrace your face shape and use these styling tips to highlight the beauty of your oblong face, making it appear more proportional and harmonious. Remember that confidence is key, and with the right styling approach, you’ll feel great about your appearance!
FAQ’s
1. What is an oblong face shape?
An oblong face shape is longer than it is wide, with similar width across the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
2. What are the best hairstyles for an oblong face shape?
Soft waves, bangs, chin-length bobs, and layered cuts are all excellent choices to balance the proportions of an oblong face.
3. How can I make my oblong face look shorter?
Use contouring techniques to add width, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, and avoid heightening the top of your head to reduce length.
4. What type of earrings suit an oblong face shape?
Round or hoop earrings are perfect for adding width to the face and creating a more balanced look.
5. How can I accessorize to flatter an oblong face shape?
Round glasses, wide scarves, and bold headbands can help add volume and balance, complementing the features of an oblong face.
