The Concept of Facial Symmetry

The concept of facial symmetry is super interesting, and it’s something people have been discussing for a long time. It’s often said that perfectly symmetrical faces are considered more beautiful, but let’s be honest. Almost nobody has a face that’s perfectly balanced on both sides. And guess what? That’s completely fine! Our little asymmetries make us unique.

What Is Symmetry in Face Shapes?

When people talk about facial symmetry, they mean that one side of the face mirrors the other. In a perfectly symmetrical face, the eyes would be the same shape and size, the cheeks would be equally full, and the sides of the mouth would turn up at the same angle. But in real life, most people might have one eye slightly bigger than the other or a slightly crooked smile, and that’s normal.

Why Does Symmetry Matter?

Symmetry can make a face look harmonious and balanced, often pleasing to the eye. However, slight imperfections or asymmetries can add character and uniqueness to a person’s appearance. In the world of Drag performance, for instance, the role of symmetry can be quite flexible. Performers often use makeup to highlight their natural symmetry or create a captivating illusion that commands attention.

Using Makeup to Create Symmetry

Eyebrows

Eyebrows are often the first-place people notice asymmetry.

Makeup can be used to fill in brows to make them appear more balanced.

For instance, if one eyebrow is naturally higher than the other, a makeup artist might fill in the lower brow a bit more to create an illusion of evenness.

Eyes

Eye makeup can also help in achieving a more balanced look.

Using eyeshadow and eyeliner to enhance the eyes’ natural shape can make them look more similar in size and shape.

Contouring

This is a big one! Contouring can change the appearance of the face shape and create symmetry.

Darker shades can make areas recede, while lighter shades bring features forward.

For example, if one side of the jaw appears wider, contouring can help balance it out.

Lip Makeup

If the lips are uneven, a lip liner can be used to outline a more symmetrical shape before filling it in with lipstick.

Highlighting

The strategic placement of a highlighter can brighten certain areas, draw attention, and create an appearance of balance.

Different Face Shapes

What Are the Different Face Shapes?

Talking about face shapes is like opening a treasure box of interesting facts and observations. Understanding face shapes is especially important for choosing the right makeup or hairstyles. This is true for everyone, but especially for Drag Performers who use makeup as an art form to transform a person, especially if they are creating a character look. But before diving into the specifics, remember that no one’s face is a perfect oval or square, which makes each person unique.

Let’s get to know these shapes a bit more

Oval

People often say the oval is the most balanced face shape. Imagine a smooth egg turned on its side—an oval shape! Because of its balance, almost any hairstyle or makeup look suits an oval face. The softer jawline and slightly wider forehead make it easy to experiment with different looks.

Round

Picture a circle, and you’re close to imagining a round face shape. The cheekbones are the widest part, and the jawline is smooth and rounded. This softness gives a Youthful appearance, but it can also make it challenging to define features. Makeup artists often use contouring techniques to add angles to a round face.

Square

Square faces are like the strong, sturdy walls of a building. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are almost the same width, making the face appear angular and defined. This shape often looks excellent with hairstyles that soften the strong angles.

Heart or Inverted Triangle

Imagine an upside-down ice cream cone, and you’ve got the heart shape! This face has a wide forehead and high cheekbones but tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin. Styles that add volume near the jawline often balance out this face shape well.

Diamond

Picture a sparkling diamond, narrow at the top and bottom but wide in the middle. That’s this face shape! High, prominent cheekbones are the star of the show here. Styles that add width at the forehead and jawline can make this face shape look even more balanced.

Oblong or Rectangle

Think of a longer rectangle—that’s an oblong face. It’s similar to an oval but longer and less rounded. This shape looks fantastic with hairstyles and makeup that add width on the sides to balance the length.

Triangle or Pear

This face shape is like an inverted triangle, wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. People with this shape often have a wider jawline than their forehead. Styles that add volume at the top can help balance things out.