Wearing glasses can transform your makeup routine from simple to slightly complex, especially when those frames interfere with your carefully applied eyeliner. As a professional makeup artist, I’ve worked with countless bespectacled beauties, learning tricks that make makeup last longer and look better with frames. Let me share some game-changing techniques that’ll have you flaunting both your glasses and your gorgeous makeup simultaneously!
1. Prime Those Peepers
Think of primer as your makeup’s best friend when wearing glasses. It prevents your foundation from sliding down where your frames touch your nose and cheeks. I always tell my clients that skipping primer with glasses is like forgetting sunscreen at the beach!
2. Foundation That Won’t Budge
Say goodbye to those annoying nose pad marks! Apply a thin layer of long-wearing matte foundation where your glasses sit. Afterward, dust translucent powder liberally in these areas to lock everything in place. Your glasses will glide over, not through, your base.
3. Strategic Concealer Placement
Glasses magnify under-eye shadows, making concealer your secret weapon! Rather than the typical triangle shape, I apply concealer in a half-moon curve directly where darkness appears. This focused application prevents creasing when your frames push against your skin.
4. Brows That Frame Your Frames
Well-defined eyebrows create balance with your glasses. Since frames already draw attention upward, keep brows groomed but natural-looking. I recommend using a brow pencil one shade lighter than your natural color for softer definition that complements, not competes.
5. Curled Lashes Are Non-Negotiable
Glasses can make lashes appear shorter when they bump against your lenses. Grab your eyelash curler and give those fringe benefits a serious curl before applying mascara! Heat your curler with a quick blast from your hairdryer for extra staying power.
6. Mascara Magic Tricks
Focus mascara application on the middle of your lashes rather than from root to tip. This clever technique prevents smudges on your lenses while still giving you that fluttery effect. Waterproof formulas are your best bet for all-day wear without raccoon eyes!
7. Shadow Play for Depth
Glasses can cast shadows, making eyes recede. Combat this by using light-reflecting eyeshadows on your lid center. Meanwhile, deepen your crease with matte shadows that are one shade darker than your skin tone. This creates dimension that glasses can’t diminish.
8. Eyeliner That Won’t Disappear
Frames can overshadow subtle liner, so go slightly bolder than you normally would. Instead of black, try espresso brown or navy—these colors define eyes without appearing harsh behind lenses. Tightlining your upper waterline adds definition without taking up lid space.
9. Contour to Combat Shadows
Glasses cast shadows that can make your face appear flat. Strategic contouring along cheekbones and temples brings dimension back! However, keep nose contouring minimal—your frames already draw attention there. A light hand is essential to avoid looking overdone.
10. Blush Placement Perfection
With glasses, traditional apple-of-cheek blush can look strange. Instead, sweep color slightly higher on the cheekbones, starting from your frames’ edge. This lifted placement brightens your face and creates harmony between your makeup and eyewear.
11. Highlighter Height Matters
Forget the tip-of-nose highlight when wearing glasses—it creates an unflattering shine behind lenses! Focus highlighting on your upper cheekbones and brow bones instead. These strategic spots catch light beautifully without competing with your frames.
12. Bold Lip Colors Balance Frames
Don’t shy away from statement lips! Bold colors create beautiful balance with prominent eyewear. However, longevity is key since glasses draw attention to your mouth. I always recommend lip primer followed by liner before applying color for maximum staying power.
13. Setting Spray Salvation
Glasses constantly touching your face can disturb makeup faster than normal. Setting spray is absolutely essential! Hold the bottle about 8 inches away and apply in an X and T formation. This technique ensures even coverage that locks makeup in place all day.
14. Match Makeup To Frame Color
Harmonize your makeup with your frames for a cohesive look! If you wear tortoiseshell glasses, warm bronzes and golds look stunning. For black frames, cool taupes create sophistication. Blue frames? Try peach tones for a complementary color scheme that pops beautifully.
15. Minimize Under-Eye Creasing
Glasses magnify fine lines, especially under-eye creasing. Combat this by using minimal product in this area. I always recommend applying concealer with a damp sponge, then immediately setting with a finely-milled powder using a light dusting motion.
16. Clean Those Frames Regularly
Even perfect makeup application can’t compete with dirty glasses! Keep lens wipes handy to remove foundation and powder buildup throughout the day. For deeper cleaning, I recommend washing frames weekly with gentle soap and water to remove makeup residue.
17. Prescription-Friendly False Lashes
Standard falsies often hit against lenses, causing irritation. Instead, try individual lash clusters or demi-lashes applied to the outer corners only. This creates beautiful definition without the uncomfortable lens-touching that full strips can cause.