Wearing glasses can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword when it comes to makeup. On one hand, they draw attention to your eyes, but on the other, they can hide or distort the makeup you’ve carefully applied. The key is to strike a balance—enhancing your eyes without overpowering them. With the right techniques, your eyes can be the star of the show, even behind those stylish frames.
Choosing the Right Frames
Your glasses are an accessory, just like earrings or a necklace. The frames you choose can either enhance or detract from your overall look. Here’s how to make sure they work in harmony with your makeup.
Complementing Your Face Shape
The shape of your glasses should complement the natural contours of your face. For instance, round faces often look great with square or rectangular frames that add definition, while angular faces might benefit from softer, rounded frames.
Considering the Color and Style of Frames
The color and style of your frames should also influence your makeup choices. Bold, colorful frames may call for more neutral makeup, allowing the glasses to take center stage, while more subtle frames give you the freedom to experiment with bolder makeup looks.
Balancing Bold Frames with Makeup
If your frames are particularly bold, you might want to tone down your makeup to avoid a clash. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with color, but try to focus on one area—either your eyes or lips—to keep the look balanced.
Prepping Your Canvas
Before applying any makeup, it’s essential to prepare your skin. This not only helps your makeup go on more smoothly but also ensures it stays put throughout the day.
Skincare for Makeup Longevity
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Hydration is key to keeping your makeup from looking cakey, especially in areas where your glasses sit on your face.
Importance of Priming the Eyelids
Using an eye primer is a must for glasses wearers. It helps to prevent eyeshadow from creasing and keeps your eye makeup looking fresh all day, even if your glasses cause your eyes to water.
Hydrating the Under-Eye Area
Glasses can cast shadows that accentuate dark circles. To counter this, apply a hydrating eye cream before your concealer. This will help to smooth the area and prevent your concealer from settling into fine lines.
Foundation and Concealer
The right base is crucial, especially when you’re wearing glasses. Here’s how to ensure your foundation and concealer stay flawless.
Using a Lightweight Foundation
Heavy foundation can transfer to your glasses, leading to unsightly smudges. Opt for a lightweight, long-wear foundation that won’t budge, even after hours of wear.
How to Prevent Foundation from Transferring to Glasses
To keep your foundation from transferring, apply a thin layer of translucent powder to the areas where your glasses rest on your face. This will help to set the makeup and absorb any excess oils.
Brightening the Under-Eye Area
A bright under-eye area can make a big difference for glasses wearers. Use a peach or salmon-toned corrector to neutralize dark circles, followed by a brightening concealer. Set with a light dusting of powder to keep everything in place.
Defining the Brows
Your eyebrows frame your face and can either complement or compete with your glasses. Here’s how to ensure they always look their best.
Importance of Well-Groomed Brows
Well-groomed brows are essential when wearing glasses, as they help to define your face and balance the weight of your frames. Keep them neat and filled in with a brow pencil or powder.
Tips for Filling in Brows According to Frame Shape
If you have thick frames, you can go bolder with your brows. But if your frames are delicate or thin, a softer brow will look more harmonious. Use a spoolie to blend out any harsh lines for a natural finish.
Choosing the Right Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is where you can really have fun, but it’s important to choose colors and techniques that work with your glasses.
Picking Shades that Complement Your Frame Color
If your frames are neutral, you can experiment with a wide range of eyeshadow colors. However, if your frames are brightly colored, try to choose complementary or neutral shades that won’t clash.
Techniques for Hooded Eyes
If you have hooded eyes, glasses can make them appear even more so. To counteract this, focus on matte shades in the crease and use a shimmer on the lid to open up the eyes.
How to Avoid Eyeshadow Smudging on Lenses
To prevent your eyeshadow from transferring to your lenses, apply a setting spray over your eye makeup. This will help to lock everything in place and reduce smudging.
Mastering Eyeliner Techniques
Eyeliner is one of the trickiest aspects of eye makeup, especially when you’re wearing glasses. Here’s how to get it right.
How to Adjust Eyeliner Thickness Based on Frame Size
The size of your frames should dictate the thickness of your eyeliner. Thicker frames can handle a bolder line, while thinner frames look best with a more delicate touch.
Creating a Winged Look that Works with Glasses
A winged liner can add a touch of drama, but it needs to be done right. The wing should extend slightly beyond your frames, creating the illusion of larger eyes.
Tightlining for Subtle Definition
If you want to define your eyes without a bold line, try tightlining—applying eyeliner directly to the upper waterline. This technique makes your lashes look fuller and your eyes more defined without overwhelming your look.
Mascara Tips for Glasses Wearers
Mascara can be tricky when you wear glasses, but with the right formula and application, it can really make your eyes stand out.
Choosing the Right Mascara
Formula**
Look for a lengthening mascara that won’t clump or smudge. Waterproof formulas are also a great option to prevent smudging on your lenses.
