Face Shape Guide

The Heart Face Shape

Reviewed by the Face Shape Detector Team · Updated June 2026

A Heart face shape (also called inverted triangle) is characterized by a wide forehead that tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin. Key features include the widest point at the forehead/temples, cheekbones that are narrower than the forehead, a narrow jawline that comes to a point, and a face length that's typically longer than the width. Heart faces are often considered elegant and feminine. This guide covers everything you need to know: characteristics, best hairstyles, glasses frames, makeup tips, and styling recommendations.

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Heart Face Shape Illustration

Heart Face Shape: Key Characteristics and How to Identify

A Heart face shape has three main identifying features: a wide forehead that's the widest part of the face, cheekbones that are narrower than the forehead, and a narrow jawline that tapers to a pointed chin. If your face resembles an inverted triangle or heart shape, you likely have a Heart face shape.

Wide Forehead

Your forehead is the widest part of your face, often with a high hairline or widow's peak.

High Cheekbones

Cheekbones are prominent and sit high on the face, adding to the heart-like silhouette.

Pointed Chin

The face tapers significantly to a narrow, often pointed chin.

What to Avoid

Avoid styles that add volume to the top of your head or emphasize the forehead's width.

  • Heavy, Straight Bangs: Can make the forehead look wider and boxy.
  • Top-Heavy Hairstyles: Too much volume at the crown unbalances the face.
  • Oversized, Decorative Glasses: Can overwhelm delicate features.

Styling Guide for Heart Faces: Expert Recommendations

The goal when styling a Heart face is to balance the wide forehead with the narrow chin. Since Heart faces have a wide forehead that tapers to a narrow chin, you want to add width to the lower face and minimize the appearance of the wide forehead. This guide covers the best hairstyles, glasses frames, makeup techniques, and accessories for Heart faces.

Best Glasses Frames

Look for frames that are wider at the bottom or have light colors to balance the narrow chin. Avoid top-heavy frames that emphasize the forehead.

  • Aviators: The teardrop shape mimics the face shape but adds balance.
  • Round: Softens the angular chin.
  • Rimless/Light Frames: Keeps the focus light and airy.

"Balance & Soften"

Hairstyles for Women

  • Side-Swept Bangs Minimizes the width of the forehead.
  • Chin-Length Bob Adds volume around the jawline to balance the taper.
  • Long Waves Softens the chin area and adds width at the bottom.

Hairstyles for Men

  • Textured Fringe Covers the forehead and balances the face.
  • Side Part Classic look that works well with wider foreheads.
  • Medium Length Hair that falls around the ears helps widen the lower face.

Makeup Tips

  • Contouring Contour the temples to narrow the forehead and under the chin to soften the point.
  • Blush Apply to the apples of the cheeks to add fullness.
  • Eyes Soft, blended eyeshadows help balance sharp features.

Accessories

  • Earrings Teardrop or chandelier earrings add width to the jawline.
  • Necklines Boat necks and off-the-shoulder tops help widen the shoulder line.
  • Scarves Chunky scarves can add volume around the neck and chin.

How to Identify a Heart Face Shape: Step-by-Step Guide

Not sure if you have a Heart face? Follow these simple steps to identify your face shape accurately.

1

Measure Your Forehead

Stand in front of a mirror and measure the width of your forehead at the temples. In a Heart face, the forehead is the widest part of your face.

2

Check Your Jawline

Look at your jawline. Heart faces have a narrow, pointed chin that tapers from wider cheekbones. If your chin comes to a point and is noticeably narrower than your forehead, this indicates a Heart face.

3

Compare Forehead to Cheekbones

In a Heart face, your forehead is wider than your cheekbones. If your forehead is the widest part and your face tapers down to a narrow chin, you likely have a Heart face shape.

4

Look for Inverted Triangle Shape

Heart faces resemble an inverted triangle or heart shape—wide at the top (forehead) and narrow at the bottom (chin). If your face follows this pattern, you have a Heart face shape.

5

Check Face Length

Measure your face length from hairline to chin. Heart faces are typically longer than they are wide. If your face length is noticeably longer than the width, this confirms a Heart face shape.

6

Use Our AI Tool

For the most accurate identification, use our free AI face shape detector. Simply upload a photo or use your camera, and our advanced algorithm will analyze 468 facial landmarks to give you a precise face shape classification.

Common Styling Mistakes for Heart Faces (And How to Avoid Them)

Learn from these common mistakes to ensure you're styling your Heart face shape in the most flattering way possible.

Mistake: Top-Heavy Styles

Hairstyles with volume at the top or crown can make your already wide forehead appear even wider.

Solution: Add volume at the jawline and sides instead. Chin-length bobs and styles with width at the bottom balance your features.

