A heart-shaped face is widest at the forehead, a little narrower at the cheekbones and narrowest at the chin. The forehead-to-jaw contrast is the defining feature, so the right glasses do one of two things: keep the top light, or add a little weight at the bottom.
What to look for
Bottom-heavy frames. Frames that are slightly deeper or thicker along the lower rim pull the eye down and balance a wider forehead. Aviator shapes do this naturally.
Round and oval lenses. Soft curves echo a pointed chin less than sharp angles do, and they soften the broad line of the brow.
Thin or light upper rims. Rimless, semi-rimless and thin metal frames keep visual weight off the top of the face. Clear or pale acetate does the same.
Width matched to the forehead. Measure your forehead (the A line in the measuring guide). The total frame width should sit at or just under it.
Keep the top quiet and let the bottom of the frame do the work.
What to avoid
- Heavy, decorated or brightly colored top rims.
- Strong browline frames, which draw a thick line across the widest part of the face.
- Oversized frames that extend past the temples.
- Sharp, upswept cat-eyes in dark colors.
Quick reference
| Frame | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aviator | Very good | Wider at the bottom, light at the top |
| Round, thin metal | Very good | Soft line, little visual weight |
| Oval acetate | Good | Gentle curves, balanced weight |
| Rimless or semi-rimless | Good | Adds almost no width at the top |
| Soft cat-eye in a light color | Possible | Keep the upsweep subtle |
| Browline or heavy top rim | Avoid | Adds weight where the face is widest |
| Oversized square | Avoid | Extends the forehead line |
The same idea, elsewhere
The heart-shape principle applies beyond frames. Hairstyles with volume at chin level, such as a lob or soft waves that start at the jaw, balance a wider forehead. Brows with a soft, rounded arch work better than sharply angled ones. Drop or chandelier earrings that are wider at the bottom add width where the face narrows.