Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which facial shape is often considered the least flattering in beauty standards?

1. Oval

2. Square

3. Triangle

4. Heart

The correct answer is: Square

The square facial shape is often perceived as the least flattering according to certain beauty standards due to its strong and angular features. This facial shape is characterized by a broad forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a squared jawline, which can give a more robust appearance. In beauty contexts, where softer and more symmetrical shapes are often favored, the sharpness of a square face may not be seen as conventionally attractive. In the world of esthetics, the approach to makeup and hairstyling for square faces typically involves techniques designed to soften the angles and create balance, such as contouring the jawline or using hairstyles that add height and softness around the forehead. This reinforces the idea that while beauty is subjective and varies across cultures and personal preferences, certain traditional standards have favored more oval or heart-shaped faces, which are often seen as more versatile and easier to enhance through these techniques.