10 Makeup Tips for People with Glasses
When you wear glasses, your makeup routine becomes a delicate balancing act. You’re not just applying makeup to enhance your features—you’re also working around a pair of frames that can magnify, distort, or overshadow your look. Will this eyeliner smudge against your lenses? Will your foundation leave marks on your nose pads? And what about those bold frames—do they clash with your eyeshadow? For glasses wearers, makeup can feel like a constant game of trial and error, where the stakes are high, and the rules are unclear.
But here’s the good news: wearing glasses doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your makeup game. In fact, your frames can be the ultimate accessory to elevate your look—if you know how to work with them. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or just love the aesthetic of spectacles, these five makeup tips will help you look flawless behind your frames.
1. Focus on Your Brows
Your eyebrows are the unsung heroes of your face, especially when you wear glasses. They help balance your frames and prevent your look from feeling top-heavy. But here’s the catch: your brows need to complement your glasses, not compete with them.
Match the Shape: If you have angular frames, soften your look with slightly rounded brows. For round frames, go for a more defined, arched brow to add structure.
Keep Them Defined: Glasses can cast shadows, making your brows appear less prominent. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and create a clean, polished shape.
Don’t Overdo It: Bold frames + bold brows can be overwhelming. If your glasses are already making a statement, keep your brows natural and well-groomed.
2. Brighten Your Eyes
Glasses can make your eyes appear smaller or less noticeable, especially if you have a strong prescription. The key is to use makeup to brighten and define your eyes so they don’t get lost behind your lenses.
Conceal Dark Circles: Glasses tend to draw attention to the under-eye area, so use a lightweight, hydrating concealer to cover any darkness. Blend well to avoid creasing.
Use Light, Shimmery Eyeshadows: Matte shadows can make your eyes look flat, especially behind lenses. Opt for light, shimmery shades on your lids to reflect light and make your eyes appear larger.
Tightline Your Upper Lash Line: Instead of heavy eyeliner, which can look harsh behind glasses, tightline your upper lash line with a waterproof pencil. This defines your eyes without overwhelming them.
Curl Your Lashes: Curling your lashes opens up your eyes and prevents them from brushing against your lenses. Follow up with a lengthening mascara (not too volumizing, or it might smudge).
3. Prime Your Base
There’s nothing worse than taking off your glasses at the end of the day and seeing foundation marks on your nose pads. To keep your base flawless, you need a solid primer and the right foundation formula.
Start with a Mattifying Primer: If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer will help control shine and prevent your glasses from slipping down your nose. For dry skin, opt for a hydrating primer to keep your skin smooth.
Choose a Lightweight Foundation: Heavy foundations are more likely to transfer onto your frames. Go for a lightweight, long-wear formula that won’t cake or smudge.
Set with Powder: Use a translucent powder to set your foundation, especially on your nose and under-eye area. This creates a barrier between your skin and your glasses, reducing the risk of transfer.
4. Play with Colors
Your glasses are a statement piece, so why not let them inspire your makeup? Whether you have bold, colorful frames or subtle, neutral ones, coordinating your makeup can create a cohesive, polished look.
For Bold Frames: If your glasses are already colorful or patterned, keep your makeup neutral. A nude lip and soft eyeshadow will let your frames shine.
For Neutral Frames: Have fun with your makeup! A bold lip or a pop of colorful eyeliner can add personality to your look.
Match Your Undertones: If your frames are warm-toned (like gold or tortoiseshell), stick to warm makeup shades (peach, bronze, coral). For cool-toned frames (silver, black, or blue), go for cool shades (pink, mauve, taupe).
5. Don’t Forget the Lips
Your lips are the finishing touch to your glasses-friendly makeup look. Since your frames draw attention to the upper half of your face, your lips help balance everything out.
Go Bold or Go Home: A bold lip color can add drama and balance to your look, especially if your eye makeup is subtle. Red, berry, and plum shades are classic choices.
