It’s now cool to be four-eyed. . .even if you don’t need vision correction. This year, there was a 20 percent increase in women buying frames without prescription lenses, making glasses as much a Fashion Accessory as a necessity. But knowing what makeup to pair with a bold set of specs can be tricky. Here, New York City makeup artist Moani Lee breaks it down.
Frame Style: Bright Colors
Makeup Match: Keep eyes and skin glowing, and balance the colour saturation with equally vibrant lips. Try Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in No. 50 Rouge Neon ($34, yslbeautyus.com) How-To: Dust on eye shadow in a shimmering neutral shade like beige or golden brown, then add mascara and a light pat of peach blush (if you’re fair) or berry blush (for dark skin). Finish with a bold lip color like tangerine, fuchsia, or scarlet red—just make sure your specs and smacker don’t match.
Frame Style: Cat-Eye
Makeup Match: Wing it—literally! It keeps the focus on the upturn of your specs. Try Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via De’ Martelli ($24, narscosmetics.com) How-To: Thinly trace your upper lashes with a black or brown eye pencil, extending the line a quarter inch past the corner of your eyes—subtlety prevents the effect from becoming too retro. Finish with mascara, bronzer, and creamy nude lipstick.
Frame Style: Embellished (think jeweled or floral sides)
Makeup Match: Don’t compete with the bling—instead, place soft makeup shades in strategic places. Try Maybelline New York Fit Me! Blush in Light Rose or Deep Rose ($6 each, at drugstores) How-To: Dust a flesh-toned matte shadow from lash lines to creases, then add mascara, sheer berry lipstick, and blush (petal pink if you’re fair, rich rose if you’re dark) on your cheekbones, which will draw attention to the frame’s side details.