How to pick the right sunglasses

April 29, 2009 Round: For a round face shape, the goal is to make the face appear longer and thinner.

Frames should be wider then they are deep.

Slightly angular frames will narrow a round face.

Metal frames with adjustable nose pads will keep lenses from resting on fuller cheeks.

Best to avoid excessively rounded styles which will exaggerate facial roundness

Heart: With heart-shaped faces, the trick is to find frames that minimize the width of the top of the face and add width below the eye line to offset the narrow chin.

Try frames that are wider at the bottom or styles with low temples to add balance.

Rimless frames and frames with rounded tops - such as aviators and butterfly shapes - as well as squared bottoms work well.

Oval: The oval face can wear virtually any style because of its balanced proportions. The chin is slightly narrower than the forehead, and the cheekbones are typically high.

Frames should keep the oval's natural balance.

Select frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of the face such as wraps and shields work well.

NOTE: It is common for people who have a classic oval face to have small features. The goal is to keep the face in balance. Make sure the frame is in proportion and doesn't overwhelm the features.

Square: A square face has a strong jaw line and a broad forehead with a wide chin and cheekbones. The goal is to find a frame that makes the face look longer.

Avoid a frame that is flat on the bottom, as this will mirror the face shape.

Look for a frame that has some curve or uplift to draw attention away from the jaw line.

Gently curved narrow styles will minimize squareness and lengthen the face.

Round and oval frames compliment this face shape.

A final tip: when trying on sunglasses, be sure to do the "smile test." If the glasses rise up off of your nose bridge when you smile, they are not for you! Try something else.

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