Finding the right frames for you

Face Shapes

Faces come in all shapes and sizes and it is important to pick a frame shape that complements you. These tips must not be taken as rules but they can help you to choose your right frame.

Which of the following best describes the shape of your face?

OVAL
	The oval face is considered to be the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. Almost any style works for oval face.
*Suggestions:* To keep the oval's natural balance, look for eyeglass frames that are as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face, or walnut-shaped frames that are not too deep or too narrow. Square shaped frames with gently rounded edges and higher temples also look good on an oval face.

DIAMOND
	Diamond-shaped faces are narrow at the eye line and jaw line with high or wide cheekbones.
*Suggestions:* Oval sunglasses will soften the contour of the face or try rimless frames or softly curved square and cat-eye shapes. Make sure the styles are no wider than the top of the cheekbones.

ROUND
	A round face has curved linear lines with the width and length in the same proportions and no angles. Frames should make the face appear longer and thinner.
*Suggestions:* Look for frames equal to or slightly wider than the broadest part of the face. Minimize the curves and add definition with soft, angular, rectangular styles. People with round faces should try to stay clear of big, round frames.

SQUARE
	A square face has a strong jaw line and a broad forehead and wide cheekbones, plus the width and length are in the same proportions. Rounder, softer frames will enhance squarer faces.
*Suggestions:* To make the square face look longer and soften the angles, try narrow frame styles. Reduce the angles with soft, curvy styles that will give the face some definition such as cat-eye styles, classic ovals and round frames.

TRIANGLE
	This face has a wide forehead and a narrow jaw. Soften the lower portion of the face by accenting the eye area. Styles such as cat- eyes should angle outward at the top corner and be wide enough to balance the jaw line.
*Suggestions:* To minimize the width of the top of the face, try frames that are wider at the bottom, very light colours and materials (e.g. metal), and rimless frame.

OBLONG
	The oblong face is longer than long straight cheek line and sometimes a longish nose. Widen and shorten the face with frame styles that do not extend.
*Suggestions:* To make the face appear shorter and more balanced, try frames that have a greater top-to-bottom height (round or square), decorative or contrasting temples that add width to the face, or a low bridge to shorten the nose.

Colour

It is ideal to have frame colours in your own colour base. The best way to achieve this is to determine the most prominent colour from your skin, eyes and hair. The skin colour tone is the prime element for colour determination.

Skin Tone

Pale Complexion

Try lightweight frames or those with a touch of colour such as rose or copper/bronze. Variants of brown colour frames suit fair complexions (avoid darker versions) but clear, blue or green tinged frames tend to drain colour from cheeks.

Medium Complexion

Olive, Mediterranean, Golden or Asian skin and dark hair can look stunning in silver, gold or clear frames – but avoid black which can be too heavy.

Dark Complexion

All metallic and clear frames suit dark skins and amber often works well – be weary with black frames, which can look spectacular or awful.

Hair Colour

Lightweight, metal frames can match blond or light coloured hair, however, avoid gold frames.

If you have black/brown hair then go for black or navy frames.

Hair Style

Soft & curly

Enhanced by delicate shapes, rimless frames and translucent colours.

Very curly

Choose a frame that follows your hairline. Classic small frames are advisable.

Short

Geometric frames, or rounder frames look best.

Very short

Bold colours and designs, as well as decorative styles.

Long hair

Try the frames with both your hair up and down, as the change in style may alter the look of the frames.