Do you ever think of your makeup and hair in terms of circles, squares, and triangles? Maybe makeup shapes are more high school geometry than high fashion, but sometimes we underestimate the importance of math in beauty. We've seen blocked-out rectangular brows and graphic eye appliqués strut down the runway at Dior, but it's not just Euclid and his forms we have to thank. Remember learning about the ancient golden ratio found in classical Greek architecture? This nifty number (approximately 1.618) is responsible for many beauty techniques we use today.
From the shape of our teeth to the distance of our eyes, we see reoccurring mathematical patterns all over our face. Use the golden ratio to find your perfect brow arch by connecting a line from the edge of your nose to the point on your brow bone directly above the pupil. Or, sculpt more symmetry and balance among your facial features with contours and highlights.
We admit—spherical buns, angular eye shadow, and triangular lips are more on the avant-garde side of things, but think of these basic building blocks and proportions when creating your next beauty look. Do you ever get back to geometric beauty basics? Vote in our poll below and let us know how math and geometry inspire your routine.
Poll
Do math and geometry play a part in your beauty routine?
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A. I'm all about Euclid—YES
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B. I prefer more organic shapes—NO
- Vote
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Jan 29, 2013
Myfi L.
geometric looks can look absolutely stunning if done right!
Jan 14, 2013
Mikkie M.
makes me think of Jem from Jem and the holograms
Jan 31, 2012
Helena B.
I love it all!!for everyday organic look but I also love playing with shapes!!!
Jan 31, 2012
Hope M.
not all the time, but I like to play around with shapes and stuff <3
Jan 31, 2012
Meredith K.
i like the creativity and crisp, clean, look the geometric shapes make. It is so pretty and unique. Also I'm seeing it a lot!
Jan 31, 2012
Zoe C.
I like both really, it depends on the look and the mood I'm in :)
Jan 31, 2012
Anneka F.
In my every day makeup it doesn't really come into play. But for art, fashion, runways etc... It's amazing!
Jan 31, 2012
Jasmine P.
I think it's so amazing but It's definitely not for everyday for sure. I did something very similar to this last week and I did feel a bit self-conscious.
Jan 30, 2012
Adriana M.
Hmm. Very interesting article. I'm not a big makeup person; I'm a nail person. And I can say that symmetrical shapes are a big part of my artistic views. It satisfies my OCD. xD
Jan 30, 2012
Kim P.
i actually like this a lot its extremely artistic and if you have the skill like Melissa F and you can make them then kudos to you! but i'll just stick to mascara and lipbalm everyday, i dont have any makeup talent lol