Make-up for gals with glasses

IWEAR glasses on a daily basis, and sometimes that can be a pain when it comes to figuring out how to put on my make-up, especially around the eye area. And because every morning I’m always in a rush to go to work, my go-to option would be to neglect wearing any eye make-up at all. I mean, no one’s really going to notice my winged eyeliner or how blended my eyeshadow is behind my frames right?

Of course I’m wrong.

But because I love make-up, I save it for the weekend or social events to fully doll up, as this is when I switch from glasses to contact lenses.

I came home from work one day and was asked by my sister why I don’t put on eye make-up. I told her I don’t need to as my eyes hide behind my frames anyway. Plus I wouldn’t want my mascara to stain my lenses every time I blink.

Let me be honest, my daily makeup routine consists of moisturiser, sunblock, foundation, concealer, some bronzer and lipstick. That’s good enough, no? I asked my sister. She shook her head.

Okay, so I shouldn’t avoid eye make-up just because my eyes hide behind my frames. I promised myself I’d put more effort around my eyes, even if that means I would have to wake up extra early. What is beauty without pain, eh?

My sister schooled me on how to apply make-up for days when I wear glasses.

If you’re like me who’s been avoiding eye make-up just because you’ve got the glasses on but have the intention to break that habit, here are some tips to help you get started!

Be sure to still wear mascara, just don’t focus too much on creating length and volume.

EYESHADOW

This is what I fear most as I didn’t know what colour eyeshadow I needed to complement my thick frames. The key is to keep it as natural as possible, so go for warm hues, something that is close to your skin tone.

If you go for a darker base, then there would be too many things going on around your eye area. I would apply just one colour, and blend it nicely on the lid. Save the smokey eye look for when you’re wearing contact lenses.

COMPLEMENT OTHER FEATURES

If you’re very experimental with your hair colour, and you like to wear vibrant colours on your lips, it’s best to keep your eye makeup super simple. No need for eyeshadow for this one, apply a thin line of eyeliner and a hint of mascara, just to make your eyes pop out a little bit.

UNDER EYES

I already do this anyway so I’m pretty much safe (phew!), but just in case you don’t — concealing your under eyes is just as important because your glasses won’t magically make them disappear. Only apply the concealer or corrector at the dark spots, no need to apply too much.

EYELINER

Choose an eyeliner that is one to two shades lighter than your frames. If your frame is black, for example, go for a grey or brown eyeliner.

CURL THE LASHES

You should still apply a hint of mascara,

Be smart in choosing eyeshadow colours to compliment the colour of your frame.

but before you do that, be sure to curl the lashes by crimping the base, holding the curler for about 10 second. This will make your eyes appear more ‘awake’. Don’t focus too much on creating too much length and volume on your lashes.

EYEBROWS

Eyebrows are another feature I take for granted just because they partially hide behind my frames. I feel like there’s no need to fully draw them in, just naturally fill them in at spots where it appears to be thinner compared with the rest.

The key is to keep them in shape at all times, so not much work is needed. Brush the brow and if you feel like you want to emphasise it a little more, then use a brow gel. A neat, brushed brow will help you look polished.