That old saying "guys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses" is antiquated and lame. However, it's true that if you do wear glasses (and want guys to make passes), you need to remember to spend at least a few minutes on your eye makeup. If you don't, your eyes will all but disappear behind those Foster Grants.
I should know. Whenever my eyes are screaming for a break from contacts, I slip on my glasses and instantly notice a difference -- my eyes become invisible behind the specs and I need to tweak my makeup accordingly. Not a big deal at all, but it's a necessary one.
As seen on bespectacled celebrities and trendsetters, the tiniest bit of makeup can make a difference between geeky and gorgeous. (But, it's a happy medium -- you don't want to look like an oversexed librarian.) Consult the following looks for proper inspiration, along with tips on how to tailor your makeup to your frames.
Tina Fey and Lucy Liu don't always wear specs, but when they do, they look healthy, sexy, and sophisticated. Why? They're each wearing a full face of simple, neutral tones. To get the look, apply the basics (light foundation, concealer, black eyeliner, and mascara). Finish with a generous dose of peachy blush and sheer pink lip gloss. (Try COVERGIRL and OLAY Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach, $10.49, and Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Fortune, $28.)
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Shades of ombré
When you're wearing shades of ombré, like designer Rachel Roy and actress Fivel Stewart, think of the darkest part as a layer of eyeliner and mascara on your top lid. To balance that out, try a dark smoky eye: Apply black eyeliner all the way around your eyes and smudge it outward, which makes your eyes look bigger. Then apply multiple coats of mascara. (Try COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Black Fire, $8.79, and COVERGIRL LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara, $7.99.) Keep the rest of your makeup soft and neutral.
Bonus tip: Smoky eyes are especially great for the nearsighted, whose lenses tend to make their eyes look smaller.
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Geek chic
In general, the thicker your glasses are, the less makeup you need. But when you go geek chic, you have room to make a bold statement -- especially for nights out. Actress Abigail Spencer pulls off a metallic smoky eye and long, lush lashes. Likewise, J.Crew President and Creative Director Jenna Lyons demonstrates how a strong lip can balance out strong frames. (To get the lip, try Nars Lipstick in Jungle Red, $24.)
Bonus tip: Make sure that when you play up your lips, you downplay your eye makeup and vice versa.
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Vintage charm
Meryl Streep's vintage frames sweep upward to highlight her cheekbones and make her look younger, while actress Alice Eve's round Mad-Men-inspired frames showcase her big blue eyes. But what do these flattering vintage looks have in common? Good use of eyeliner.
If you're in Meryl's age group, opt for a soft, smudgy liner around all but the inner corners of your eyes. (Try Tarte SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Brown, $25.) To get Alice Eve's look, apply a black liquid liner along your upper lashline. (Try COVERGIRL LineBlast 24 Hour Eyeliner, $7.99.) Draw a thin line if your frames are thin, and a thick line if your frames are thick. Finish with mascara.
Bonus tip: Farsighted? Your lenses will magnify your work so be precise and blend your makeup well.
That old saying "guys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses" is antiquated and lame. However, it's true that if you do wear glasses (and want guys to make passes), you need to remember to spend at least a few minutes on your eye makeup. If you don't, your eyes will all but disappear behind those Foster Grants.
I should know. Whenever my eyes are screaming for a break from contacts, I slip on my glasses and instantly notice a difference -- my eyes become invisible behind the specs and I need to tweak my makeup accordingly. Not a big deal at all, but it's a necessary one.
As seen on bespectacled celebrities and trendsetters, the tiniest bit of makeup can make a difference between geeky and gorgeous. (But, it's a happy medium -- you don't want to look like an oversexed librarian.) Consult the following looks for proper inspiration, along with tips on how to tailor your makeup to your frames.
