Choosing the perfect frame for your face shape

I didn't grow up wearing glasses.  I always wanted glasses when I was young, but I didn't need them.  And, I used to always hate the feel of sunglassses on my face.  They felt heavy, so, of course, I never wore them like I should have.  Nowadays, I adore my sunglasses - one day I'll take a picture of the many pairs of sunglasses I've accumulated after 7 years of owning my own optical shop.  Yet, I still never truly know what type of frame is best on my face.  So, I asked Kristel, one of our opticians for help.After having an eye exam, your doctor gives you a prescription for eyeglasses and you head to an optical. Once you are at the optical shop, you see many frames to choose from and don’t know where to start. Knowing your face shape is the best tool in selecting the right frames. You want a frame that compliments your features as well as looks good on your face.  Knowing your face shape helps choose your hair cut, make-up and accessories (including glasses).  Read here and here to determine your face shape.Face Shapes:Circle:Round faces are about curves. Cheeks are fuller, with a wide forehead and round chin. The face is proportional in width and length and has no angles. Try angular narrow frames to lengthen the face, a clear bridge that widens the eyes and frames that are wider than deep like a rectangular shape. The angular shape will make the face appear longer and thinner. Rounds also go well with a slight angle on the corners to show off cheeks and bring attention to the eyes. Stay away from round shapes.Oval:Oval faces are considered the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions, with a gently curved jaw line that is slightly narrower than the forehead. The cheekbones are in general high and length is about 1.5 times the width. This shape is versatile with features that fit an assortment of frames. Try square and rectangular frames to add contrast to the curved lines on the face. One downfall is the size of the frame; it can either be too small or too large and can throw off the balance of the face. Avoid frames that are too large or can cover half of your face. A large frame that covers up your face will be overpowering and not as flattering. Colors are essential, you want to find frames that match your eyes and hair and will get the most compliments.Square:Square faces have a broad forehead, strong jaw line and the width and length are the same proportions. Try frames that highlight the brow line with shape and color to balance the jaw line.  Also try frames that have more width than depth, narrow ovals to soften the angles and look longer. Oval and round frames are perfect for this shape.Heart: Heart shaped faces are broader at the forehead and narrow at the jaw line and chin. The face can be round or long, the forehead is wide and gradually narrows down to a pointed chin. Try to find shapes that balance the varying widths of the face. Since the face is narrow at the bottom, a bottom heavy frame makes the face appear more balanced. Frames with low-set temples focus attention downward to minimize the forehead. Oval-shaped frames take the attention away from your chin and focus more towards your eyes.The purpose of your glasses is not only to improve your sight and protect your eyes; it should also accentuate your facial features.  As long as you know your face shape, choosing a frame should be easy. If you have any questions on color or choosing between what frames look good on you, our opticians are more than happy to help you.