Perfect shades for your face shape

If you have a square face: The angular look, strong jawline and square chin all scream ‘Iron Man/Lady’. The curvy, narrow look of cat-eye frames will soften the harsher angles and draw attention away from the jawline. Or go for narrow frames that ‘lengthen’ the face.

Avoid: Square frames that accentuate the angular shape of your face, as well as frames with colour accents on the bottom, as they will only draw attention to the chin.

Photo: Miu Miu 01N $465. Available at The Optique, ION Orchard #B1-23, 6737 5665.

If you have an oval face: You lucky devil. Oval faces are the most versatile, so the toughest decision you’d have to make is how many pairs to buy in one go. You can enhance your face shape by adding slight angles to the face, with rectangular and geometrically shaped frames.

Avoid: Classic oval faces tend to have smaller features, so stay away from humongous shades that engulf your face or overpower your features.

Photo: Ray Ban Wayfarers 2140 $310. Available at Nanyang Optical.

If you have a round face: This shape can, unfortunately, sometimes gives the impression your face is fuller than is really the case. So create the illusion of a longer and slimmer face, with slightly rectangular or square frames.

Avoid: Overly rounded frames.

Photo: Burberry 3058 $370. Available at Optical 88.

If you have a diamond face: Folks with diamond faces are blessed with wide or high cheekbones, usually matched with a narrow forehead and chin. To accentuate your lovely cheekbones, opt for frames that are either oval or cat-eyed, or rimless frames.

Avoid: Narrow frames that draw attention to the narrow eyeline.

Photo: Prada 52O $450. Available at Specialist Eyecare, Great World City #02-20 (6733 5665).

If you have an oblong face: Those with oblong faces give the impression they have a long face and/or a large forehead. Go for more rounded or curved frames to ‘add’ width, making sure not to extend beyond the widest part of your face.

Avoid: Small frames that create a disproportionate-looking face. Also avoid short frames – they ‘lengthen’ your face.

Photo: Ray Ban 4170 $290. Available at Optical 88.

If you have a triangular face: Think narrow jaw and wide forehead. Balance that pointy face with frames that are wider at the bottom, or opt for rimless frames or Aviator-style shades.

Avoid: High-set temples – they appear to increase the width of your forehead.

Photo: Prada 50O $430. Available at Optical 88.