When choosing the best way to apply makeup, it is important to match the makeup with the shape of a person's face. You can do this by first determining the shape of your face and then choosing the makeup that accentuates certain features. Emphasizing or deemphasizing the eyes, chin, or cheeks is possible by using different techniques with foundations and blush. Applying makeup that defines the features of different face shapes — different face shapes require different approaches — can help to bring out the beauty of any person.
The typical shapes pf a person's face are oval, round, or square. There are also heart-shaped and pear-shaped faces as well, which are not as common as the others. Specific methods work best when comparing makeup and face shape.
Matching makeup and face shape for people with round or oval faces can be easily achieved by first applying a base foundation and then applying a second, darker foundation to highlight the the temples, cheeks, and chin. The darker foundation acts as a contour for these features, which highlights and brings out these areas of the face. There are ways to create dramatic effects with an oval or round-shaped face, which include using shades such as black and grays to produce a smokey look. People with oval-shaped faces tend to have symmetry that the others do not, so they can choose nearly any type of makeup effect. Round faces look best when accentuating and lightening the forehead and chin as this acts to create an elongated effect.
Many people who have square-shaped faces tend to accentuate the wrong areas, thus enhancing the boxy shape. It is important to consider the makeup and face shape when highlighting certain areas. Square faces typically require highlights on the cheek areas to add dimension to the shape of the face. Adding blush to the cheeks can usually expand them and create an oval look.
There are certain makeup and face shape techniques for pear-shaped and heart-shaped faces that can produce appealing results. Applying makeup to pear-shaped faces works best when the cheeks are outlined. This draws the focus to the center of the face rather than the chin area. Those with heart-shaped faces tend to look best when the eyes are lightened by using a highlighter under the eye area. This helps to keep the attention on the center of the face as well.