We know how frustrating it can get when shopping for glasses. What looks good on the model on the advertisement may not necessarily look flattering on you. And there are a variety of reasons for that: face shape, hair colour, and personal style all play a crucial part in determining if they’re suitable for you.
The most important factor to consider is, of course, your face shape. While largely categorised into round, oval, square and heart-shaped, no one actually fits squarely into one category. In fact, many people have multiple features of a few face shapes. The most important thing is to determine which category sounds most like you; even then, your face shape can change over time.
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - JANUARY 22: Actress Drew Barrymore attends The DAILY FRONT ROW "Fashion Los Angeles Awards" Show at Sunset Tower on January 22, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the DAILY FRONT ROW)
1. Round Face
In general, round faces have softer angles, wider cheekbones, foreheads and jaws. Square or rectangular frames can enhance round faces by making them appear longer and slimmer. Alternatively, pick cat eye and retro wingtip styles.
Avoid: Rimless frames, round frames and small frames, which can make a round face look even rounder.
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Bella Hadid attends the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 23, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
2. Oval Face
People with broad cheek bones, and a narrower forehead and chin should look for frames that are thicker or darker on the top. Frames with geometric shapes are also flattering to people with oval faces.
Avoid: Super narrow frames.
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3. Square Face
Square faces feature strong jaws and broad foreheads, so pick oval and round styles so that they soften the angles of a square face, and draw attention away from the jaws.
Avoid: Anything that is too angular or boxy.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 21: Actress Halle Berry attends the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
4. Heart Shape
People with a heart-shaped face generally have wide forehead and cheekbones (they’re the widest parts on your face) and then taper down to a narrow chin. So if you have a heart-shaped face, pick round or square eyewear with curved edges that draw attention away from your broad and high forehead. Rimless styles are great too as they help avoid making the face looking too top-heavy.
Avoid: Any styles that draw attention to your forehead.
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5. Choose frames that fit your nose
Photo: Getty
You’ll be wearing your glasses most of the time, so you want to make sure that they fit comfortably.
If your glasses constantly slip down or leave red marks on your nose, they're not the right fit.
Try shaking your head with the eyewear — if the frames move too much, they are too big for you.
6. Choose frames that contrast your face shape
Photo: Getty
The general rule of thumb is to pick something that contrasts your face shape. For example, if you have a very angular face, then round frames are more suitable for you. If you have a round face, consider getting a pair of rectangular frames.
However, these are just general guidelines. How you feel about wearing the glasses you pick is what matters most.
Read all of EIC Kenneth Goh’s recommendations here.