When we look at face shapes, many agree that oval face shapes go with most hairstyles, glasses, etc. So, is the oval face shape attractive?
Yes, the oval face shape is attractive because it usually has even proportions. The width of the jaw, cheekbones, and forehead are equal, and the jaw slightly tapers. It is often more attractive when there are no other unusual, distracting facial features like a crooked, large nose.
Why The Oval Face Shape Is Attractive
Oval face shapes are the ideal face shape for many people. It is a great face shape for both men and women.
Symmetry is essential for facial aesthetics, which is common in the oval face shape. Many studies show that more symmetrical faces are more attractive to people when they look for potential mates.
For instance, one study noticed that attractiveness increased when facial symmetry increased (Rhodes et al., 1998). They compared perfectly symmetrical faces to less symmetrical ones, and the participants preferred the perfectly symmetrical faces.
When we look at people with oval face shapes, they often have smooth proportions. Their forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are nearly the same width, with a slightly tapered jaw.
The proportions, symmetry, and balance of the oval face shape are usually ideal. Therefore, oval shapes are usually more attractive because of their facial harmony.
However, keep in mind that it is nearly impossible to find a perfectly symmetrical face. Oval face shapes often have equal proportions, but one part, like the cheekbones, can be asymmetrical.
Additionally, the facial features on the oval face shape will matter as well. For instance, a crooked, large nose can ruin the oval face shape’s symmetry and aesthetics. The nose will disrupt facial harmony.
A study showed that only three out of twenty-one oval faces were totally (or almost entirely) symmetrical. However, the average oval face shape had a “smooth flow” through the temples, cheeks, jaw angle, jawline, and chin (Goodman et al., 2015).
Besides being attractive, the oval face shape is often considered ideal, especially in the fashion and beauty industry. While square faces usually dominate the runway and fashion magazines, oval face shapes complement most makeup styles, haircuts, accessories, etc.
Are Other Face Shapes Attractive?
While the oval face shape is ideal, other face shapes can be attractive as well. It often depends on a person’s personal preference, culture, etc.
For instance, many models have square face shapes. Models often have square faces with razor-sharp jawlines and cheekbones. Men like Zac Efron and Henry Cavill are also excellent examples of attractive men with square faces.
Round face shapes can be attractive, especially for women. It often gets associated with youth, and people assume that individuals with round face shapes are kinder. Selena Gomez is an excellent example of a beautiful woman with a round face.
Oblong faces are similar to oval faces but longer. In some cases, the jawline is a bit more rounded at the chin. People like Kim Kardashian have oblong faces with a tapered chin.
The attractiveness of your face shape also depends on where you live. For instance, most people in America think heart-shaped faces are beautiful for women. Some Asian countries like China prefer men with round faces.
It is also crucial to note that most people have a mix of two face shapes. The mixture of two face shapes can be beautiful as well.
For example, most people have a preference for men who have oval face shapes with square jaws. Some East Asian countries like Korea prefer women with oval face shapes and a sharp, pointed chin (similar to a heart-shaped face).
How Can I Get an Oval Face Shape?
Firstly, you need to consider your current face shape. It will determine what you need to do to get a more oval-like face shape. It will also help you decide if you should enhance your current face shape instead.
For instance, if you have a very square face shape with a strong jawline, you may need a lot of surgery to get an oval face shape.
You would need jaw reduction surgery and chin surgery to make your chin have a rounder shape. Moreover, you may also need cheekbone reduction surgery, hairline, surgery, and more to make your face smaller and rounder.
However, a plastic surgeon may not think it would be a good idea.
Getting a complete makeover to get the ideal face shape may not be worth it. All those surgeries to completely alter your face shape are not always necessary. All face shapes can be attractive, especially with the right enhancements.
You can try other ways to enhance your current face shape to look better. You do not always need to alter your face shape completely.
For instance, a plastic surgeon may suggest a jaw reduction surgery to reduce the angle of a very prominent jawline and a square face shape. The surgeon will round off your jawline to make it smoother, but you will still have a square face. It will only alter the lower half of your face, but it can be a huge enhancement. That way, you can enhance your square face shape without entirely altering it.
If you currently have an oval, oblong, or similar face shape, there are procedures that you can do to enhance your facial harmony. For example, let us say you have an oval face shape, but you also have a weak, receded chin. The chin will negatively grab all the attention. You can get chin augmentation surgery to make your chin more prominent, enhancing the balance of your oval face shape. You can also augment your chin with cheekbone implants to add more width to your midface. You can also opt for a less invasive procedure by getting dermal fillers to add volume to your face.
In some cases, you may already have an oval face. However, large cheeks could make your face look round, not oval. You can get a buccal fat reduction procedure, Botox injections, etc. to slim your cheek area to create a thinner face.
Ideally, it would be best to consult a plastic surgeon. They can tell you exactly how to enhance your face to create a more symmetrical shape that will suit you.
