Forget everything you thought you knew.
Makeup can be a tricky business, especially if you didn’t grow up in a household where someone could teach you the basics. Still, there are some skills that are objectively more difficult to learn than others – and eyeshadow should be at the top of the list. And what about eye makeup if you wear glasses? Forget about it.
Okay, that’s a bit dramatic. But if you’re already struggling with eyeshadow, it can be extremely frustrating trying to make your eye makeup pop behind your glasses without overpowering the rest of your face. Luckily, creating eyeglass-friendly looks has long been perfected by professional artists. “One of the best ways to play with eye makeup for eyeglass wearers is to experiment with liner,” makeup artist Manuel Espinoza tells InStyle. “Add a pop of color to the lower lash line or the inner corner of the eye and think about shades like turquoise, purple or bronze. They contrast nicely with the glasses and add fun to the look without being too overpowering.”
Below, Espinoza and make-up artist Tamara Boyd explain tips to consider on your way to perfect eye make-up with glasses.
Tip 1: Consider the effect of the lenses
The type of lenses you wear will affect how your eye make-up is perceived. “Short-sighted lenses make the eyes appear smaller. So opt for bright, eye-enlarging colors when you apply makeup to your eyes,” says Boyd. “Farsighted lenses, on the other hand, enlarge the eyes, so a softer, more subtle look will suit them best. Boyd also recommends choosing makeup that complements or contrasts with the frame and always using smudge-proof products. “This will ensure your makeup always looks clean and neat.
Tip #2: Define Your Eyebrows
Boyd and Espinoza agree: when it comes to eye make-up with glasses, well-groomed eyebrows are essential. “In this case, eyebrows are a really important factor in successful eye makeup with glasses,” says Espinoza. “Beautifully shaped brows help to balance the face and draw attention to the eyes. Boyd adds: “Glasses naturally draw attention to the eyebrows. Keeping them neat makes the eye area look more groomed overall.”
Tip #3: Curl Your Lashes (and Use a Good Mascara)
If you wear glasses, then you know that one of the most annoying aspects of trying to perfect your eye makeup with glasses is the problem with your eyelashes. Do you use false eyelashes? Extensions? Individual lashes? “It’s best to curve your lashes and use a lengthening mascara,” says Boyd. “This will prevent the lashes from smudging or touching the lens. Espinoza adds, “A nice curl also opens up the eyes and keeps them visible behind the glasses.”
Tip #4: Be Strategic With Powder
If you wear glasses, then you know that one of the most annoying aspects of trying to perfect your eye makeup with glasses is the problem with your eyelashes. Do you use false eyelashes? Extensions? Individual lashes? “It’s best to curve your lashes and use a lengthening mascara,” says Boyd. “This will prevent the lashes from smudging or touching the lens. Espinoza adds, “A nice curl also opens up the eyes and keeps them visible behind the glasses.”
Tip #5: Be Generous With Setting Spray
There is a difference between setting sprays and setting sprays. While the former ensures that the makeup melts into the skin, the latter ensures that the makeup stays on the face, which is extremely important when you’re constantly rubbing an item onto your makeup that covers your entire face. “This is probably one of the best tips I have, as glasses sometimes have a tendency to slip off,” says Espinoza. “A good setting spray can keep makeup in place longer.” A good setting spray also helps to maintain the luminosity of eyeshadow, especially if you’re using bold colors that can fade throughout the day.
A few other tips are to highlight the cheekbones, which Boyd says “adds dimension to the center of the face,” use a brightening concealer to even out the shadow effect of glasses under the eyes, and don’t overdo it with dark eyeshadow shades, which can get lost behind the lenses of your glasses.
Good Luck!
As with any makeup technique, how you style your eye makeup with glasses is a personal choice. But with these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting your routine if you haven’t found the best formula yet.
