Glasses are undoubtedly chic, and a fun accessory to use to accentuate your personal style. But they can make life a bit of a pain sometimes, especially when wearing them is non-negotiable.
Ask anyone who squints into the mirror each morning to brush on their mascara and fill in their brows and they will tell you one of those challenges is definitely applying, and wearing, makeup.
It’s a common irritation too, given that well over half of Kiwis, and approximately 66% of Australians wear prescriptions lenses, according to Optometry Australia’s 2020 Vision Index.
We can’t help to much with being able to see while applying (a magnifying mirror is your friend) but at least with the variety of trending glasses styles available its easier now to spot the results of your handiwork. Shorter travel brushes are also a useful choice, as you can get closer without having the handle – and your hand – get in the way of your line of sight.
A few tweaks to how you apply will also make all the difference in making sure your face is well balanced and defined while wearing glasses. Judicious product choices will help prevent that annoying slip-and-slide that cosmetics sometimes cause for your frames.
Then, it’s about choosing a look that complements, rather than competes with, your style of glasses.
Makeup tips for wearing glasses:
Define your eyes
Glasses naturally draw attention to your eyes, and often lenses can even magnify them, so help them stand out with a little definition.
If you want to add colour to your lids, many people find using a cream eyeshadow or stick eyeshadow is easiest, as they don’t require precision application. Simply dab a bit on eyelids and blend well with a fingertip or a fluffy eye brush made for blending. A light-reflecting shade with a bit of sheen in a neutral will counter shadows from your frames and make eyes appear brighter.
A soft pencil liner applied close to your lash line on the upper lids is the easiest option for defining the shapes of your eyes.
If you wear bold or thick frames, slightly thicker liner can help balance the look. For thinner or more delicate frames, keep liner soft and subtle.
Love your lashes
Adding curl using an eyelash curler helps eyes appear more bright-eyed and open and then, mascara is the ideal finishing touch.
Focus on lengthening and defining mascaras rather than those that add heavy volume, which can cause lashes to hit your lenses and smudge. Waterproof or smudge-proof formulas are especially helpful if your glasses sit close to your eyes.
Shape your brows
You may think they are hidden, but eyebrows often act as a second frame, and add much-needed balance for your face. A clean, structured brow helps balance your frames and keeps your face from looking “hidden” behind them.
Keep them well shaped and fill in any sparse areas with a pencil or powder that matches your natural colour, brushing them into place with a spoolie or brow gel.
If you find that tricky, try a brush-through brow product like Hourglass Arch Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel, or Maybelline Superfluff Brow Mousse.
Adjust your foundation finish
Where your glasses sit (on the bridge of the nose and cheeks), foundation can rub off or look patchy. Look for a long-wear or transfer-resistant formula, and set those areas lightly with translucent powder or a long-wearing setting spray before putting your glasses on.
Some people simply choose to use less product on the nose to avoid buildup where your frames rest, while others find using a dab of matte or gripping primer before foundation to help prevent slippage.
You can also gently blot and touch up throughout the day rather than layering more product, which can look cakey.
Brighten the under-eye area
Glasses can cast shadows under your eyes or magnify dark circles. Dab on a lightweight, brightening concealer to even out the area, using a small fluffy to blend in. Set it with a small amount of finely milled powder to prevent creasing.
Match makeup to your frames
Think of your glasses as an accessory when choosing your makeup.
Bold, colorful frames pair well with simpler, more neutral looks, while minimal or clear frames give you room to experiment with stronger eye or lip makeup. Coordinating tones and intensity helps your makeup and glasses work together instead of competing.
Highlight the inner corners
A small touch of highlighter or light shimmer in the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear brighter and more open. This is especially effective if your frames are large or dark, as it brings light back into the eye area and keeps your look from feeling heavy.
Balance with blush and a touch of colour on your lips
Since glasses draw focus to the center of your face, adding a healthy flush of blush and a similar lip colour helps create flattering balance. It also means your look doesn’t end up appearing ‘top-heavy.’
