Beyond the Basics: The Master Guide to 20+ Face Shapes
Beyond the Basics: The Master Guide to 20+ Face Shapes
Discover the architectural science of the perfect fit. Move beyond "Round or Square" and find your unique facial geometry — then let Memoriex curate the frame that was made for you.
The Measurement Protocol
Take four measurements with a soft tape measure. Record each in centimetres.
- Forehead Width — Across the widest point of your forehead, halfway between hairline and eyebrows.
- Cheekbone Width — From the outer corner of one eye to the other, across the bridge of the nose.
- Jawline Width — From chin tip to jaw angle, doubled.
- Face Length — Hairline to chin tip. Divide by cheekbone width to get your Face Ratio.
The Golden Measurement Protocol — four key measurements that define your facial geometry
The 20+ Shape Matrix
Four Style Families covering 24 facial geometries. Find your family first, then refine to your shape.
The Grid Method — how facial geometry is defined by proportion across thirds
■ Family I — Angular
- Square
- Rectangle (Oblong)
- Hexagon
- Trapezoid
- Inverted Triangle
- Flat-Top Oval
○ Family II — Curved
- Round
- Oval
- Circle
- Soft Square
- Pear (Triangle)
- Teardrop
◇ Family III — Hybrid
- Diamond
- Heart
- Kite
- Coffin (Tapered Square)
- Heptagon
- Asymmetric
▭ Family IV — Proportion
- Long Narrow
- Wide Short
- High Forehead
- Low Forehead
- Prominent Chin
- Recessed Chin
The Boutique Selection Rules
Three governing principles underpin every recommendation in this guide.
The Rule of Contrast
A frame should contrast your dominant geometry, not echo it. Angular faces are softened by curved frames; curved faces are defined by angular ones.
The Rule of Proportion
Frame width should align with the widest point of your face — never narrower, rarely wider by more than 5mm. Proportion is the foundation of elegance.
The Brow Line Rule
The top rim of your frame should sit at or just below your natural brow line. The brow is your face's natural frame — honour it.
The Specialty Shape Comparison
Five geometries that fall outside the standard guides — with precise stylist solutions for each.
Advanced Overlays — golden wireframe geometry mapped onto the Pear and Diamond face shapes
| Shape Name | Defining Feature | The Stylist's Solution | Recommended Frame Architecture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Narrow forehead & chin with high, wide cheekbones | Broaden forehead visually; soften cheekbone prominence | Cat-eye, Browline, Butterfly |
| Pear (Triangle) | Narrow forehead widening to a broad jaw | Draw attention upward; add weight to the upper face | Aviator, Cat-eye, Wide-temple frames |
| Hexagon | Six-sided with angular cheekbones and defined jaw | Soften the geometry; introduce curves | Round, Oval, Rimless round |
| Oblong (Rectangle) | Face length significantly exceeds width | Shorten the face; add horizontal width | Oversized square, Wide wraparound, Bold D-frame |
| Heart-Triangle | Wide forehead tapering sharply to a narrow chin | Balance upper and lower face; reduce forehead dominance | Light rimless, Round with thin upper rim |