Face Shapes — Matrix Approach
Why this matters: shape is the “frame” that everything sits in. We read it together with Three Courts and palace themes — never as a single-feature verdict.
Identify your face shape
Capture a straight-on photo in window light, neutral face. Tie hair back. Keep the phone at eye level about 80–100 cm away (or use 2×/tele).
- Measure length: hairline → chin bottom.
- Measure widths: forehead (temple-to-temple), cheekbones (zygomatic peak), jaw (angle-to-angle).
- Look at jaw arc: rounded / straight / pointed.
- Compute ratios (rough is fine): length ÷ widest width.
- Round: length/width ≤ 1.15; widest at cheeks; soft jaw arc.
- Oval: length/width ≈ 1.30–1.50; smooth taper to chin.
- Square: length/width ≈ 1.00–1.20 with straight sides and strong jaw corners.
- Long (Oblong): length/width ≥ 1.50; forehead/cheeks/jaw similar width, elongated look.
- Heart: forehead the widest → fast taper; pointed/shorter chin.
- Diamond: cheekbones widest; narrower forehead and jaw; sharper angles.
If you’re between two, pick the dominant visual: where is the face clearly widest, and how does the jaw read from 1 m away?
Six shapes (deep-dive)
Round
Quick ID: soft curves, short length, full cheeks.
- Strengths: friendly, open, youthful presence.
- Common misreads: “lack of resolve”. Counter with clear structure in speech.
- Work tips: crisp brows, defined lip line, visible jaw edge in photos.
Oval
Quick ID: balanced thirds, gentle taper, few hard angles.
- Strengths: versatile; takes many styles well.
- Common misreads: “bland”. Use a statement frame (glasses/hair part) to anchor.
- Work tips: choose either precision (thin metal frames) or warmth (rounded brows) for clarity of vibe.
Square
Quick ID: straight sides, pronounced jaw angles, width ≈ length.
- Strengths: reliability, execution, grounded feel.
- Common misreads: “too stern/rigid”.
- Work tips: soften with curved brow tails / micro-smile; avoid heavy, flat top hair that exaggerates boxiness.
Long (Oblong)
Quick ID: noticeably longer than wide; similar widths across zones.
- Strengths: focus, stamina impression.
- Common misreads: “aloof/tired”.
- Work tips: horizontal visual breaks (eyebrow definition, fringe/part, collar line); camera slightly higher than eye level.
Heart
Quick ID: widest at forehead → fast taper; pointed chin.
- Strengths: expressive, creative, attention-drawing eyes.
- Common misreads: “mercurial”.
- Work tips: keep brows smooth (not too steep); add weight near jaw (earrings, collar, light beard shadow) to balance.
Diamond
Quick ID: widest at cheekbones; narrower forehead and jaw; sharper angles.
- Strengths: presence, definition, precision vibe.
- Common misreads: “intense”.
- Work tips: round the edges (soft brow arc, non-angular frames); keep lighting soft to avoid harsh cheek shadows.
Shape × features matrix
Use this as a starting point. Read patterns, not a single sign. Pair your shape with key features to set the tone you want.
| Shape | Brows | Nose | Lips | Chin/Jaw | Overall cue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Soft arc → approachable; add slight tail lift for clarity | Defined tip (avoid harsh shine) | Clear edge; avoid overly glossy | Show jaw line (light shading) | Friendly ▶︎ professional |
| Oval | Any; match goal (flat = cool, arc = warm) | Straight profile reads balanced | Medium fullness | Natural | Versatile, adapts to context |
| Square | Curved tail to soften corners | Straight/steady | Moist but not thick | Keep corners tidy; avoid boxy hair | Grounded without heaviness |
| Long | Thicker head / horizontal emphasis | Avoid strong highlights (shortens visually) | Defined cupid’s bow | Short beard line or collar to create break | Focused yet lively |
| Heart | Smooth arc (not sharp angles) | Avoid narrow, high-shine tips | Warm tone, subtle gloss | Add width: hair, earrings, light beard | Expressive but balanced |
| Diamond | Round out (avoid sharp, high angles) | Keep side shadows soft | Natural; avoid severe mattes | Slight rounding at jaw corners | Defined yet welcoming |
Quick combos (examples, not verdicts):
- Square × soft brows → reliable but easy to approach — great for team leads.
- Heart × clear lip line → articulate communicator — good for pitching.
- Diamond × rounded frames → precision with warmth — client-facing roles.
- Long × horizontal hair part → breaks length — better on video calls.
Plasticity
Face shape is partly structural and partly state-dependent. You can tune the read without chasing a rigid look.
- State first: sleep, hydration, salt — these change cheeks and eye area more than products do.
- Masseter & posture: unclench twice a day; lift sternum ~1 cm; keep camera at/above eye level.
- Grooming: brow tidy & arc selection; hair part/fringe to add/removes length; light beard shadow to define jaw.
- Glasses: round frames soften angles; rectangular frames add structure.
- Camera craft: avoid wide angle for close portraits; use 2×/tele; window light 45° for softening.
7-day micro-plan: D1 photo & ratios → D2 brow tidy → D3 lighting test → D4 frames/part experiment → D5 posture drill → D6 sleep & salt discipline → D7 compare and keep what works.