How to Wear Makeup for Glasses
Jamie Greenberg, makeup artist to actress (and nearsighted beauty) Rashida Jones, addresses the conundrum of frame-friendly makeup. Written By JESS BASSER SANDERS
In the polished world of red carpet beauty, eyeglasses are as rare a sight as snow in Hollywood. Actress Rashida Jones, however, has been known to forgo contacts and attend even the toniest premieres and awards shows accessorized with black-rimmed specs in addition to her killer heels. And since—per leading ophthalmological studies—almost three-quarters of us need a little help with our vision, The Violet Files turned to Jones’s longtime makeup artist, Jamie Greenberg, for advice on mastering the art of makeup and rims.
Greenberg notes a number of challenges the four-eyed among us have probably encountered. “Too little makeup gets lost behind frames,” she says, “But too much can appear distorted through them. You have to create just the right look with just the right amount of makeup.”
How to achieve this elusive sense of harmony? Consider the balance between lips and eyes when glasses are on. Says Greenberg, “Pick one thing to be a statement—eyes, lips, or glasses—and let the other elements complement that.” In the same vein, eyeshadow shouldn’t compete with colored frames. “Maybe you want to do something graphic with black or brown frames, and then something neutral with colored frames. Colored eye makeup with colored glasses is a little much, unless that’s your jam!” Finally, Greenberg advises applying mascara with caution in order to prevent your lashes from hitting your lenses.
Below, Greenberg shares her favorite products for pairing with glasses, and tips on how to wear each.
BEST MAKEUP FOR GLASSES
1 / 7
GLOW GIVER
“This creates a really pretty glow on the face that complements glasses. You don’t want your face to be flat and dry when wearing frames—having moisture makes everything fit together better.”
CHARLOTTE TILBURY WONDERGLOW INSTANT SOFT-FOCUS BEAUTY FLASH PRIMER
2 / 7
COVER UP CIRCLES
Glasses draw attention to the eye area, so Greenberg cautions, “To enhance brightness and alertness you need to use a natural concealer under the eyes. This one blends evenly and naturally and does not compete with the glasses.” It also possesses serious staying power, so it won’t wear away on the bridge of the nose where specs sit.
BY TERRY TOUCHE VELOUTÉE HIGHLIGHTING CONCEALER BRUSH 2 CREAM
3 / 7
LUSH LASHES
“The lashes need to be perfect. You want to thicken and darken but not lengthen too much. This formula is smooth, inky, and full. An added bonus is that it doesn’t fall out.”
BOBBI BROWN SMOKEY EYE MASCARA BLACK
4 / 7
FOR NATURAL, DEFINED BROWS
“This is such an important step when wearing glasses. You need to frame the face and the specs with a nice strong brow. Dior’s brow pencil is detailed, natural-looking, and easy to use.”
DIOR DIORSHOW BROW STYLER UNIVERSAL BROWN
5 / 7
EVERYDAY EYE PALETTE
The slightest touch of shimmer in this eyeshadow ensures it won’t disappear behind frames. “These palettes give you many options to create the perfect accompaniment to glasses. I love Cognac Sable because it’s chic and natural, and you can use it to create a day or night look, and anything in between.”
TOM FORD EYE COLOR QUAD EYESHADOW PALETTE COGNAC SABLE
6 / 7
SUBTLE LINER
“Sometimes solid black can be too distracting with glasses. I prefer a black-brown blend to create definition and depth for the eye.”
GIORGIO ARMANI SMOOTH SILK EYE PENCIL 12 BROWN BLACK
7 / 7
A WORD ABOUT LIPS
“Another route to go when wearing glasses is to keep the eye area super neutral and play up the lip. Jungle Red by Nars is a go-to of mine when I wear glasses.”
Get tips on wearing makeup with glasses & more at VIOLETGREY.com.
