Looking specsy: make-up for glasses wearers

As a glasses wearer, the challenge presented by makeup is even greater. Will this eyeshadow match my glasses? Will this mascara smudge on the lenses? Do my glasses simply dominate my face? Contact lenses are becoming increasingly popular and accessible. But the extra five minutes they require in the morning, and the hole they burn in your Student Finance payments means that glasses are still prevailing. Through celebrity partnerships such as Kylie Minogue and Specsavers, glasses are maintaining their status as fashionable and uttermost chic. Despite this, they still present many makeup dilemmas. These tips will help you overcome the most common glasses-wearer predicaments.

Mascara & Lashes
To stop your lashes from hitting your glasses lenses, use an eyelash curler focusing on the roots. Afterwards apply mascara generously to the roots of your lashes, however not the tips; when heavy they fall forwards and hit the glass, straightening your lashes as well as leaving marks on the lenses.

Mascara fallout on your glasses can be a major problem for glasses-wearers. Prioritise hydrating mascaras that nourish your lashes, and remember that good-quality waterproof mascara is much less likely to transfer onto your lenses. Flaky mascara is often simply old; watch out for the expiry dates.

I AM SO EXCITED!! @specsavers have partnered up with @balmain to create hands down my favourite glasses range yet (available in store from the 8th Nov for everyone asking!). I genuinely can't pick a favourite but these frames are definitely up there ? And thank you to the absolute wizard that is @kylegalvin_ for helping me edit this ??#LoveGlasses #BalmainEyewear AD

A post shared by Amy Bell (@little_magpie1) on Oct 31, 2017 at 1:07pm PDT

Eyeliner
Dark liners can look too heavy on glasses wearers. Instead of black, opt for browns, navy or burgundy to counter the heaviness of your frames.

To ensure your glasses don’t take the focus away from your eyes, the thickness of your eyeliner should directly correlate to that of your glasses. Girls wearing thick-rimmed frames should opt for thick liner and vice-versa.

Adding a white or beige eyeliner to your lower waterline can enlarge your eyes, especially for short-sighted glasses-wearers whose eyes are belittled by their prescriptions.

Eyeshadow
Keeping eyeshadow subtle and neutral helps balance out your glasses, making your overall face look fresh and light. Less is more – an elegant dusting of a rose gold colour is all you need to look refined. Dark shades can dominate your face and draw out dark undertones around eyes, so should, therefore, be avoided. For the best look possible, use shadows that complement the colour of either your glasses or your eyes.

Image Credit: @itslinamar (Instagram)

Face/Base
Concealer is essential, as glasses cause shadows which emphasise dark under-eye circles, making you look gaunt and sunken. A brightening concealer set with powder ensures you stay looking youthful and healthy.

Even if you’re not wearing foundation, use primer on the bridge of your nose to prevent your glasses from slipping down.

Focus concealer and foundation on the bridge of your nose that your glasses rest against. Should you be planning on changing to contacts in the evenings, this ensures you won’t have mysterious red glasses-marks on your face.

Blot any excess foundation, eyeshadow and powder, especially on areas which have direct contact with your glasses such the bridge of your nose and cheeks. Doing so prevents fallout during the day. Use minimal foundation and powder-formula makeup to minimise fallout.

Brows
You may worry that your glasses dominate your face, but ultimately it’s your brows that frame your specs. Ensure you keep your brows on fleek and pluck away any flyaways, as these can often be magnified by glasses.