Understanding heart-shaped faces
Choosing sunglasses for a heart-shaped face can be simple when you know which frame styles complement your features. Sunglasses that soften the appearance of the forehead and highlight the cheekbones, like aviators or cat-eyes, can enhance this face shape and provide a flattering, harmonious look.
Heart-shaped faces are fairly common and often seen on many celebrities, including:
- Jennifer Aniston
- Katie Holmes
- Sydney Sweeney
- Jennifer Lopez
This face shape works well with a variety of frame designs, making it easy to find stylish sunglasses.
Key features of heart-shaped faces
A heart-shaped face has specific features that set it apart. Key characteristics include:
- A wide forehead
- A narrow, smaller chin
- A cheekbone area that is wider than the forehead
- A prominent widow’s peak (in many cases)
How to determine your face shape
Identifying your face shape is an important first step when shopping for sunglasses. While this can sometimes be challenging, using a measuring tape and following these steps can make the process easier:
- Measure your forehead width. Start at one side of your hairline and measure straight across to the other side.
- Determine your facial height. Carefully measure from the highest point of your hairline to the end of your chin to find the overall length of your face.
- Calculate your jawline width. Measure from slightly below your earlobe down to the middle of your chin. Then double that number to get your full jawline width.
- Measure your cheekbone width. Locate the top of your cheekbones and measure straight across your face from one side to the other.
- Categorize your face shape. Face shapes typically fall into two main categories: angular or rounded. Focus on the common shapes within these categories — including heart, round, square and oval — to determine which one it best matches.
You can identify a heart-shaped face by looking at the cheekbones. If they are broader than the forehead, and the forehead is wider than the jawline, you have this shape. The chin will also be narrow with a distinct point.
Top sunglasses styles for heart-shaped faces
To pick sunglasses for a heart-shaped face, choose frames that highlight your features. This can help create a flattering look. Here are the top styles to consider:
Aviator sunglasses
For a wider forehead, pick frames with a soft curve that extends just below your eyes. This helps create a balanced look, drawing attention downward and softening the appearance of a broader forehead. The signature teardrop shape of aviator sunglasses makes them a classic choice for heart-shaped faces.
Ray-Ban aviators are a go-to option for many sunglass wearers, thanks to their stylish design and timeless appeal.
Round sunglasses
Round frames add a playful, retro touch to a heart-shaped face. This style enhances the contours of the face shape and draws attention away from a wider forehead.
Popular sunglass brands like Vogue, Prada and Gucci offer stylish round frame designs that perfectly suit this face shape.
Cat-eye sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses are a stylish and vintage-inspired option for heart-shaped faces. Their upswept design helps soften the appearance of the forehead while highlighting the eyes.
For trendy cat-eye sunglasses, browse options from brands such as Coach and Kate Spade to elevate your look.
Square sunglasses
Square frames, such as Ray-Ban’s Wayfarers, feature a bold and structured design. Offering a classic look, they provide a sleek style without being too top-heavy.
Rimless square sunglasses are an especially great option for heart-shaped faces. Their bold, angular shape adds a modern edge to any outfit. This mix of sharp lines and a simple frame can be both casual and formal.
Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Gigi Studios have popular rimless square sunglasses.
LEARN MORE: Types and styles of glasses and sunglasses
Tips for choosing the right sunglasses
When picking sunglasses for a heart-shaped face, frame shape is key. But there are other factors to consider when choosing the right pair for you, including:
Lens type
There are different lens options to choose from based on your needs. Polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, while photochromic lenses automatically adapt to changing light conditions. You can also pick impact-resistant lenses for sports or mirror-coated ones to reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes.
Ultraviolet (UV) protection
The most important aspect of any pair of sunglasses is UV protection. Wearing sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB lens protection helps safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays. Popular brands like Oakley offer high-performance sunglasses with UV technology to help protect your eyes from the sun.
READ MORE: Protecting your eye from UV rays
Personal style
Sunglasses aren’t just important for eye health. They’re also a fashionable part of any outfit. For example, a pair of classic tortoise sunglasses or those with bold-colored frames can quickly finish a look or transform a basic outfit. With a range of frame designs to choose from, you can easily switch up your style.
Size and fit
Ensure that the sunglasses fit your face well. You can find brands that provide various sizing options or frames with adjustable features to achieve a secure fit. If you are unsure about which styles may suit your face shape best, optical retailers such as Eyebuydirect, Foster Grant and Warby Parker offer a number of options to choose from.
Avoiding common mistakes
Finding the right sunglasses can be easy when you focus on accentuating your features. By following simple guidelines to avoid common mistakes, you can pick styles that flatter and enhance your heart-shaped face.
Frames to avoid
When selecting sunglasses for your heart-shaped face, it's best to stay away from styles that exaggerate the width of your forehead or disrupt facial balance. Here are some frame types to avoid:
- Embellished frames – Avoid sunglasses with excessive embellishments or too much detailing on the frames. These can create the illusion of a broader forehead.
- Top-heavy frames – Stay away from sunglasses with heavy upper frames, as they can make your facial proportions appear unbalanced.
- Non-functional frames – Refrain from choosing frames that aren’t functional for your lifestyle. While some options are ideal for relaxing by the pool, others may be better for activities like exercising or reading outdoors.
Finding your perfect pair
To find the best sunglasses for your heart-shaped face, focus on balance. Select frames that highlight your facial structure. Whether you choose aviators, round sunglasses, cat-eye frames or square sunglasses, the key is to find styles that soften your facial angles and draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
Feel free to try various styles and shapes to see what fits you best. Sunglasses are not only a practical accessory but also a fun way to express your personality.
Remember these tips and consider your face shape. You can find the right sunglasses that accentuate your features, increase your confidence and reflect your personal style.
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