A cool set of frames? A smoky eye? Glasses and cosmetics can both be a means for outwardly expressing your personality, but there’s a common misconception that the two don’t mix. Don’t worry—that’s simply not the case. In fact, there’s no reason your makeup routine needs to change just because you wear glasses.
With that said, there are several ways that glasses wearers can use makeup to their benefit. And no, we’re not implying that anyone needs makeup to look good—rather, there are some simple makeup tips and tricks that can be used to enhance your own comfort or even complement your frames.
How To Wear Makeup With Glasses: 4 Helpful Tips
Depending on factors like the type of makeup you use, your skin type, or even lighting conditions, you might encounter some slight annoyances when it comes to wearing makeup with glasses.
Thankfully, there are some simple tips you can keep in mind for easy fixes—there’s no need to retire your makeup bag or your favorite frames.
1. Prep Your Face
For many people who wear glasses and makeup, some frustrations might center on the bridge of the nose. Depending on your skin type or the makeup you use, you might have experienced makeup smudging on the bridge of your nose or your glasses slipping down during the day.
But, the cosmetic industry has several tips and tools to help glasses wearers. From pressed powder and eye primer to a variety of setting sprays, there are products to help you alleviate these concerns.
Primer
Even if you don’t wear a full face of makeup every day, many primers come with their own set of benefits. They can help even your skin tone and control oil, which can help keep your glasses from sliding down your nose.
Before putting on any makeup, prep your face by cleaning and moisturizing your skin. Start your makeup routine with a good face primer and potentially an eye primer. (Tip: You might even try using eye primer on the bridge of your nose to help stop your glasses from moving.)
Foundation
A common mistake glasses wearers may make is applying too much foundation on the bridge of the nose. When you do this, you might encourage your glasses to slip by making your face more slick. You may also make any smudges or red marks along the bridge of your nose more noticeable.
Wearing less foundation on the bridge of your nose where your frames sit can help solve this issue.
Powder and Setting Spray
Finish off your makeup routine with powder and a setting spray. In addition to keeping your makeup in place, pressed or loose powder can help stop your foundation from sticking to your glasses and prevent your glasses from sliding down your nose.
A good setting spray will also help keep your makeup from smudging too much. You can find setting sprays that offer hydration boosts for dry skin or a matte finish for those wanting to keep oily skin and their face makeup in check.
2. Tame Your Lashes
Long eyelashes may be in style, but they can also be quite a nuisance if you wear glasses (whether you wear makeup or not). Eyelashes may brush against the lenses of your glasses when you blink. Not only is this annoying, but you might also find mascara streaks on your lenses or black flakes of mascara around your eyes.
A good way to avoid this is to curl your eyelashes before you put on mascara. This will point your eyelashes upwards slightly and keep them from touching your lenses. (This technique might not work on super-long lashes.)
Another way to prevent smudging or flaking is with smudge-proof or waterproof mascara, which can stop the mascara from getting on your lenses.
If you’re still having issues after trying either of these techniques, you might try switching your mascara. It may not be the brand or the right product for you or your eyes.
3. Combat Shadows Cast on Eyes
Glasses frames can help you change up your look or emphasize your features. But depending on your typical lighting conditions, they can sometimes cast shadows on your face. For example, you might notice that your frames cast shadows under your eyes in certain light.
With the help of some cosmetics, you can combat these under-eye shadows. Consider placing highlighter or concealer under your eyes and near the bridge of your nose to brighten up this area. You can also play around with a highlighting product at the highest point of your cheekbone, near the area where your frames rest on your face.
Adding a little bit of brightness (and maybe even some shimmer, if that’s your style) can help detract from cast shadows.
Adjust Poor-fitting Frames
Poor-fitting frames that are too loose or too tight may cast odd shadows across your face. A professional can help you adjust your frames so that your eyeglasses fit properly on your face. This can help you feel more comfortable in your frames and show off your best self to the world.
4. Showcase Your Frames
Your makeup look doesn’t have to fight with your frames. In fact, your makeup can spotlight your favorite pair of glasses. Just as you might consider your eye shape or color when applying makeup, you can consider your frames.
You can use makeup to either contrast or complement aspects of your glasses frames—to do this, try some new styles. Play up the thickness or thinness of your frames with bold or subtle eyeliner. Experiment with brighter colors in your eye shadow or lip color if you wear more neutral frames. The possibilities are endless.
Depending on your frame style and your personal preferences, you may choose to emphasize certain features with your makeup choices. For instance, if your frames draw focus to your eyebrows, you might want them to stand out alongside your frames.
The bottom line, though? Style is subjective. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to creating makeup looks with glasses in mind. Only you can decide what looks you love and want to make part of your personal style.
Be True to Your Style
Makeup and glasses can be a great mix! They can help you make a statement, show off your personality, and spotlight your features (and, of course, your favorite glasses). But mixing the two may require some experimentation in your makeup routine.
Play around and enjoy the process of finding what works for you to fully express your best self.
