How to Wear Makeup with Glasses

Growing older certainly has its perks—the ability to rent a car, a significant pay check, and wisdom (or so I hear). As with all good things though, there are a few drawbacks; and as I squint to see my computer screen, one such negative comes to mind: waning vision. For many of us, as we age glasses become less of an option and more of necessity. With this new addition to your wardrobe comes a few problems.

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For me, it was wearing makeup with my glasses. My mascara quickly transferred itself to my lenses and within minutes of application, my eye shadow flaked off, smeared, and left me looking like I had gotten in a fist fight—not attractive. After a few weeks of this, I set out to discover how to wear makeup with glasses. I’m happy to report, dear four-eyed friends, there’s hope for us.

Less is (actually) More

I had assumed that in order for my eyes to stand out behind lenses, I needed to load on the eye makeup. This is not the case. Many lenses tend to amplify your eyes and even if they don’t, wearing specs will certainly draw more attention to those baby-blues. So no need to pile on the shadow and liner, your eyes will be noticeable regardless.

To achieve this “less is more” look, start with a natural base and wear foundation and cover-up that matches your skin tone. I recommend heading to your local beauty store for a consult with makeup artist. They’ll make sure you’re choosing the appropriate hue. Any mistakes will be more noticeable behind glasses, so blend any lines thoroughly and banish under-eye circles with quality concealer.

Framed and Dangerous

Thick or colored frames are uber trendy right now, so let them do the talking and tone down your eye makeup. Stick with a neutral color palate for shadows, and brown or soft black eyeliner on the top lid. If you’re sporting colorful frames, balance the color by wearing a rich color on your lip.

Work the Rimless

If you’re going frame-less, you wild thing you, feel free to get a little more adventurous with eye makeup. Try bolder shadows like grey or bronze, and try a darker shade of eyeliner. Add an extra coat of volumizing mascara (note, the volumizing, NOT lengthening) for extra definition. For a night out, line both the top and bottom lids, smudging the liner on the top just slightly.

All That Glitters is (not) Gold

Glitter eye shadow is not a part of the “less is more” program. Skip frosty or glitter shadows that have a metallic sheen as they may compete with the reflective nature of your lenses. Also, many of these shadows tend to flake and end up creating more of a mess on your frames than anything else. Liquid or high-quality eye shadows in neutral colors are your best bet.

See Ya, Smudging

As much as I enjoyed looking like I had a permanent black eye, the smudging had to go. Cream or waterproof shadows seem to stay in place the longest. To keep your lashes from brushing against (and streaking) your lenses, curl them before you apply mascara. I like to heat my curler with a hair dryer first as they seem to curl more quickly and stay curled longer. Apply volumizing mascara that will thicken your lashes, but not add significant length. Finally, let all liquid makeup dry thoroughly before you put your glasses on.

Extra Tips n’ Tricks

If you have a difficult time seeing without your glasses, purchase a pair of inexpensive magnifier specs to wear while you apply makeup. If you can apply without specs, be sure to try them on a few times as you put on your makeup to see if any adjustment is needed—though make sure things are dry.

Beautiful brows are a must! If people can’t tell wear your brows end and your frames begin, it’s time to tame the caterpillars. Finally, protect your eyes! The skin around your eyes is super sensitive to sunlight and is quick to burn and easy to damage. Squinting in the sun and years of sun damage will lead to fine lines and wrinkles, so stock up on shades!

Bottom line: Keep it simple and you’ll look sensational!

Guest author Maggie, is a four-eyed writer working for Affordable Style which specializes in discount accessories, like handbags, reading glasses and bifocals, scarves, and sunglasses. Outside of work she enjoys running, discovering new restaurants, and concert-going.