There's some great advantages to being able to buy sunglasses online - it's quick, convenient and you always have access to the latest styles and offers! However, I appreciate there is a major downside - you can't try the sunglasses on before you buy. To make the decision even easier I have provided you with this straightforward guide to what styles may suit you best, based on your face shape. I hope that this will assist you in your choice of sunglasses!

There are 7 basic types of face shape and I will shortly have styles which will suit them all. The better matched your sunglasses are to your face shape, the more they will flatter your best features and the better you will look.

If you are not sure of your face shape, then use one of the methods below to determine your classification.

• The simplest way, is to use a photograph and draw a line in pen all the way around your face - try not to pick out all the detail, it should be just a smooth line. From this, you should immediately see the shape of your face. If not look at the pictures below - the one that it most closely matches gives your face shape.

• If you do not have a spare photo, try this. Stand in front of a mirror and look at your reflection (you may want to use a washable pen for the next part as it will be easiest to remove, or you could use a crayon or lipstick!). Draw a line on the glass around your whole face, making sure that you are accurate in following the jaw line. Remember that we are trying to get a general outline of your face, so don't make it too detailed. By looking at this outline you will see your face shape, and you can compare it to the pictures below to determine your classification.

The 7 face shapes

     OVAL:

Description:  Balanced Proportions.    Chin is slightly narrower than the forehead.    High cheek bones.

Look for:       Frames should be as wide as the broadest part of the face.    Frames should be the same proportion as the face.    More frames suit this shape than any other.

     ROUND:

Description:  Few Angles.    Full Face.    Width and length in same proportions.

Look for:      Slightly angular (slight cat eye shape), will narrow and lengthen the face.    Avoid round or very square styles which exagerate roundness.    Frames should be wider than they are deep.    High frames work well.

    DIAMOND:

Description:     Small Forehead.    Wide temple area.    Face narrows to a small chin.

Look for:         Frames that are heavy on top will widen the appearance of the forehead and jaw.    Square, oval and rimless frames are great choices.    Frames also shaped with a straight top and curved bottoms are great for you.

    TRIANGLE, (base down)

Description:    The jaw is the largest part of the face.

Look for:         Frames should add width to the forehead while softening and narrowing the appearance of the jaw, chin and cheeks.    Square, aviators or semi-rimless styles work well.    Up swept cat eye styles would work well

    HEART

Description:    Wide forehead.    High cheek bones.    Face narrows to the chin.

Look for:          Light colours and rimless styles are effective.    Frames with round tops and square bottoms will work well and aviator or butterfly styles.    Avoid heavy, thick frames.

    OBLONG:

Description:    Face shape is longer than it is wide.    Face is narrow and jaw and cheek bones the same width.

Look for:         Frames should have top to bottom depth. ie cover a lot of the mid section of the face.    To soften the face, try round, deep or low triangle shapes.    Decorative or contrasting frame arms can also achieve the widening.

    SQUARE:

Description:    Strong jaw line.    Broad forehead.    Wide chin and cheek bones.    Width and length are same proportions.

Look for:         Gently curved narrow styles will minimize squareness and add length.    Frames should be more horizontal than vertical.

Other considerations:

The size and shape of your nose can also affect which style might accentuate your best features.

• If you have a large nose, large oversized frames are recommended for balance. Small frames will accentuate it.
• If you have a long nose, frames with side arms that draw attention to the temples, away from the nose are a good choice. A double bridge helps the nose appear shorter.
• A high bridge in a light colour lengthens a short nose or one that is small in proportion to the rest of the face.

Still Confused?

If all this information is just too much, a good rule of thumb is that the frame of your sunglasses should not be wider than the width of your face and should'nt sit on your cheeks. It is also said that if you cannot decide which style to choose, stick to a rectangular frame as over half of the population suit these.