While most women only have two eyes, some of us have been graced with four of them. Tina Fey, Sophia Loren, and Scarlett Johansson would undoubtedly disagree with Dorothy Parker’s infamous quote. Whether they’re a minimalist rimless design or a kitschy cat-eye vintage pair, glasses are hot. No matter how geek-chic specs are, though, they require some extra thought when applying eye makeup.
Bigger or Smaller?
If you’re far-sighted, chances are your glasses magnify your eyes. Near-sighted wearers appear to have smaller eyes behind their frames. Eyes that seem larger than life look good with matte, light shadows. Use glittery highlights sparingly; your eyes already take center stage, so they don’t need the extra dazzle. A sweep of monochrome shadow on the upper lid is especially flattering to glasses-enhanced eyes.
Eyes that look a little smaller behind their lenses benefit from some strategic glimmer. A dot of pale shimmer in the inner corner of the eyes makes them look large and sparkly. Be careful with lining eyes along the waterline unless you’re gifted with large doe eyes; although lining the inner lids creates a beautifully dramatic look, it also makes eyes narrower. Instead, focus eyeliner along the lash-line to maximize size.
Be Precise
One makeup fact that’s equally true for both magnifying and minimizing glasses: precision counts. While some lenses act as a magnifying mirror for any little smudge or flake, others visually contract the area behind them, making a messy application look cluttered.
Try cream and pencil eyeshadows instead of loose powders. Too often, loose powders live up to their name and wind up on your lenses instead of your eyes. If you prefer powders for their ease of use, look for pigment-rich brands that make a big impact with a light application. For mascara, thickening is better than lengthening for most glasses-wearers. Lengthened eyelashes bump up against lenses, leaving smudges on both your skin and your lenses.
Go Simple with Bold Frames
If your frames make a statement, be basic in your makeup placement and application. Think in terms of simple shapes. Clean triangles of winged eyeliner or the overall oval appearance of a smoky eye will complement dramatic frames, not compete with them. Careful contouring and fussy details will be invisible behind glasses; instead, stick to geometric forms that won’t get lost.
Just as you choose one aspect of your face to play up with cosmetics, emphasize one aspect of your eyes behind your glasses. Naturally lush lashes look more dramatic with simple eyeliner and barely-there eyeshadow. An exotic eye shape could look fantastic with nothing more than the right eyeliner and a hint of mascara.
Coordinate Your Colors
Neutrals do for your eyes what the “little black dress” does for your wardrobe. Even the brightest frames look professional with a scrupulously neutral eye palette. Cool neutrals like black, charcoal, and navy work best with cool-hued frames and silver metallics. For gold-tone metallic frames or warm colors, try rich browns and creams.
Brightly-colored frames go well with neutral eye makeup, especially for a more businesslike look, but don’t resign yourself to a lifetime of taupe. Consider contrasting colors for a night out. Chartreuse frames and bright cantaloupe shadow may not be a look that everyone can pull off, but a warm peachy shade makes a nice contrast against green frames without looking too candy-colored. Try plum tones with sunny yellow specs or deep blues with copper-colored frames.
Sure, you could always get contact lenses, but who wants to prove Ms. Parker right? With the right makeup, glasses become a fun accessory as well as a necessity.
