The Ultimate Guide to Makeup with Glasses: Lashes, Liner, & Brows

For glasses wearers, makeup isn't just about color; it's about logistics. You face challenges that non-wearers never have to think about: eyelashes hitting the lenses, foundation rubbing off on the nose bridge, and frames that cast shadows under your eyes.

But wearing glasses doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your beauty routine. In fact, the right makeup techniques can make your eyes look even more striking behind your lenses.

Whether you are struggling with mascara smudges or wondering how to wear false lashes without the "click-click" against the glass, this guide covers every technique you need to master eye makeup with glasses.

Styling Note: Once you master your makeup, make sure your outfit matches your vibe. Read our Ultimate Style Guide: How to Look Good With Glasses.

The Golden Rule of Eye Makeup with Glasses

The most important thing to remember is that glasses—especially thick or bold frames—can cast shadows around your eyes. This means subtle makeup often disappears.

To look fresh and awake, you need to prioritize Definition and Brightness.

• Brighten the Lid: Use a light, shimmery champagne or nude eyeshadow on the center of your eyelid. This catches the light and counteracts the shadow cast by your frames.
• Conceal with Care: Use a brightening concealer under the eyes to neutralize shadows.

How to Wear Lashes with Glasses (Without Hitting the Lenses)

One of the most frustrating issues for glasses wearers is "butterfly kisses"—when your long lashes brush against the lenses every time you blink. It leads to smudged glasses and irritated eyes.

Here is how to solve the lashes with glasses dilemma:

Curl Up, Not Out

The angle is everything. Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes strictly upward at the root, rather than outward. This keeps them away from the glass.

Choose Volumizing over Lengthening Mascara

Avoid "tubing" or "fiber" mascaras designed for extreme length. Instead, choose a volumizing formula. Focus the product on the roots of your lashes to create thickness, and go lighter on the tips.

What Length False Lashes Should You Wear?

If you love falsies, you don't have to give them up. You just need the right size.

• The Safe Zone: Look for lashes with a length of 10mm to 12mm. Anything over 12mm is likely to hit standard prescription lenses.
• The Hack: Use Short or Medium individual lashes just on the outer corners of your eyes. This gives you a "cat-eye" lift without the bulk in the center.

Apply Eyeliner and Shadow that Pops Behind Frames

Your frames act as a border around your eyes. The thicker the frame, the bolder your liner needs to be to stand out.

• For Thick/Dark Frames: Your liner needs to be visible. A thin line will get lost. Go for a thicker, smudged wing or a bold liquid liner to match the weight of the frame.
  Wearing bold frames? Check out our Cat-Eye Collection for styles that handle bold makeup well.
• For Wire/Rimless Frames: Since these frames are delicate, a heavy black liner can look harsh. Switch to a dark brown or charcoal gray liner for a softer definition that doesn't overpower the glasses.

Shape Your Eyebrows to Compliment Your Glasses

Your glasses sit on your face, but your eyebrows frame your glasses. The relationship between the two defines your expression.

• The Spacing Rule: Ideally, your eyebrows should sit slightly above your frames. If your frames cover your brows entirely, you lose a lot of expressiveness.
• Grooming: If you wear thick-rimmed glasses, keep your brows groomed but simple. If you wear rimless or thin metal glasses, you can afford to fill your brows in more boldly to provide an "anchor" for your face.

Not sure which frames fit your brow line? Review our Face Shape Guide to find the right proportions.

Prevent Makeup Smudges on Your Nose Bridge

The dreaded "nose dent." It happens when your foundation rubs off where the nose pads sit, leaving red marks or patchy makeup.

The Fix:

1. Use Less Product: Do not pile heavy foundation on the sides of your nose. It will slide off. Keep this area sheer.
2. Mattify the Bridge: Use an eyeshadow primer or a specific mattifying primer right where your nose pads sit.
3. The "Baking" Method: Press a translucent setting powder onto the sides of your nose and let it sit for a minute before dusting it off. This creates a friction-resistant barrier.

Adjust Your Makeup for Nearsighted vs. Farsighted Lenses

Did you know your prescription changes how your eyes look to others?

If You Are Nearsighted (Myopia)

Your lenses make your eyes look smaller.

• The Goal: Enlarge the eyes.
• The Technique: Avoid black liner on the waterline (which closes the eye). Instead, use a white or nude eyeliner on the inner rim to fake a wider, more open eye. Use mascara on both top and bottom lashes to open the eye vertically.

If You Are Farsighted (Hyperopia)

Your lenses act as magnifiers, making your eyes look bigger (and magnifying every makeup mistake).

• The Goal: Precision and softness.
• The Technique: Be meticulous with your blending! Clumpy mascara or unblended eyeshadow will be very obvious. Stick to matte shadows and avoid heavy, dark liners that can make you look "bug-eyed" when magnified.

Final Thoughts

Wearing glasses is an opportunity to get creative with your makeup. By adjusting your lash length and focusing on definition, you can turn your frames into the perfect finishing touch for your beauty routine.

Ready to upgrade your frames? Explore Best-Selling Women's Glasses