Many people desire a more oval or heart-shaped face, and if you have a square face shape, you might be looking for ways to soften its angles and create a more balanced look. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies you can use to achieve this. This guide provides a proven strategy combining makeup techniques, hairstyling, and even subtle lifestyle choices to help you learn how to make your face shape less square.
Understanding Your Square Face Shape
Before diving into the solutions, it's crucial to understand the characteristics of a square face shape. It's typically defined by a strong jawline, a broad forehead, and a relatively equal width and length. The goal isn't to drastically alter your face, but rather to soften the harsh angles and create more visual harmony.
Identifying Your Face Shape
If you're unsure if you have a square face shape, here’s a simple way to check:
- Pull your hair back: Ensure your hair is pulled away from your face to get an unobstructed view.
- Look in the mirror: Observe the overall shape of your face. Note the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
- Measure (optional): For a more precise assessment, measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. A square face will have approximately equal measurements across these areas.
Makeup Techniques to Soften Angles
Makeup is a powerful tool for subtly altering the perception of your face shape. The key is to strategically add dimension and highlight certain areas to draw attention away from the sharp angles.
Contouring and Highlighting
- Contour: Use a matte bronzer or contour powder a few shades darker than your skin tone. Apply it along your jawline, temples, and the sides of your forehead, blending it seamlessly to create shadows that visually slim the face.
- Highlight: Apply a highlighter to the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and your chin. This will draw light to these areas and create a sense of lift and dimension, balancing out the strong jawline.
- Blush: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples. This helps to lift the face and create a softer appearance.
Other Makeup Tips
- Brow Shaping: Well-groomed eyebrows that are slightly arched can soften the appearance of a strong jawline. Avoid harsh, straight brows.
- Eyeliner and Eyeshadow: Experiment with different eyeliner and eyeshadow techniques to draw attention upwards towards your eyes, diverting attention from your jawline.
Hairstyles to Balance Proportions
Hairstyles play a significant role in framing your face and softening its angles. Certain styles can create the illusion of a less square face shape.
Best Hairstyles for Square Faces
- Long Layers: Long layers that frame your face will help to soften the sharp edges of your jawline.
- Side-Swept Bangs: Bangs that are swept to the side create asymmetry and soften the harsh lines of the forehead and jawline.
- Curls and Waves: Soft curls or waves add volume and movement, helping to round out the overall shape of your face.
- Avoid: Avoid short, blunt bobs or hairstyles that end at the jawline, as these will accentuate its square shape.
Lifestyle Choices for a Healthier Look
While makeup and hairstyles offer immediate results, some lifestyle choices can contribute to a healthier, more balanced facial appearance over time.
Healthy Diet and Exercise
A balanced diet and regular exercise will contribute to overall facial health and potentially reduce facial puffiness, resulting in a more refined look.
Stress Management
Stress can often manifest as facial tension, leading to a more pronounced jawline. Stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Beauty
Remember that the goal isn't to completely change your face shape, but to enhance your features and create a more balanced and harmonious look. By strategically using makeup, selecting the right hairstyles, and incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, you can effectively soften the angles of a square face and embrace your unique beauty. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and remember that confidence is key!
