West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Determining a client's face shape is crucial for makeup application as it allows the makeup artist to tailor products and techniques that enhance the natural features of the client. Analyzing the proportions and contours of the face involves looking at specific characteristics such as the width of the forehead, the prominence of the cheeks, the shape of the jawline, and the length of the face. Each face shape—round, oval, square, heart, or diamond—has distinct traits that dictate how products like contour, highlight, and blush should be applied to maintain harmony and balance.

Hair type, skin type, and makeup preferences do play a role in the overall makeup process, but they do not directly inform the foundational shape of the face itself, which is essential for achieving a flattering and customized look. By focusing on the contours and proportions, a makeup artist can create a more polished and aesthetically pleasing result that respects the client's unique facial structure.