While a sweet pair of specs can be an awesome accessory to amp up a look, they can also raise questions about how to play the makeup game. The problem? Too much makeup and you can end up looking like an 80’s infomercial gone terribly wrong; too little makeup and your features can disappear. So, to help shape up up your spec-style savvy, we sourced tips straight from the expert – world famous makeup artist Bobbi Brown. In an interview with the online fashion mag Refinery29, she revealed these fantastically doable how-to’s on how to rock some awesome specs and still stay easy on the eyes. Her number one? Eyeliner is essential! Read on for six more of Brown’s tips [tips via Refinery29].
1). Stay In Neutral Territory: According to Brown, less is definitely more. “Wearing glasses draws plenty of attention to your eyes, so it’s best to keep your eye makeup simple. Stick to neutral shades on the eyes but remember to blend a darker color into your crease for added definition. Save the bright, bold colors for your lips. Of course, don’t forget corrector and concealer—a must for all women, but especially if you’re wearing glasses.”
2). Don’t Be Afraid of Mascara: “Most of the time I suggest applying 2-3 coats of mascara to really make eyes stand out. Always use black mascara, it makes the biggest difference. (Unless as per the below your prescription makes your eyes look bigger).”
3). Get In Line: “Adjusting the thickness of your liner is important when you’re wearing glasses,” says Brown. “If your frames are thicker, you’ll want to apply a thicker line to the upper lash line so that eyes stand out. If your frames are thinner, a softer liner works.”
4). Take Your Glasses Look From Day To Night: “There are several ways,” she says. “First, you can add bold colors to your cheeks and lips. A bright or dark lip color can instantly transform you into ‘party ready’ and a bright shade of pink blush on your cheek will instantly give your face a lift and flush of color. Or, you can add sparkle to your eyes. Use a lighter shimmer or sparkly color on your lower lid. To create a smoky eye for glasses, double line your eye. It instantly makes your eyes stand out without being too much. Just line your eye with a gel or pencil, then take a similar colored powdered eye shadow and using a liner brush, line above the previous line, smudging as you go.”
5). Define Your Brows: “Brows make a huge difference when you wear glasses— the frames draw attention to them. Learning how to shape and color your brows can change the entire frame of your face.”
6). Pay Attention To Your Prescription: “If your prescription makes your eyes look smaller, be sure to line your eyes all the way around. I recommend using a liner that is darker than your natural eye color, since it creates a perfect contrast that defines the eyes. Finish with two to three coats of black mascara on the top lashes only for a refreshed look. If your prescription makes your eyes look bigger, use a light hand when applying your eye makeup and be sure to blend everything carefully. The last thing you want your glasses to do is magnify any mistakes. For shadows, go with light, neutral shades like my Gold Nugget Sparkle eyeshadow. Your eyeliner should be delicate and thin, with only one coat of mascara to open up the eyes.”