An oblong face shape is characterized by its elongated appearance, with a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline almost similar in width. While this face shape is often considered elegant, it may present some unique makeup challenges. The key to applying makeup to an oblong face is to create visual balance and enhance the natural beauty of your features. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore makeup techniques, contouring, and highlighting tips to help you achieve a stunning look that complements your oblong face shape.
Understanding Your Oblong Face Shape
Before delving into makeup application, it’s essential to identify your face shape accurately. An oblong face is longer than it is wide, with relatively straight sides and a slightly rounded chin. If you have an oblong face shape, your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline may have similar width measurements. Celebrities with oblong face shapes include Liv Tyler and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Makeup Techniques for Oblong Faces
Contouring for Definition
Contouring is a powerful technique that can add definition and balance to an oblong face shape. Focus on the following areas to create visual dimensions:
a. Forehead: If you want to minimize the appearance of a long forehead, lightly contour the area just above the hairline with a matte bronzer or contour powder. Blend the product gently to avoid harsh lines.
b. Cheekbones: Emphasize your cheekbones with contouring to add dimension to your face. Use a contour shade just below the cheekbones and blend upwards towards the ears to create the illusion of lifted cheekbones.
c. Jawline: To soften a strong or elongated jawline, contour along the jawline with a cool-toned contour product. This will help add a touch of softness and balance to your face.
Highlighting to Enhance
Highlighting is equally important in makeup application for oblong faces. It helps accentuate certain features and brings attention to the center of the face.
a. Center of the Forehead: Apply a highlighter to the center of your forehead to draw attention upward and create the illusion of a shorter forehead.
b. Brow Bone: Highlighting the brow bone opens up the eyes and adds a lift to the entire eye area.
c. Bridge of the Nose: Apply a small amount of highlighter down the bridge of your nose to create the illusion of a shorter nose.
d. Center of the Chin: Adding a touch of highlighter to the center of the chin brings attention to the center of your face, helping to visually balance the length.
Focus on Eyes and Brows
Eyes are a prominent feature on an oblong face, and proper eye makeup can help enhance their shape and bring balance to the face.
a. Eyebrows: A well-defined brow with a slight arch can visually shorten the length of the face. Avoid overly straight brows, as they may further elongate the appearance of an oblong face.
b. Eye Makeup: Emphasize your eyes with eyeshadows, eyeliner, and mascara. Focus on creating width at the outer corners of your eyes to add balance to the face.
Full and Rounded Lips
For oblong faces, opting for fuller and slightly rounded lips can help create the illusion of a wider face.
a. Lip Liner: Use a lip liner to slightly round the corners of your lips, giving them a fuller appearance.
b. Lipstick: Choose lip colors that add volume and dimension to your lips. Lip gloss or satin-finish lipsticks can help create the illusion of fuller lips.
Soft Blush Placement
Blush placement is essential for an oblong face shape to bring warmth and soften the overall appearance.
a. Avoid Lengthening: Avoid applying blush in a straight line along the cheekbones, as this may further elongate the face. Instead, apply blush slightly above the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards the temples.
b. Soft and Rounded: Opt for soft, rounded blush application to create a youthful and balanced look.
Hair and Hairstyle
Incorporate a flattering hairstyle that complements your oblong face shape. Hairstyles with layers, waves, or curls can add width to the face, helping to balance its elongated appearance.
a. Bangs: Consider adding bangs or fringe to your hairstyle, as they can visually shorten the forehead and add softness to the face.
b. Layered Haircuts: Layered haircuts add volume and dimension to the hair, creating the illusion of a wider face.
c. Waves and Curls: Soft waves or curls can also help add width and balance to an oblong face shape.
Makeup application for an oblong face is all about creating visual balance and enhancing your natural beauty. By using contouring and highlighting techniques, focusing on eyes and brows, opting for fuller lips, and choosing the right blush placement, you can bring out the best in your features and achieve a stunning makeup look. Remember to complement your makeup with a flattering hairstyle that adds width to your face and enhances your overall appearance. Embrace your elegant oblong face shape and confidently showcase your radiant beauty with these expert makeup techniques.