A heart-shaped face is defined by a broader forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrower, often pointed chin. It's one of the more striking face shapes — think of it as the eyewear equivalent of a blank canvas with great bone structure. But not every frame does that structure justice. The right pair softens the width up top and adds presence down below, creating the kind of balance that makes a face look effortlessly proportioned.
Here's how to shop smarter if you've got a heart-shaped face, along with a few frames worth trying first.
What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
The goal with a heart-shaped face is visual balance. Your forehead and cheekbones are the widest part of your face, while your chin narrows to a point. Frames that are heavier or more decorative at the top — thick brow lines, oversized square shapes — tend to exaggerate that width. Instead, look for shapes that are wider at the bottom than the top, or that curve outward near the cheek and temple to draw the eye downward and balance the chin.
Skip anything boxy or top-heavy. Also steer clear of tiny, delicate frames that get lost against strong cheekbones — they'll make the forehead look even more dominant by comparison.
Cat Eye Frames Are Your Best Friend
Cat eye shapes are practically designed for heart-shaped faces. The upswept outer corners add width at the cheekbone level, which complements rather than competes with your natural proportions, while the narrower bridge keeps things from feeling heavy near the brow. The Burberry BE4216 Cat Eye Sunglasses strike this balance beautifully, with a shape that tapers gently rather than flaring aggressively — flattering without overwhelming.
For something with a bit more personality, the Versace VE4316B Cat Eye Sunglasses bring a sculpted silhouette and bold detailing that plays well with high cheekbones. And if you prefer a slightly rounder cat eye with softer angles, the Michael Kors MK2045 Cat Eye Sunglasses offer a more subtle take on the shape — ideal for everyday wear.
Pilot Styles Add Width Where You Need It
Classic pilot (aviator-adjacent) frames are another strong option for heart-shaped faces. Their teardrop shape widens gradually toward the bottom, which echoes the fuller lower half of an oval and visually fills in a narrower chin. The Burberry BE3080 Pilot Sunglasses offer a refined, slightly rounded pilot shape that works well for softer, rounder-jawed heart faces.
If you want something with a touch more edge, the Versace VE2166 Pilot Sunglasses bring a sharper, more angular pilot silhouette — a good match if your chin is more pointed than rounded. Either way, pilot shapes tend to be one of the most universally flattering options for this face shape, which is part of why they've stayed a wardrobe staple for decades.
Oversized and Rounded Frames Work Too
Beyond cat eye and pilot shapes, don't overlook rounded or slightly oversized frames. A rounded lens softens angular cheekbones and draws attention away from forehead width, while an oversized fit adds visual weight near the jaw — exactly where a heart-shaped face benefits from a little extra presence. The key is choosing a frame with soft curves rather than sharp, geometric corners, which can feel at odds with your face's natural taper.
Think About Frame Weight and Embellishment
Because your forehead and cheekbones already carry visual weight, choose frames that don't add bulk in the wrong places. Thin to medium-weight frames, especially in acetate or lightweight metal, tend to look more balanced than chunky, brow-heavy styles. Decorative elements — like Burberry's signature check lining or subtle metal accents on temple arms — can add interest without overwhelming your features, since they sit lower on the face rather than up near the brow.
Everyday Eyewear Deserves the Same Attention
These same principles apply just as much to prescription glasses as they do to sunglasses. If you're shopping for daily frames, cat eye shapes remain a go-to for heart-shaped faces. The Tiffany TF1127 Cat Eye Eyeglasses offer an elegant, lightweight take, while the Versace VE1271 Cat Eye Eyeglasses lean slightly bolder for those who want more definition. Both follow the same logic as their sunglass counterparts: curves that widen gently at the cheek, balancing a narrower chin below.
Finding Your Shape
Face-shape guidelines are a helpful starting point, not a strict rulebook — plenty of people break the "rules" and look fantastic doing it. But if you've been reaching for the same frame shape for years without quite knowing why it never feels right, there's a good chance the proportions are working against you rather than with you. Cat eye and pilot silhouettes are the most reliable places to start if you have a heart-shaped face, with rounded and oversized options as close runners-up.
Ready to try a few shapes on for size? Browse the full eyewear collection to find the frame that fits your face — and your style.