Hair & Makeup FAQs Part 2

I’ve heard that the shape of my face can affect my hairstyle. Is this true?

Just as your body shape affects your choice of wedding dress, it’s vital to know your face shape when choosing your hairstyle. There are seven types of face shape; oval, heart, round, long, square, triangular or diamond. You can check this now in the mirror if you’re not sure – all you need to do is pull back your fringe with your fingers so you can see your whole face. Oval faces are characterised by their symmetry. The face is proportional as it is roughly 1½ times longer than it is wide and it is widely claimed to be the perfect face shape. However, all face shapes are beautiful, they’re just different – a bride with any face shape can feel gorgeous on their most important day. Heart and diamond face shapes are quite similar, as they are both widest at the cheekbones and have a narrow jawline, but they differ around the forehead. Heart shape faces also have wide foreheads but diamond shape faces have narrower hairlines; this is why it is important to pull back your fringe to identify your true face shape. Round faces are roughly as long, or a little shorter, than they are wide. This face shape is blessed with a soft, round jawline and may have either a wide or a narrow hairline. Surprisingly, long faces are longer than they are wide! This means narrow cheekbones. But long faces also share the round jawline of those with round faces, and can also have either wide or narrow hairlines. Square faces have equally wide, square jawlines and hairlines, but the face can be either longer or shorter than it is wide. Triangular faces can be recognised by the jawline, which is the widest part of the face. The forehead then widens into the cheekbones. If you’re an oval face you’ll suit most styles (except those with fringes) thanks to your lovely symmetrically shaped head. If your face is a diamond shape, you’ll look great with either straight or wavy hair. Make the most of your pointed jawline with long, flattering haircuts. Enhance your wide forehead with straight hair whilst those with narrow foreheads can soften their hairline with long, soft curls. Those with heart face shapes suit strongly suit dramatic fringes and asymmetrical partings, but shouldn’t emphasise the hair at the crown of the head. Both round and triangular face shapes should choose layers, but round faces suit long layers and long hair. Those with triangular faces can accentuate their features with short layers and short hair. Long faces suit fringes and shorter styles, as they reduce the length of the face, but should avoid central partings. Finally, those with square face shapes should ditch the straighteners and straight lines for a softer styling and wavy hair, particularly around the hairline and fringe. Whatever the shape of your face you can find the perfect hairstyle for when you tie the knot.

So, is my makeup choice affected by my face shape too?

Yes, because the way you use your makeup can complement the shape of your face if you know the tricks to suit your face shape. The two elements of this are simple – to either highlight or shadow certain parts of your face, otherwise known as ‘contouring’. The contours can help you to further perfect what seems like your face’s natural structure- for instance thinning a broad nose ridge or emphasising your cheekbones. There are a wide range of products available for these tasks: bronzers, blusher, foundation and other cosmetics are sold as creams, gels or powders. Generally speaking, this is the trickiest of all makeup techniques- do not attempt unless you are a professional! Otherwise, you’ll more than likely end up looking like you simply flubbed your makeup. If, however, you’re particularly adept in this department, we’ve broken down how to apply this makeup best, based on your face shape. Again, those with symmetrical oval faces are lucky as the oval face shape is proportionally balanced. The best way to enhance your natural symmetry is simply to highlight below your eyes, and the centres of your chin and forehead. Those with heart face shapes should contour the outer edges of their forehead to the left and right with contoured triangles that point towards your lips. Heart face shapes should also highlight an oval area (the centre of which should cover the wrinkle of your chin) along with nearly all other face types. Only those with long face shapes should contour the lowest area of the chin. Round face shapes can contour the entire outer edge of their faces, starting at the left and right of the hairline down to the middle of the jawline. Highlighting the chin (as mentioned above) and the centre of the forehead will accentuate the beauty of a round face. Diamond face shapes should also highlight the chin and central forehead, only contouring the wide cheekbones with triangles that point towards the end of your nose. This will soften the edges of your face. Long face shapes (referred to as oblong in the picture) should contour the lower edge of their chin to shorten their face, and then apply blusher to the cheeks. Square face shapes can soften wide foreheads and jawlines with slanting contours covering each corner of the face. A large circle in the centre of the forehead should be highlighted, along with the flat oval on the wrinkle of the chin. Finally, triangular face shapes can highlight a thin oval area extending from the top to the bottom of the forehead to widen the narrow hairline as well as highlighting the flat oval of the chin. Triangular faces can then give their face a thinner appearance by contouring the outer edges of the wide jawline. Using the above tips and tricks will guarantee that you are happy with your face shape, makeup and hair on the day of your wedding.

There are so many choices of bridal headpieces to choose from; which is best for me?

From tiaras to garlands, from combs to coronets, there is plenty of choice out there. You might want your headpiece to match your dress, your shoes and the wedding’s colour theme. There is even a tradition of wedding crowns for the bride and groom alike, but of course it is perfectly acceptable not to choose one at all. Have a search online, in wedding magazines and at events if you’re keen to wear a headpiece. Bear in mind that it will affect your hairstyle choices. Consult with your hair stylist and makeup artist during your trial, as it may affect their work.

Should I opt for a “natural” look with my makeup or would I be better choosing a more extravagant, glamorous look?

It’s your day, so it’s up to you! The best advice is to make sure you are happy with how you look, and ideally that your groom will also be pleased. However, there is a myth that men are only attracted to women wearing lots of makeup; remember that your groom will be happy whatever you go for. Also take into consideration the formality and time of the wedding itself- obviously a casual, beach wedding will be far less suited to heavy makeup than a glamorous, evening wedding. You could compromise with an intricate design for your nails and a “natural” look for your facial makeup, or you could choose a dramatic eye shadow to contrast with a toned down style. Ask your makeup artist for their professional opinion if you’re still unsure.

I have been told that I would suit a particular style for my wedding, but I’m not sure that I agree. What should I do?

The final decision must be down to you. The most important thing when choosing your style is that you feel confident and beautiful, irrespective of the look itself. If you are receiving pressure from a relative or friend to choose a specific hairstyle, style of makeup – or for that matter anything regarding your wedding – remain strong. Remember that it is your special day, and you will be reminded of that hairstyle you really hated every time you see your wedding photos. Your loved ones will accept your choice and enjoy your day with you and your new husband.

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