A heart-shaped face is the kind of face that already looks like it belongs on a movie poster. High brows. Gorgeous cheekbones. A cute, defined chin that can instantly soften or sharpen a look depending on how you style it. It’s that effortless main character beauty—striking, pleasant, and camera-ready. Think Ciara when she smiles, Scarlett Johansson in soft glam, or Tessa Thompson on any red carpet with that sculptural symmetry.
Yet even with all that natural harmony, things can get confusing when you’re trying to figure out what flatters you best. Maybe your forehead steals the spotlight in selfies, or your chin seems extra defined from certain angles. Regardless, a heart-shaped face doesn’t need “fixing.” It just needs styling that works with your natural outline rather than against it. Once you get the formula right, makeup, hair, and accessories stop feeling like guesswork and start feeling like you finally understand your own architecture.
Here’s how to make your heart-shaped face do what it does best—effortlessly shine…
#1. Soft layers that follow your angles
To begin with, layers that fall around your cheekbones or just below add balance without overwhelming your jawline. They move with you and make the forehead-to-chin transition look seamless. Long hairstyles benefit from collarbone layers that keep everything airy, while shorter cuts look incredible with ends that curve softly toward the face. It’s the kind of structured-yet-fluid layering Sydney Sweeney wears so well.
#2. Lifted brows without the drama
Since a heart-shaped face already has natural vertical lift, heavy arches can create an intensity you didn’t ask for. Instead, opt for soft, clean brows that follow your natural structure. The effect subtly opens the eyes and smooths the upper half of your face. Ciara consistently nails this look with brows that are tidy, elongated, and quietly flattering.
#3. Blush placed where your smile lights up
For blush placement, resist the urge to drop color too low. Instead, apply it slightly higher and blend outward. This brings warmth and lift while maintaining balance. Cream blushes are especially flattering because they melt into the skin without exaggerating your already prominent upper features, making them ideal for the heart-shaped frame.
#4. Choose middle parts or bangs
While a centre part can sometimes emphasize the forehead, it works when your goal is to spotlight your features. Meanwhile, bangs offer an easy way to redirect attention to the eyes and cheeks. Curtain bangs, in particular, are a cheat code. They frame softly, break up upper-face width, and bring focus to your mid-face, one of your strongest areas. Still, if you prefer a clean centre part, embrace it; the look carries effortless confidence.
#5. Use earrings for the lower face
Heart-shaped faces glow in earrings that widen toward the bottom—think teardrops, inverted triangles, and soft geometric designs. These shapes visually balance the jawline and create harmony throughout the face. A quick scroll through Lupita Nyong'o's glam nights will show you how effective this trick can be.
#6. Line those lips
Your Cupid’s bow is already doing the heavy lifting. Lightly define it, then add a touch of fullness to the bottom lip for soft symmetry. You don’t need harsh overlining; just gentle structure to complement the face’s natural taper.
#7. Necklines that open up your features
Finally, open necklines, like scoop, sweetheart, V-neck, and off-the-shoulder silhouettes, create space around the collarbones, balancing the upper width of your face. It’s a subtle styling move, but it photographs beautifully and works effortlessly in everyday outfits.
Celebrating a heart-shaped face is all about leaning into what makes it memorable. Once you start using these little tricks, you’ll notice your selfies land cleaner, your glam feels easier, and your signature look comes together in a way that feels natural, elevated, and unmistakably you.
Featured image: Vince Boussamba Oyaya for RollingStone Africa
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