Makeup Tips for Glasses-Wearers: How to Accentuate Your Eyes Behind the Lens
If you wear glasses, then you’re no stranger to makeup struggles. Imagine having your eye makeup disappear behind thick lenses or experiencing foundation smudges around the nose pads.
While it’s true that glasses can sometimes mute your eye makeup, you can use simple tricks to ensure your makeup not only works with your frames but enhances your overall look. Below, you’ll find seven ways to keep your makeup look flattering even when you’re wearing glasses.
7 Makeup Tips for Glasses-Wearers: How to Make Your Eyes Stand Out
Wearing glasses doesn’t mean sacrificing your makeup game. Here are seven makeup tips that every glasses-wearer should try.
1. Start with the Right Frame
Before reaching for your makeup bag, take a moment to consider your frames. The shape and thickness of your frames can affect your makeup look. Bold or oversized frames tend to draw attention, so subtle makeup may balance them nicely. Meanwhile, smaller, thinner frames leave you more room to play with shadow or liner. If your specs have a colorful or patterned look, aim for eye makeup that won’t clash with the design.
2. Use Eyeliner That Defines and Don’t Disappear
Glasses can sometimes blur the shape of your eyes, so eyeliner is key to bringing definition back. A thin, well-placed line along the upper lash line helps anchor your eyes without overwhelming them. Avoid heavy liner on the waterline, as it can make your eyes look smaller. Instead, try a light beige or nude pencil in the lower waterline to subtly open the eyes and make them appear brighter.
3. Skip the Smokey Eye
The smokey eye effect looks great in theory. However, they often make your eyes appear sunken behind lenses. Glasses already create a shadowy effect around the eye area, so piling on heavy eyeshadow can make your eyes look tired. For a more flattering eye makeup, opt for soft, neutral tones and pastel eyeshadows. Another easy trick is to apply shimmer on your eyes’ inner corners to create an impactful look.
4. Curl Your Lashes Before Coating
Mascara and glasses can clash literally. If your lashes rub against your lenses all day, it can become irritating and uncomfortable. To combat this issue, curl your lashes so they lift upward. Then, choose a mascara that separates your lashes and avoid volumizing formulas to avoid clumping. If smudging persists, try skipping top-lash mascara and applying it to the lower lashes instead.
5. Master the Base to Avoid Nose Pad Marks
Foundation buildup where your glasses rest is a common frustration for specs wearers. The solution? Avoid heavy layers of foundation on the nose bridge. Instead, use pinpoint concealer on your nose for better coverage. To keep your makeup in place all day, sandwich your foundation between a good primer and a setting spray. This technique ensures your makeup stays intact even on the area where your glasses touch your face.
6. Groom Your Brows
When you wear glasses, your brows and frames help shape your face. Sparse or untamed brows can fade into the background especially under bold frames. To make your brows on fleek, brush them up for a lifted effect and fill in sparse areas using a natural shade that complements your hair color.
7. Shift the Focus to the Lips
On days when you don’t have the time to do full eye makeup, switch focus to the lips. Try a matte red, deep plum, or vibrant coral, depending on your mood and skin tone. Keep the rest of your face makeup minimal such as just applying a hint of blush and lining your brows so your lips can really shine.
Glasses-Friendly Makeup FTW
Makeup and glasses can coexist beautifully when you know the proper techniques. These glass-friendly makeup tips will ensure your frames highlight your features and help you deliver a fabulous look every day.
What’s your go-to makeup look for glasses? Let us know in the comments!
10 FAQ: Makeup Tips For Glasses-Wearers
- How do I make my eye makeup stand out while wearing glasses?
To make your eye makeup pop, use eyeliner to define your eyes, opt for lighter eyeshadow shades, and ensure your lashes are curled and separated. - Can I wear bold eyeshadow with glasses?
Yes, but keep it light. Opt for soft shimmers or neutral tones that won’t get overshadowed by your frames. - How can I prevent mascara from smudging on my glasses?
Use a lash curler and a separating mascara to avoid clumps. Consider skipping top lashes and focusing on the lower lashes to prevent smudging. - What type of eyeliner works best for glasses?
Liquid or gel eyeliners in shades like brown or navy create defined eyes without looking too heavy. Avoid lining your waterline to prevent your eyes from looking smaller. - How do I prevent foundation from rubbing off on my nose with glasses?
Apply less foundation on your nose, and use concealer instead. A primer and setting spray combination can help keep makeup intact. - Should I skip eye makeup if I wear glasses?
Not at all! Glasses can enhance your look with the right makeup. Focus on eyeliner, mascara, and lighter eyeshadows for definition. - Can I wear smokey eyes with glasses?
It’s best to skip the smokey eye look, as it can make your eyes appear sunken. Opt for soft, luminous eyeshadow shades instead. - How do I choose the right makeup for my glasses?
Consider the shape and size of your frames. Bold frames might require subtler eye makeup, while larger frames allow for more visible eye makeup. - Can bold lips work with glasses?
Yes! Bold lips, like red or berry shades, can draw attention away from your eyes and balance your look when wearing glasses. - How do I make my brows stand out with glasses?
Keep brows well-groomed and fill in sparse areas with a natural shade. Strong brows help frame your face and complement your glasses.