HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT EYEGLASS FRAME

Ever see someone that stands out in a crowd that stands out because their eyeglass frame looks perfect on them? This doesn't happen by accident. Chances are that person got professional help in selecting their eyeglass frame. A lot goes into proper frame fitting. For example, the color, size, shape, and material all come into play. The eye care professionals at Palo Alto Eyeworks are trained and experienced in Face Shape Analysis and are here to help you select the perfect eyeglass frame.

THE DIAMOND FACE SHAPE

Diamond-shaped faces are very rare. They are characterized by high and broad cheekbones, which are narrow at the jaw and eye line. For these faces, a wide variety of frames are well-suited. The ideal frames for them are oval, rimless, cat-eye, or any frame with detailing and a pronounced brow line. Go for top-heavy frames, that particularly emphasize the cheekbones.

Opt out of narrow frames, as they will only bring out the narrowness of the eyes and won't draw attention to the cheekbones as much.

THE OVAL FACE SHAPE

The "Oval Face Shape" is considered by most opticians to be the easy face shape to fit. People with oval faces are lucky, as they are the most well-balanced in terms of proportions. A chin that's narrow in comparison to the forehead, is the prime feature of these faces. Primarily, the face is longer, than it's wider. Some of the notable celebrities with this face shape are Charlize Theron, Tyra Banks, Adam Sandler, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts.

To maintain the natural balance of your oval-shaped face, go for a frame, which is wider than the widest part of your face. Oversized frames work best for you, along with walnut-shaped frames, which are neither too deep, nor too narrow. Go for a bold shape and play with color, as well as texture. Angular frames like butterfly and square, will also work for you. Alternatively, you have the luxury of trying out different styles, like rimless, cat-eye, square, aviator, wayfarer, and wrap or shielded, as your facial shape allows it.

Almost all styles suit you, but avoid going for frames that are too large or narrow.

KIDS SQUARE FACE SHAPE

Characterized by a broad forehead, strong horizontal jawline and square chin, square faces are generally proportional in width and length. The key for squares is to find frames that allow their architectural features to shine.

Try softer oval or round shapes to contrast the straight lines of the square face. For rectangular frames, choose those with softened edges and avoid sharp corners. Choose frames that emphasize the browline with shape or color to balance out the jawline. Consider Reese, Milo, and Oscar.

SUNGLASSES FOR THE OVAL FACE SHAPE

The "Oval Face Shape" is considered by most opticians to be the easy face shape to fit. People with oval faces are lucky, as they are the most well-balanced in terms of proportions. A chin that's narrow in comparison to the forehead, is the prime feature of these faces. Primarily, the face is longer, than it's wider. Some of the notable celebrities with this face shape are Charlize Theron, Tyra Banks, Adam Sandler, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts.

To maintain the natural balance of your oval-shaped face, go for a frame, which is wider than the widest part of your face. Oversized frames work best for you, along with walnut-shaped frames, which are neither too deep, nor too narrow. Go for a bold shape and play with color, as well as texture. Angular frames like butterfly and square, will also work for you. Alternatively, you have the luxury of trying out different styles, like rimless, cat-eye, square, aviator, wayfarer, and wrap or shielded, as your facial shape allows it.

Almost all styles suit you, but avoid going for frames that are too large or narrow.

THE SQUARE SHAPED FACE

Characterized by a broad forehead, strong horizontal jawline and square chin, square faces are generally proportional in width and length. The key for squares is to find frames that allow their architectural features to shine.

Try softer oval or round shapes to contrast the straight lines of the square face. For rectangular frames, choose those with softened edges and avoid sharp corners. Choose frames that emphasize the browline with shape or color to balance out the jawline. Consider Reese, Milo, and Oscar.

THE OBLONG FACE SHAPE

Full cheeks, soft lines, coupled with a rounded chin; a round face is all curves without angles, with the width being almost same as the length. Think Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet.

An oblong face is longer than it is wide and has a long straight cheek line and sometimes a longish nose. To make an oblong face appear shorter and more balanced, try frames that have more depth than width, decorative or contrasting temples that add width to the face, or a low bridge to shorten the nose.