Avoiding Smudges on Lenses
To avoid mascara smudges on your lenses, opt for a mascara that doesn’t lengthen your lashes too much. Curling your lashes can also help keep them from brushing against your glasses.
How to Curl Your Lashes without Them Hitting Your Lenses
When curling your lashes, focus on the base of the lashes rather than the tips. This will give your lashes a natural lift without causing them to hit your lenses.
Highlighting the Inner Corners
Highlighting the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear larger and more awake, which is especially important when wearing glasses.
Why It’s Important for Glasses Wearers
Glasses can sometimes make your eyes look smaller or more tired. Highlighting the inner corners counteracts this effect, making your eyes look brighter and more open.
Best Highlighter Shades to Use
Choose a highlighter that’s one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Champagne or pearly white shades work well for most skin tones.
Application Techniques
Use a small, precise brush to apply the highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. You can also add a little under the brow bone for an extra lift.
Choosing the Right Blush and Contour
Blush and contour can add dimension to your face, but it’s important to apply them strategically when wearing glasses.
Balancing Cheek Makeup with Glasses
Your glasses already add a lot of structure to your face, so you don’t need heavy contouring. A light blush applied to the apples of your cheeks can give you a healthy glow without overwhelming your look.
Avoiding Makeup Transfer to Frames
To prevent blush and contour from transferring to your glasses, make sure to set these areas with a translucent powder.
Choosing Colors that Complement Your Skin Tone
Choose a blush and contour shade that complements your natural skin tone. Peach and pink shades work well for lighter skin tones, while deeper berry and bronze shades are perfect for darker skin tones.
Lip Makeup: Finding the Perfect Balance
Your lip color can either complement or contrast with your glasses. Here’s how to find the perfect balance.
When to Go Bold and When to Go Subtle
If your eye makeup is bold, opt for a more neutral lip. Conversely, if your eye makeup is subtle, a bold lip color can add a pop of color and balance the look.
Matching Lip Color with Your Frame Style
Consider the style of your frames when choosing a lip color. Bold frames can handle a statement lip, while more delicate frames may call for something softer.
Tips for Long-Lasting Lip Color
To keep your lip color lasting all day, start with a lip liner and fill in your lips before applying lipstick. Finish with a touch of translucent powder for a matte finish, or a lip gloss for a shiny look.
Setting Your Makeup
The final step in your makeup routine should be setting your makeup to ensure it stays put all day.
The Importance of Setting Sprays
A good setting spray can make all the difference, especially when you’re wearing glasses. It helps to lock your makeup in place and prevents it from sliding around.
How to Prevent Makeup from Sliding with Glasses
Focus on setting the areas where your glasses rest, such as the bridge of your nose and the tops of your cheeks. This will help to reduce makeup transfer and keep your look fresh.
Best Powders for a Matte Finish
If you prefer a matte finish, use a finely milled translucent powder to set your makeup. This will help to absorb excess oils and keep your skin looking smooth.
Tips for Different Lens Types
Your makeup needs may vary depending on the type of lenses you wear. Here are some tips for different prescriptions.
Makeup Tips for Nearsightedness vs. Farsightedness
Nearsighted lenses tend to make your eyes appear smaller, so focus on brightening and enlarging your eyes with light eyeshadows and a well-placed eyeliner. Farsighted lenses, on the other hand, can magnify your eyes, so use subtle, well-blended makeup to avoid an overdone look.
Adjusting Your Technique Based on Lens Thickness
Thicker lenses can sometimes distort the appearance of your eyes. To counteract this, focus on defining your eyes with eyeliner and mascara, and keep your eyeshadow soft and well-blended.
How to Handle the Magnifying Effects of Lenses
If your lenses magnify your eyes, be mindful of any makeup imperfections, as these can be more noticeable. Blending is key to achieving a flawless look.
Makeup Touch-Ups on the Go
Even the best makeup can need a little touch-up throughout the day. Here’s how to keep your look fresh on the go.
Essential Products to Carry with You
Carry a compact powder, blotting papers, and a small tube of concealer in your bag for quick touch-ups. A mini setting spray can also be handy for refreshing your makeup.
Quick Fixes for Smudges or Transfer
If your glasses have smudged your makeup, use a cotton swab or a clean finger to gently blend the area. For eyeliner smudges, a quick reapplication can do the trick.
How to Refresh Your Look Throughout the Day
To refresh your look, start by blotting away any excess oil, then reapply powder or setting spray as needed. A quick swipe of lip color can also help to brighten your face.
Conclusion
Wearing glasses doesn’t mean you have to hide your eyes behind the frames. With the right makeup techniques, you can make your eyes stand out and enhance your overall look. Remember, makeup is all about experimentation—so don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you!