Mistake: Narrow Glasses

Small or narrow glasses can make your forehead appear wider and your chin appear narrower, emphasizing the imbalance.

Solution: Choose bottom-heavy frames or cat-eye styles that add width to the lower part of your face.

Mistake: Center Parts

Center parts can emphasize the width of your forehead and make your face appear more triangular.

Solution: Use side-swept bangs or side parts to narrow the appearance of your forehead and balance your features.

Mistake: High Necklines

High, tight necklines can draw attention to your narrow chin and make your forehead appear wider.

Solution: Choose V-necks, scoop necks, or open necklines that create balance and draw attention downward.

Celebrities with Heart Face Shapes: Style Inspiration

Get inspired by these celebrities who share your Heart face shape and see how they style their features.

Reese Witherspoon

Known for her wide forehead and narrow chin. Often styles with side-swept bangs and chin-length cuts to balance her features.

Look for: Side-swept bangs, chin-length bobs, bottom-heavy frames

Scarlett Johansson

Her Heart face shape is beautifully complemented by layered styles and cat-eye glasses.

Look for: Layered styles, cat-eye frames, V-necks

Naomi Watts

Often seen with side parts and styles that add width at the jawline to balance her wide forehead.

Look for: Side parts, jawline width, soft waves

Makeup Techniques for Heart Faces: Detailed Guide

Master these makeup techniques specifically designed to balance and enhance Heart face shapes.

Contouring to Balance

Contouring is essential for Heart faces to balance the wide forehead with the narrow chin. Here's how:

  • Contour your temples to narrow the appearance of your forehead. Apply contour along the sides of your forehead, blending inward.
  • Add width to your jawline by applying a lighter shade or highlighter along your jawline to create the illusion of width.
  • Use a matte bronzer on your temples and a subtle highlighter on your chin to balance proportions.
  • Blend thoroughly to create a natural, balanced look that doesn't look over-contoured.

Blush Placement

Proper blush placement can balance your features:

  • Apply blush lower on your cheeks rather than high up, focusing on the apples of your cheeks and blending toward your jawline.
  • Create a horizontal line with your blush to add width to the lower part of your face.
  • Choose warm, peachy tones that add warmth and draw attention to the center of your face.
  • Avoid applying blush too high on your cheekbones, as this can emphasize your wide forehead.

Highlighting Techniques

Strategic highlighting can balance your features:

  • Highlight your chin to draw attention downward and add width to your narrow chin area.
  • Add highlight to your jawline to create the illusion of a wider, more balanced jaw.
  • Avoid highlighting your forehead or temples, as this can make your forehead appear even wider.
  • Focus on the center of your face—nose, chin, and center of forehead—to create balance.

Eye Makeup Tips

Eye makeup can help balance your features:

  • Create width with your eyeshadow by extending it outward and slightly downward to balance your face shape.
  • Use rounded eyeshadow shapes rather than angular shapes to soften your features.
  • Define your brows with a soft arch to balance your wide forehead without making it appear wider.
  • Apply mascara focusing on the outer lashes to create width and balance.

Styling for Different Occasions: Professional vs Casual

Learn how to adapt your Heart face styling for different settings, from the office to weekend outings.

Professional/Office Styling

  • Hairstyles: Opt for polished styles with side-swept bangs or a professional chin-length bob. Avoid styles with volume at the top.
  • Glasses: Choose bottom-heavy frames or cat-eye styles in classic colors. Avoid narrow or top-heavy frames.
  • Makeup: Keep it polished with contouring on temples, blush on lower cheeks, and a classic lip color. Focus on balancing proportions.

Casual/Weekend Styling

  • Hairstyles: Embrace texture with beachy waves, soft layers, or tousled styles. Side-swept bangs work beautifully for casual looks.
  • Glasses: Have fun with trendy cat-eye frames, colored frames, or statement styles. Bottom-heavy frames balance your features.
  • Makeup: Go for a more relaxed look with dewy skin, soft blush on lower cheeks, and maybe a pop of color. Less structured makeup works well.

Heart Face Shape: Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about Heart face shapes. Learn about characteristics, styling tips, and how to enhance your features with the right hairstyles, glasses, and makeup techniques.

What is the difference between heart and inverted triangle?

They are very similar, but a heart face shape typically has a widow's peak hairline, while an inverted triangle has a straight hairline.

Are heart-shaped faces rare?

They are somewhat less common than oval or round faces, but are considered very desirable due to their delicate features.

Can I wear a pixie cut with a heart face?

Yes! A pixie cut with side-swept bangs can look adorable and highlight your eyes and cheekbones.

Not 100% sure if you're Heart?

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