Face Shape: Square
Is Your Face a Square? The most prominent feature of a square face is the angular jawline. The sides of the face are straight, and the width of the face is almost equal to the length.
The Strategy: On a square face, the goal is to round out the sharp-angled features to create softer edges and lines. Sweep the contour shade onto cheeks in a rounded, banana-like motion to counteract the boxy face shape.
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Square-shaped faces already have defined edges without contour. Contouring the perimeter of a square-shaped face will help the edges appear rounder and get rid of any angular features.
Concealers, such as MAC Studio Finish Concealer ($21, originally $28), are the best way to contour deeper skin tones. When applying your product, start out with a precise brush, such as MAC Large Shader Brush #252 ($26, originally $34), to mark your territory. Blend it all out with a fluffy brush or a wet sponge for a nice blurred effect. "The diffused edges look good in person and in photography," Bettelli says — meaning you won't have strangers wondering if you have dirt on your face.
How to Highlight Square-Shaped Faces
When highlighting a square-shaped face, you'll want to place product on the forehead, the bridge of the nose, above the brow bone, underneath the eyes, and underneath the cheek bone. This will add length to the face. "Orange brightens, so the same way you would use vanilla on a [light] skin tone, use oranges and caramels on [dark] skin," she says. Highlight the cheekbones with a reflective powder, such as MAC Mineralize Skinfinish ($32, originally $43).
