This paper presents a new face image retrieval approach using directional corner points (DCPs). Though much work is being done on face similarity matching techniques, little attention is given to the design of face matching scheme suitable for visual retrieval in single model databases where accuracy, robustness to scale and environmental changes, and computational efficiency are three important issues to be concerned. This research demonstrates that the proposed DCP approach provides a new solution, which is both robust to scale and environmental changes, and efficient in computation, for retrieving human faces in single model databases.