Noses come in a wide range of shapes, and all of them are normal. The shape depends on the bridge, the tip, the width of the nostrils and the angle from the side. This guide explains the common nose shapes, how to find yours and how glasses, makeup and hair can work with them.
How to identify your nose shape
You need two photos: one from the front and one from the side, taken in even light at eye level. Then ask four questions.
- Bridge from the side. Is it straight, curved, or dipped?
- Tip from the side. Does it point down, straight out or slightly up?
- Width from the front. Is the bridge narrow or wide? Are the nostrils narrow or broad compared with the width between your eyes?
- Tip shape. Is it rounded, narrow or defined?
Compare yourself with the descriptions below. Most noses blend two or more types.
Common nose shapes
- Straight: a bridge that runs straight from the brow to the tip, with a tip at a neutral angle.
- Button: a small, rounded nose with a slightly upturned tip.
- Upturned (snub): the tip tilts up, so the nostrils may be more visible from the front.
- Aquiline (Roman): a bridge with a gentle curve or bump, and a tip that points down.
- Rounded tip: a softer, fuller end of the nose, which can be wide or narrow.
- Broad: a wider bridge and nostrils, common across many backgrounds.
- Narrow: a slim bridge with a smaller base.
- Dipped (concave): a bridge that curves inward before the tip.
- Wavy: a bridge with a slight curve in more than one place.
Nose shape is shaped by family heritage as much as anything else, so shapes you see are part of the diversity of faces. None is better than another.
Glasses for your nose shape
Frames rest on the nose, so the bridge matters as much as the style.
- Low or wide bridge: choose frames with adjustable nose pads or a higher bridge fit so they do not slide.
- High or narrow bridge: frames with a keyhole or saddle bridge sit comfortably.
- Long nose: a lower bridge placement and a darker or bolder bridge piece shorten it visually.
- Short nose: a high, thin bridge makes the nose look longer.
Frame shape is mostly about face shape. See glasses for your face shape.
Makeup and contour for different nose shapes
You do not need to change your nose with makeup, and many people skip it entirely. If you enjoy contouring, keep it soft.
- To soften width: blend a matte shade, one or two tones deeper than your skin, down the sides of the bridge and keep the center lighter.
- To soften a long nose: a touch of bronzer at the tip.
- To add shine to the bridge: use a small amount of highlighter down the center.
- Blend generously so there are no visible stripes.
Our guide to contouring for your face shape covers technique.
Nose shapes in photos
Photos change noses more than they change any other feature. A phone held close to the face enlarges the nose and tip, and a camera held slightly below the chin makes nostrils more visible. Hold your phone at eye level at arm's length, or use the back camera with zoom, and the proportions look closer to what people see in person. Side light shows the bridge, while flat front light hides it.
Hair, brows and beards
Hair frames the nose. Bangs and face-framing layers draw attention to the eyes. A side part softens the center line of the face. Brow shape also shifts balance: straighter brows can make a long nose look shorter, while softly arched brows suit most shapes. If you have a beard, a fuller beard can balance a prominent nose. See beard styles for your face shape.
Look at your whole face
Nose shape is one piece of your overall balance. Upload a selfie to the free face shape detector and use the result to pick glasses, brows and hair that suit your face.
Related reading: facial proportions, face shapes and eye shapes.
FAQ
What are the different types of noses?
Common types are straight, button, upturned, aquiline, rounded tip, broad, narrow and dipped. Most people are a blend.
What nose shape is most common?
There is no reliable global data. Nose shape varies with ancestry, so what is common differs by region.
How do I know my nose shape?
Take front and side photos in even light. Check the bridge, the tip and the width of the nostrils.
Can makeup change how my nose looks?
Soft contour and highlight can change how the nose reads in photos. Blend well, since harsh lines show in daylight.
