Article by Ariane Poole
It is a fact that as we get older most of us will be needing glasses for one reason or another.
Glasses can be a glamorous accessory and reading glasses are almost mandatory after 50!
Spend time choosing the right shape and colour. As a general rule the shape of the frame should be in contrast to your face, eg don´t choose a round frame if you´ve got a round face! Frame colour should be determined primarily by skintone. If you have warm colouring, choose khaki, gold, tortoiseshell. Cool-toned complexions should opt for grey, plum, black.
Now that you have chosen the right frame it’s time to look at how your glasses affect the way you put on your make-up and the type and textures you use.
Not only does the shape of the frame play a part in applying your make-up so does your prescription.
To look your best with glasses you need to take both of these things into account.
If you are far sighted (most of us become more far sighted as we age) then the prescription will make your eyes look bigger. Not a bad thing but it can accent fine lines around and under your eyes.
If you near sighted then your prescription will make your eyes look smaller. And if you are like me and have varifocals then the top part of your eyes will look smaller and the lower part of your eyes bigger, however slight.
Wearing glasses draws attention to the under eye area
Because all glasses tend to draw attention to under the eyes and it is here we notice ageing most we need to use a light weight concealer (so not to drag the skin down), something that won’t migrate into the fine lines and make them look more obvious. The many Illuminating pens that are out there really can do the trick. Choose one that isn’t too pale or shimmery. I love my Ariane Poole Mineral Illuminating Pen (3 shades), Estee Lauder Illuminating Concealer (5 shades) and Boots No7 Instant Radiance Concealer (3 shades).
How to do eye make-up if you are far-sighted:
If you´re far-sighted and find it difficult to apply make-up, look out for magnifying make-up glasses with flip down lenses – genius! Or do what I do use a 10X magnification mirror. But PLEASE do NOT judge yourself by the magnifying mirror. If someone is looking at you that closely they are there for another reason (know what I mean!! not to inspect your make-up).
The best eye shadows to choose are mid-tone shades with a deeper colour along the base of the top and lower lashes for definition. If your eyes are on the small side then choose shadow with a touch of shimmer. If your eyes are average to big in size then opt for matte shadows, otherwise your eyes can look bulgy.
How to do eye make-up if you are near-sighted:
If you are near-sighted then you should choose eye shadow colours that are on the lighter side to mid-tone with a slight shimmer to make your eyes look bigger. Don’t use anything too dark. Mid-tone shadows along the base of the top and lower lashes just middle will give the illusion of bigger eyes. A white pencil applied along the waterline (inner rim) will help make eyes look bigger too. Curl your lashes to open them up some more.
How to do eye make-up if you wear varifocals:
With so many of us over 50′s wearing varifocals (think old bi-focals) I think we need to have separate information that addresses this type of lens. As I said varifocals make the top part of your eye look smaller and the bottom part bigger. So if you have smallish eyes to start with apply light to medium shades (with a hint of shimmer if you want) on your lids and a mid tone of shadow or pencil along the base of your lower lashes. If your eyes are not small then you can go for mid tones and deeper shades on both.
A really great trick is to use one colour of liner on the top and another shade on the bottom. This gives the eyes a really opening and eye balancing effect no matter what your prescription is.
Finish with mascara. I love either navy blue or black for the most youthful look.
After you have done your eyes put on your glasses before you apply your blush. Let your frame shape be your guide. Smile and pop some blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend out towards your hair line and ear. By doing it this way you can be sure that your eyes look great and your blush is in the right place.
Complete your make-up with your favourite lip colour. I really hope this helps you look fabulous with glasses!
Ariane x
And with this article you use a picture of a woman obviously in her twenties! I give up!!!