Master Your Oblong Face Shape: A Step-by-Step Guide

Got that classic oblong face shape and wondering how to work with it? You're not alone. An oblong face shape is basically longer than it is wide, with a more stretched appearance from forehead to chin. Think high cheekbones, a longer jawline, and that elegant elongated look. The thing is, loads of people get a bit confused about how to style themselves when they've got this face shape. But real talk, once you know the tricks, you'll be working your angles like a pro. This step-by-step guide covers everything from the perfect hairstyles for long faces to accessories that'll become your new obsessions.

Understanding Your Oblong Face Shape

Let's get clear on what makes an oblong face unique. Your face is longer than it's wide, usually with a similar width across your forehead, cheeks, and jawline. You might have higher cheekbones and a longer chin area too. The main challenge? Sometimes this face shape can look a bit too stretched, especially in photos or certain lighting. But here's the thing – loads of stunning people have oblong faces, and it's all about knowing how to balance those gorgeous proportions. The goal isn't to hide your face shape but to create visual width and break up that vertical length. Think of it like styling an outfit – you're just working with what you've got to create the most flattering look possible.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Hairstyles

Your hair game can literally transform how your face looks. The secret with oblong faces is adding width and avoiding anything that makes your face look even longer. You want cuts that create horizontal lines and add volume to the sides rather than height on top.

Flattering Hairstyles for Women

Short to medium-length cuts work brilliantly for oblong faces. Think chin-length bobs, lobs, or anything that hits around your collarbone. These lengths create that horizontal line that breaks up the length of your face. Layers are your best friend here – they add movement and width, especially when styled with some waves or curls. And can we talk about bangs? They're practically made for oblong faces. Whether you go for full fringe, side-swept bangs, or curtain bangs, they all help shorten the appearance of your forehead.

Complementary Hairstyles for Men

For the lads, shorter textured styles work wonders. Think messy crops, textured quiffs, or anything with volume on the sides rather than just on top. Medium-length cuts can work too, especially if you add some waves or texture – just avoid anything too sleek or long that might drag your face down further. A well-groomed beard or stubble can actually help balance your proportions by adding visual weight to your lower face. Just keep it neat and shaped to complement your jawline.

Step 2: Selecting Ideal Glasses and Sunglasses

Here's where things get interesting with glasses for oval face shape styling. You want frames that add width to your face, not length. Rectangular or square frames are usually your go-to – they create horizontal lines that balance out that vertical length. Oversized frames can work brilliantly too, as long as they're wider than they are tall. For sunglasses for long face shape, think cat-eye styles, wide rectangular frames, or anything with decorative details on the sides. These draw attention outward and create that width you're after. Just avoid tiny frames or anything too tall and narrow – they'll only emphasise the length of your face.

Step 3: Mastering Makeup and Contouring Techniques

Contouring oblong face shapes is all about creating the illusion of width while minimising length. Start by contouring along your hairline and under your chin – this helps shorten the appearance of your face. Then, add some contour to the very tip of your nose and blend well. For highlighting, focus on the centre of your forehead, under your eyes, and the centre of your chin, but keep these highlights more horizontal than vertical. When it comes to blush, apply it higher on your cheekbones and blend outward toward your ears rather than down toward your mouth. This creates that sideways emphasis that's so flattering for oblong faces. Eye makeup can be bold and dramatic – you've got the face shape to carry it off beautifully.

Step 4: Accessorising with Jewelry

Jewelry for oblong faces

is all about adding width and breaking up vertical lines. Earrings for elongated face shapes should be wide rather than long and dangly. Think button earrings, wide hoops, or studs with interesting horizontal details. Chandelier earrings can work, but only if they're wider at the bottom rather than just hanging straight down. For necklaces, shorter lengths like chokers or princess-length pieces work better than really long chains that might emphasise your face's length. Statement pieces that sit at your collarbone are particularly flattering. Don't forget about other accessories – wide bracelets, rings, and even watches can add to that overall balanced look you're going for.

Step 5: Choosing Flattering Necklines

Necklines for oblong face shape styling focus on creating horizontal lines rather than vertical ones. Boat necks, off-shoulder tops, and wide V-necks are absolutely gorgeous on oblong faces. These styles draw the eye sideways and create that width you want. Scoop necks and square necklines work brilliantly too. High necklines like turtlenecks or crew necks can actually be quite flattering because they break up the length between your face and body. Just avoid deep V-necks or anything too narrow that might emphasise the vertical lines of your face. Collared shirts and tops with horizontal stripes or patterns can also be really flattering choices.

Step 6: Incorporating Hats and Scarves

Best hats for long faces are those with wide brims that add horizontal emphasis. Think fedoras, wide-brimmed sun hats, or berets worn slightly to one side. These styles add width to your overall silhouette and balance out your face's length. Baseball caps can work too, especially if worn slightly tilted rather than straight on. Scarves for oval face styling should focus on creating width around your neck and shoulders. Try wearing them loosely draped, or tied to one side rather than straight down the front. Infinity scarves and cowl necks are particularly flattering because they add bulk and interest around your neckline. In warmer months, lighter scarves worn as headbands or tied around your hair can add that horizontal element that's so flattering for your face shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best haircut for an oblong face male?

Short to medium textured cuts work best – think messy crops, textured quiffs, or styles with volume on the sides. Avoid anything too long or sleek that might emphasise your face's length. A bit of facial hair can also help balance your proportions.

Which hairstyle suits a long face?

Styles that add width rather than height are your best bet. Chin-length bobs, layered cuts, and anything with bangs work brilliantly. Waves and curls also help create that sideways volume that's so flattering.

How can I make my oblong face look shorter?

Focus on creating horizontal lines – whether through your hairstyle, makeup, accessories, or clothing. Bangs, wide necklines, horizontal stripes, and shorter hairstyles all help create the illusion of a shorter, wider face.

Are there any makeup tricks to balance an oblong face shape?

Absolutely! Contour along your hairline and under your chin to shorten your face visually. Apply blush higher on your cheekbones and blend outward. Keep your highlighting more horizontal than vertical, and don't be afraid to go bold with your eye makeup.

Final Thoughts

Working with an oblong face shape is all about balance and knowing your angles. The key is adding width through your styling choices rather than trying to hide your gorgeous bone structure. From the right elongated face accessories to flattering hairstyles, you've got loads of options to play with. Remember, these are guidelines, not rules – fashion and beauty are about having fun and feeling confident. So try different looks, see what makes you feel amazing, and don't be afraid to break a few 'rules' if something works for you. Your face shape is just one part of what makes you uniquely beautiful, so work with it rather than against it.

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