Makeup for Glasses Wearers

Introduction

Today, we’re going to discuss an important but sometimes tricky topic—makeup for glasses wearers. Many people who wear glasses struggle with makeup because glasses can hide their eyes, create shadows, or even interfere with foundation. This lesson will provide step-by-step guidance to help you master makeup techniques that complement glasses. If you’re interested in perfecting your overall skincare before applying makeup, make sure to check out our post on Best Skin Care Routine for Acne and Prone Skin for a flawless base.

Why is Makeup for Glasses Wearers Different?

Makeup for those who wear glasses requires special techniques because:

• Glasses can make eyes look smaller or larger depending on the lenses.
• Frames can cast shadows on the face, affecting the appearance of makeup.
• Makeup tends to rub off where the glasses sit, such as on the nose.
• Eyebrows become more noticeable as they frame both the face and the glasses.
• Lenses can highlight fine lines and imperfections, making blending and setting makeup crucial.

Understanding these factors helps in adjusting makeup techniques for a well-balanced look. To maintain a fresh face throughout the day, we recommend using a good moisturizer.

Step 1: Prepping the Skin

Before applying any makeup, the skin must be properly prepared. This helps makeup stay in place and look fresh throughout the day.

1. Cleanse – Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
2. Moisturize – Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to keep the skin smooth and hydrated. If you have oily skin, use Moisturizers for Oily Skin.
3. Massage – Gently massage your face for a minute to improve circulation and ensure better absorption of products.
4. Primer – Apply a pore-filling primer on the T-zone and nose area to prevent makeup from rubbing off.
5. Eye Primer – If you have oily eyelids, use an eye primer to keep eye makeup from smudging.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Foundation

Glasses sit on the nose, which can cause foundation to shift. To avoid this:

1. Use a lightweight, matte foundation to prevent oiliness.
2. Apply a thin layer—too much foundation will crease under glasses.
3. Blend foundation well into the skin using a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish.
4. Apply an extra thin layer on the nose and let it dry before setting.
5. Set with translucent powder, especially on the nose and cheeks where the glasses rest.
6. If you have oily skin, use an oil-control setting spray after applying powder.

If you’re looking for foundations that work well for oily skin, be sure to explore our post on 10 Best Foundations for Oily Skin: Find Your Match.

Step 3: Concealer Application

Glasses can emphasize under-eye dark circles, making concealer an important step.

1. Use a brightening concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone.
2. Apply it in a triangle shape under the eyes and blend it out gently.
3. Let the concealer sit for a few seconds before blending for better coverage.
4. Set with loose powder using a light patting motion to prevent creasing.
5. Avoid thick layers—too much concealer can settle into fine lines.

Step 4: Defining the Eyebrows

Since glasses frame the face, well-groomed eyebrows are essential.

1. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any gaps.
2. Follow your natural shape to maintain balance.
3. Use a spoolie brush to blend the color for a natural finish.
4. Apply a brow gel to keep the eyebrows in place throughout the day.
5. If your glasses have thick frames, opt for a stronger brow look to match them.

Step 5: Eye Makeup Techniques

Eye makeup must be adjusted depending on the type of glasses worn.

For Nearsighted (Myopia) Wearers

In myopia we use nearsighted lenses make the eyes look smaller, so makeup should enhance and open up the eyes.

1. Use light eyeshadow on the lid to create the illusion of bigger eyes.
2. Apply a darker shade in the crease for added depth.
3. Apply white or nude eyeliner on the lower waterline to make eyes appear larger.
4. Use a thin eyeliner on the upper lash line.
5. Avoid heavy lower lash makeup, which can shrink the eyes further.

For Farsighted (Hyperopia) Wearers

In hyperopia we use farsighted lenses make the eyes look larger, so makeup should provide balance.

1. Use neutral eyeshadow for a natural look.
2. Avoid very dark colors, as they can make eyes look too bold.
3. Apply a soft, smudged eyeliner instead of a harsh line.
4. Matte shadows work best—glitter can emphasize unwanted details.
5. Avoid overlining the eyes, as the magnification can make them look exaggerated.

Mascara Application

1. Avoid heavy, thick mascara as lashes can hit the glasses.
2. Use a lengthening mascara instead of volumizing.
3. Apply only one or two coats to avoid clumping.
4. Curl lashes to prevent them from touching the lenses.
5. Consider using a waterproof formula to prevent smudging.

Step 6: Blush and Contour Techniques

Glasses can create shadows on the face, so blush and contouring are important to maintain balance.

1. Apply blush slightly higher on the cheeks to lift the face.
2. Use a soft, natural color—bold shades can make the face appear heavy with glasses.
3. Blend well to prevent harsh lines.
4. Light contouring on the cheekbones adds dimension and prevents a flat appearance.
5. Apply a small amount of highlighter on the cheekbones for a fresh look but avoid excessive shine.

Step 7: Choosing the Right Lipstick

Lipstick should complement both the glasses and the overall makeup.

1. If the glasses are bold and colorful, opt for a neutral lip color.
2. If the glasses are thin and light, a bold lip color works well.
3. Matte or satin lipsticks are preferable, as glossy lips can make the face appear too shiny.
4. If wearing bold eye makeup, keep the lips soft and natural.
5. Lip liners help define lips and prevent color from smudging.

Step 8: Setting the Makeup

To ensure the makeup lasts throughout the day:

1. Use a setting spray to lock everything in place.
2. Carry blotting papers to remove oil from the nose area.
3. If wearing glasses for long hours, carry a small amount of powder for touch-ups.
4. Adjust your glasses occasionally to prevent deep marks on the foundation.
5. Use a light touch when reapplying makeup to avoid cakiness.

Final Thoughts

Makeup for glasses wearers requires small adjustments, but it is not difficult. The key takeaways are:

1. Keep the base light to prevent creasing.
2. Brighten under the eyes to counteract shadows.
3. Define the brows to frame the face.
4. Adjust eye makeup based on the type of lenses.
5. Balance the look with blush and lipstick.

By following these techniques, anyone who wears glasses can enhance their features while ensuring makeup stays in place.

bout Author

I’m Ayesha Iqbal, a student studying MBBS at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Lahore. I write about health for “GenZ Cares” because they care a lot about young people staying healthy. I do research and try new things to learn more about how to keep everyone feeling good. My articles focus on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. Through my writing, I aim to share valuable insights and practical tips that can make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Reviewed By

This article is reviewed by “Nashit Aliyan“, a certified Surgical Technologist from Government College University Faisalabad under section 2017-2021. I am 17A medical officer as well as Strategic and financial planning expert and Proficient in surgical field. Me and my team use the latest technology to perform complex surgical procedures. I recommend to “GenZ Cares” because they are really hardworking in their work and care a lot about youth to staying healthy.