Oval Face Shape

"Styling Tricks that Flatter Your Oval Face Shape"

Famous Oval face shapes: From left to right: From left to right: Halle Berry, Megan Fox, Charlize Theron... and Julia Roberts, Britney Spears, Sharon Stone, Heather Locklear, Hilary Duff, Eva Longoria, Rihanna

An Oval Face Shape is considered to be the ideal facial shape and a fashion stylist's dream because it's easier to style than the other face shapes. An oval can get away with almost any haircut and jewelry because of its balanced proportions.

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How Do You Know If Your Face Shape is Oval?

The key sign is that it appears well balanced and proportional.

Here are the typical characteristics of an Oval face shape:

Slightly wider at the mid-points of the sides (cheekbone area, right below eye level)
Your jawline is softly rounded, not too narrow yet not too wide
You have a slightly narrower jawline than at your temples
Your hairline may be slightly wider than your lower face and might resemble an inverted egg shape. This means your face shape is a mix of oval and heart.

Note: If you have all of the characteristics above but your forehead and jawline are narrow tapered, then you may have a Diamond Face Shape.

Be Open to a Secondary (or even a third) Face Shape

You may not be an exact Oval so you probably have a secondary facial shape. It depends on your features. If you pay attention to the proportions and bone structure of your face, you'll know what needs to be visually widened and trimmed down.

If you have along vertical line but still maintain the oval shape of your face then I suggest that you follow the guidelines for Oblong face shape. Or if you have a slightly full jawline or cheeks you might want to check out my tips for Rounds.

If you find yourself in this category then you need to work with the other styling strategies as well. Review them and decide what will help you keep your proportional, oval facial shape.

How to Style Your Oval Face Shape

Since your face is well-proportioned you can pull off all kinds of hairstyles and can experiment with various shapes - from different necklines to jewelry styles.

However, even though you have the perfect facial outline, there are other factors to take into consideration when styling according to your face shape. One of them being your facial features, such as your nose, chin, eyes and lips. You may have strong or delicate features.

Let's say you have an oval face with a very prominent nose. If you get a haircut with bangs you'll notice that your nose appears bigger. That's because the bangs draw the attention to your forehead and nose area.

Your neck length will also come into play when selecting hairstyles, jewelry and other accessories placed close to your face. Click here to learn more about how to flatter your face shape.

Note: Depending on the scale of your face - bangs, horizontal shaped earrings and necklace pendants can shorten your face shape and make it look wide and round.

Your Best Hairstyles

Some of your ideal hairstyles:

Tousled shoulder-length brings attention to your perfect proportions while maintaining length
Side-part bob gives you a trendy and flirty look

Pixie cut shows off your Oval face shape.

Bangs and dangling hair in front of your face hide your beautiful face shape. You should work on showing it off. However if you have bangs you can still look good by sweeping it to one side, or part it in the middle and sweep it to both sides. This helps "open" up your face.

Unlike the other face shapes you'll be able to pull off a wide variety of hairstyles and cuts. This gives you the opportunity to really work on showing off your best facial features (nose, lips, eyes, cheekbones, chin, etc.) without worrying too much about skewing your proportions.

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Your Best Sunglasses & Eyewear

Any frame will look good, but if you have to select the one single best frame then it has to be square shaped frames with gently rounded edges. High temple sunglasses will also look good on you because it shows off your cheekbones.

Best sunglass styles and eyewear for Oval Face Shape

The Womens Sunglasses-guide has more advice and suggestions.

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Your Best Jewelry

Again, you'll look good in any jewelry style or length - but angular shapes but with slight rounded corners are your best pieces. Triangular earrings for example will give definition to your face and bring out the natural beauty of your oval face shape. Opt for medium to short length earrings – too long ones will drag down your face and make you look more like an Oblong.

Necklace length depends on the length of your neck. So if your neck is short select a medium to long necklace; chokers complement long necks.

The Fashion Costume Jewelry-guide has more advice and suggestions.

More Tips for Your Oval Face Shape

If you have delicate features (small and rounded) then I recommend angular shapes to add some definition
If you have sharp features (angular and defined) I suggest softening them down a bit with softly rounded shapes such as round pearls, tear drop earrings, circle/oval pendants
Most necklines look great on you, but if you have a short neck, opt for the slimming necklines such as low'ish v and scoop necks.
Bring attention to your lovely oval face with headscarves and headbands
Want to buy a hat? Click here to learn what fashion hats suit you