Keep It Natural: If you prefer a more understated look, a nude or soft pink lip will complement your frames without competing with them.
Use a Lip Liner: Glasses can make your lips appear smaller, especially if you have thick frames. Use a lip liner to define and slightly overline your lips for a fuller effect.
6. Master the Art of Blush Placement
Blush can be a game-changer for glasses wearers, but placement is key. Since your frames can cast shadows on your cheeks, you’ll want to apply blush in a way that lifts and brightens your face.
Go Higher: Apply blush slightly higher on your cheekbones rather than directly on the apples of your cheeks. This technique helps counteract any shadows created by your frames and gives your face a lifted appearance.
Choose the Right Shade: If you have bold or dark frames, opt for a blush shade that complements but doesn’t clash. Soft pinks, peaches, and mauves are universally flattering.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Use a fluffy brush to blend your blush seamlessly into your skin. Harsh lines can look unflattering, especially when paired with glasses.
7. Experiment with Eyeliner Styles
Eyeliner is a powerful tool for glasses wearers, but the wrong style can make your eyes look smaller or clash with your frames. The trick is to choose a liner style that works with your glasses and eye shape.
Winged Liner: A subtle winged liner can elongate your eyes and make them stand out behind your lenses. Keep the wing thin and not too dramatic, especially if you have smaller frames.
Tightlining: As mentioned earlier, tightlining your upper lash line is a great way to define your eyes without overwhelming them. It’s perfect for minimalist looks or when you’re wearing bold frames.
Colored Liner: If you want to add a fun twist, try using colored eyeliner in shades that complement your frames. For example, navy liner with tortoiseshell frames or burgundy liner with gold frames.
8. Highlight Strategically
Highlighter can add a beautiful glow to your face, but when you wear glasses, you need to be strategic about where you apply it. The goal is to enhance your features without creating unwanted reflections or emphasizing areas that your frames already draw attention to.
Focus on the High Points: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. Avoid the sides of your nose, as this can create glare under your glasses.
Use a Subtle Formula: A soft, natural-looking highlighter works best for glasses wearers. Avoid chunky glitter or overly intense formulas, as they can look distracting behind lenses.
Set with a Finishing Spray: To lock in your glow and prevent your highlighter from transferring onto your frames, finish your makeup with a setting spray.
9. Define Your Lashes Without the Clump
Long, fluttery lashes can look stunning behind glasses, but clumpy mascara is a no-go. The key is to define your lashes without creating a mess that smudges against your lenses.
Use a Lengthening Mascara: Lengthening formulas are ideal for glasses wearers because they add definition without adding too much volume, which can cause lashes to hit your lenses.
Curl Your Lashes First: Always curl your lashes before applying mascara. This opens up your eyes and prevents your lashes from touching your glasses.
Apply Mascara to the Tips: Instead of coating your lashes from root to tip, focus on the mid-lengths and tips. This gives you length without the risk of smudging.
10. Keep Your Nose Area Matte and Smooth
The nose pads of your glasses can be a trouble zone for makeup wearers. From foundation transfer to unwanted shine, this area requires special attention to keep your look flawless all day.
Blotting Papers Are Your Best Friend: Keep blotting papers on hand to absorb excess oil throughout the day. This prevents shine and keeps your glasses from slipping.
Set with Powder: After applying foundation, use a small brush to set the area where your glasses sit with a light layer of translucent powder. This creates a smooth, matte base that resists transfer.
Touch Up as Needed: If you notice makeup marks on your nose pads, gently clean them with a tissue or makeup wipe, then touch up the area with a bit of powder.
Final Thoughts
Wearing glasses doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your makeup. In fact, your frames can be the perfect accessory to showcase your creativity and enhance your features. By focusing on your brows, brightening your eyes, perfecting your base, playing with colors, and balancing your lips, you can create a look that’s both glasses-friendly and stunning.
So, the next time you reach for your favorite foundation or eyeshadow palette, remember: your glasses aren’t a limitation—they’re an opportunity to elevate your makeup game.