The invention discloses a light and face identifying method based on light estimation. The method includes the following steps: firstly, in accordance with an image imaging model, estimating a preliminary light from an original face image, then in accordance with the preliminary light, computing a light shielding correction light and light fusion factor, constructing a light fusion model, realizing light shielding light correction, then using a total variational model to conduct smoothing filtering on the light after the light shielding correction to acquire the final light of the original face image, finally using a light invariant extraction model to acquire the light invariant of the original image. According to the invention, the method can better process the problem of shadow edge, extracts the light invariant which contains rich and detailed face characteristics and is closer to original face intrinsic, can meet imaging theories of images, and is applied to the complex lighting environment by means of slow changing characteristics of light.