Eyeglasses and Eye Makeup

Glasses are worn by every type of person – the hipster and the punk, the businesswoman and the teacher, the mom and the child. Figuring out how to apply your eye makeup is a dilemma faced by nearly every woman who wears glasses.

And the advice out there can be confusing – don’t wear too much, don’t wear too little, etc. Lots of advice, but what works for someone else might not work for you. So here are some suggestions and ideas to help you find the eye makeup look that works for you.

Notice Your Glasses

First, take a look at yourself in the mirror with your glasses on. Notice whether the frames actually look good on you or you have just been wearing them for so long you don’t know what else to do. If you need new frames, consider taking your prescription someplace with some funky frames or just more updated styles. You can do this online or at an actual storefront. Flattering glasses are the first step to a flattering makeup look.

Next, notice if the frames include your eyebrows or hide them, make your eyes look smaller or bigger, are thick- or thin-framed. Does the color make your eyes glow? Do they create shadows on your face? These are all factors that can influence how you apply your makeup.

Notice Your Eyes

If you naturally wear brighter eyeshadow, there's no reason to stop just because you have glasses. Just keep in mind that your glasses can contrast (red frames might be a bit of overkill with red eyeshadow) as well as conceal.

But you don’t have change how you apply makeup just because you wear glasses. If you don’t regularly wear eyeliner, that’s fine. If you usually only wear one color eyeshadow, don’t change it. The only thing that really needs to change is the amount applied.

If you have small eyes and generally only apply a small line to your upper lids, keep doing that, just make it a bit darker or thicker. If you regularly wear a smoky eye, keep going, just double the liner. If you always curl your lashes and wear mascara, keep doing it – just make sure it’s dry before  you put on your glasses or you might have issues with the lenses getting smudged.

Don’t Forget to Notice Your Eyebrows

Are you eyebrows covered up by your frames? Or are your frames highlighting them?

Groomed eyebrows are key to a great makeup look. Make sure you remove any stray hairs between your brows. Unless it's a straggler, don't pluck under your brows. If you need help knowing how to shape your brows, see a professional who can go over the basics with you and show you the shape that works best for you (again, it's your face, so don't just go with what's trendy if it doesn't fit YOU).

Notice These Tips

• Thicker frames means thicker liner. Thinner frames mean thinner liner. Generally, try to match your eyeliner thickness to your frames' thickness. This is done most easily with a gel or pen eyeliner. Check out our eyeliners for easy-to-apply, long-lasting eyeliner pens that apply easily.
• Concealer and/or highlighter are more important with glasses because of the focus drawn to that area of the face. If you naturally have shadows under your eyes, small eyes that disappear behind your frames or fine lines, you want to make sure you address those issues. Use concealer on those shadows (or where the frame’s shadows fall) and lightly address those fine lines (Minus-10 and a bit of airbrush makeup can do wonders here).
• BONUS TIP for smaller eyes: Use a dark/thick liner on the top lashes, then use a nude/light liner underneath. This will brighten up your eyes and make them a little more noticeable. Add a bit of mascara (curling them first) to complete the look. 
• Treat your glasses like an accessory. If you like to look serious and professional, chose classic wire rims. Like a little drama? Chose a dramatic color or ones with rhinestones. Variations on the cat's eye tend to look good on a most people and can be subtle or dramatic depending on your desire. 
• Blush and highlighter can be used to make your eyes and glasses don’t just fade away. Use blush or bronzer to deepen your cheeks and highlighter to bring out your eyes.
• Don’t neglect the rest of your face. Just because you focused on your eyes doesn’t mean you should just let the rest slide. If you used concealer or foundation around your eyes, continue to do so on the rest of your face. Even if you just use a neutral lipstick, make sure you address your lips, too. But don’t be afraid to wear something bright. In fact, if you tend to do a neutral eye, use your mouth as an opportunity to try something new – like the plums that are in season for fall.

Whatever you do, whatever frames you wear or however your face is shaped, make your makeup choices based on what works for you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but the only eyes that matter are yours.

Interested in buying one of our at-home airbrush systems or the products mentioned above? Luminess Air is available online, toll-free 1-888-793-7474 or by email. Questions or comments about this blog? Email us.