Face Shapes7 min read

Square Face Shape: Softening Strong Features

Styling tips and techniques to balance and soften strong jawlines and angular features. Makeup, hair, and accessory recommendations.

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By Lisa Park
June 10, 2025

Square Face Shape: Softening Strong Features

Square faces are characterized by strong, angular features and equal width across the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. The goal isn't to hide these powerful features but to create balance and add softness while celebrating your natural strength and definition.

Understanding Square Face Characteristics

Key Features

  • Equal proportions: Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in width
  • Strong jawline: Well-defined, angular jaw
  • Broad forehead: Wide, often straight hairline
  • Minimal curves: Geometric, angular overall shape
  • Short face length: Width and length are approximately equal

Celebrities with Square Faces

  • Olivia Wilde
  • Keira Knightley
  • Sandra Bullock
  • Demi Moore
  • Gwyneth Paltrow

Hairstyling for Square Faces

Most Flattering Cuts

Long Layers

  • Soft, flowing layers: Add movement and curves
  • Side-swept bangs: Soften the forehead
  • Beach waves: Create natural, soft texture

Shoulder-Length Styles

  • Long bob with layers: Ends just below the jawline
  • Face-framing layers: Draw attention to the center of the face
  • Soft, textured waves: Add feminine curves

Short Styles with Volume

  • Textured pixie: Add height and movement on top
  • Asymmetrical cuts: Create visual interest and softness
  • Soft, wispy bangs: Avoid harsh, straight lines

Styling Techniques

  • Add volume at the crown: Creates length and balance
  • Soft, side-parted styles: Avoid severe center parts
  • Loose curls and waves: Soften angular features
  • Face-framing highlights: Draw attention inward

Styles to Avoid

  • Blunt cuts: Emphasize geometric shape
  • Straight, harsh bangs: Make forehead appear wider
  • Severe, slicked-back styles: Highlight angular features
  • Chin-length bobs: Cut at the widest part of the jaw

Makeup Techniques

Contouring for Square Faces

Softening the Jawline

  • Contour along the jaw edges: Use a soft brown shade
  • Blend upward: Create a softer transition
  • Highlight the chin center: Add dimension

Forehead Contouring

  • Soften corners: Contour the outer edges of the forehead
  • Round out the hairline: Blend foundation slightly above the natural hairline
  • Central highlighting: Draw attention to the center

Eye Makeup

  • Soft, rounded shapes: Avoid harsh geometric lines
  • Winged eyeliner: Create upward lift and softness
  • Curved eyebrow shapes: Soften with gentle arches
  • Warm, blended shadows: Avoid stark color blocks

Lip Techniques

  • Rounded lip shapes: Avoid sharp, angular lines
  • Soft, natural colors: Enhance without overpowering
  • Slight overlining: Create fuller, rounder lips
  • Glossy finishes: Add dimension and softness

Blush Application

  • Circular motions: Apply blush in round patterns
  • Soft, peachy tones: Complement strong features
  • Blend toward temples: Create lift and softness

Eyewear Selection

Flattering Frame Styles

  • Round or oval frames: Contrast angular features
  • Cat-eye shapes: Add upward lift
  • Soft, curved lines: Avoid geometric frames
  • Medium to large sizes: Balance strong features

Frame Details

  • Thin to medium thickness: Avoid overwhelming frames
  • Soft colors: Complement rather than compete
  • Curved temple designs: Echo the softening theme

Accessory Choices

Jewelry

  • Curved designs: Soft, flowing lines
  • Round or oval shapes: Contrast angular features
  • Drop earrings: Add length and movement
  • Delicate pieces: Balance strong bone structure

Scarves and Neckwear

  • Soft, flowing fabrics: Add texture and movement
  • Curved draping: Avoid sharp, geometric folds
  • Vertical lines: Create length and balance

Color Recommendations

Hair Colors

  • Warm tones: Golden browns, honey blondes
  • Multi-dimensional color: Highlights and lowlights add softness
  • Avoid harsh contrasts: Gradual color transitions

Makeup Colors

  • Warm, earthy tones: Complement strong features
  • Soft, muted shades: Avoid harsh, bold colors
  • Peachy and coral tones: Add warmth and femininity

Professional Styling Tips

Working with Stylists

  • Communicate your goals: Emphasize desire for softness
  • Bring inspiration photos: Show examples of soft styling
  • Discuss daily routine: Choose manageable styles

Gradual Changes

  • Start subtle: Make small adjustments before dramatic changes
  • Test techniques: Try new makeup methods gradually
  • Professional guidance: Consult experts for major changes

Building Your Beauty Routine

Daily Essentials

  • Soft styling products: Mousses and light-hold gels
  • Blending brushes: Essential for soft makeup application
  • Quality hair tools: Invest in tools that create smooth, soft styles

Special Occasion Looks

  • Romantic updos: Soft, loose styles with face-framing pieces
  • Elegant waves: Old Hollywood glamour with modern softness
  • Bold lips with soft eyes: Balance strong features thoughtfully

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hair Styling Errors

  • Over-straightening: Can emphasize angular features
  • Tight, severe styles: Highlight rather than soften
  • Matching hairline exactly: Miss opportunities to create curves

Makeup Missteps

  • Harsh contouring: Can make features appear more angular
  • Geometric eyeshadow: Emphasizes square shape
  • Over-defined features: Too much definition can be overwhelming

Remember, the goal is enhancement, not transformation. Square faces possess natural strength and definition that many find enviable. The key is finding the right balance between your natural power and added softness to create a harmonious, beautiful look that feels authentically you.

Tags:square faceface shape stylingmakeup tipshairstylesbeauty
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Lisa Park

Expert Author

Beauty and styling expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Passionate about helping people discover their unique beauty through personalized recommendations.

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