Discover expert makeup tips for glasses wearers, curated by Malaya Optical’s professional optometrists. Learn eyeshadow techniques, product picks, and frame-makeup color coordination in this stylish guide.
Wearing glasses shouldn’t mean compromising your makeup game. In fact, the right makeup can enhance your features behind the lenses, not hide them. As an optometrist at Malaya Optical, I’ve seen firsthand how the right frame paired with flattering makeup can transform not only how you see the world but how confidently the world sees you.
Whether you wear glasses every day or only during work hours, this guide is for you. From eyeshadow techniques for glasses wearers to coordinating frame and makeup colours, let’s unlock pro-level beauty tips that complement your prescription.
Why Glasses Call for Makeup Tweaks
Glasses add a unique structure to your face, but they also create a few beauty challenges:
- Frames can cast shadows or distort proportions
- Lenses may magnify or shrink your eyes
- Nose pads and temples can interfere with base makeup
- Bold frames may clash with bold makeup if not balanced properly
As both a clinical expert and a fashion-forward eyewear curator at Malaya Optical, I’ve helped many clients find the right synergy between skincare, makeup, and glasses styling. Here’s how.
Makeup Techniques Tailored for Glasses Wearers
1. Prime to Prevent Slip and Slide
Nose pads and glasses arms can shift your foundation throughout the day.
Tip: Use a mattifying, pore-filling primer on the nose and temple area to anchor your base. A setting spray can help lock everything in.
2. Brighten Your Eyes – Especially if You’re Nearsighted
Minus-powered lenses make eyes look smaller.
Technique:
- Use a light, shimmery eyeshadow on the lid
- Tightline the upper lash line to define without overwhelming
- Curl lashes and apply mascara to open up the eyes
3. Balance for Farsighted Lenses
Plus lenses magnify your eyes.
Technique:
- Choose matte, neutral shadows and blend carefully
- Avoid chunky glitter or clumpy mascara
- Consider a soft, smoked-out eyeliner to soften the gaze
4. Bold Brows Frame the Face
Glasses already draw attention to your brow line. Keep brows groomed and filled naturally.
– Use featherlight strokes with a brow pencil, then set with gel.
5. Use Colour Correctors for Under-Eye Shadows
Glasses can cast shadows under the eyes, making you look tired.
– Apply a peach-toned corrector before concealer to neutralize dark circles.
Frame & Makeup Colour Coordination
Choosing makeup shades that harmonize with your frame colour can elevate your entire look.
Here’s a quick coordination guide:
| Frame Colour | Makeup Match |
|---|---|
| Black / Charcoal | Classic red lips, neutral matte eyes |
| Gold / Tortoiseshell | Warm-toned bronzer, peach blush, coral lips |
| Silver / Grey | Cool-toned pinks, soft lavender shadows |
| Transparent / Nude | Dewy skin, glossy lips, pastel tones |
| Bold Colours (Blue, Green, Red) | Tone down eye makeup; match lips or nails to frame for cohesion |
Tip from Malaya Optical: When choosing frames at our boutiques, we often guide clients on skin undertones and wardrobe palettes to find eyewear that flatters naturally.
Product Recommendations
- NARS Soft Matte Concealer – crease-resistant and perfect for under glasses
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – helps prevent foundation from transferring
- Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil – ideal for clean, defined arches
- L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara – length without clumps, ideal for magnified eyes
- Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter – dab on cheekbones, not on nose (glasses will rub!)
Frame & Makeup Colour Coordination
At Malaya Optical, our curated eyewear collections are chosen not only for their vision-enhancing performance but also their fashion compatibility. Matching your makeup with your frame colour, material and style can make your entire look feel polished and intentional.
| Frame Brand | Frame Description | Makeup Pairing Tips |
|---|---|---|
| LINDBERG | Minimalist titanium frames in neutral tones | Keep makeup clean and modern. Opt for soft matte eyes, subtle highlighter, and a chic nude lip. |
| RYAN ADDA | Bold, expressive frames in architectural shapes and vibrant hues | Balance with neutral eye makeup and let your lip colour match or complement the frame. Great with coral, terracotta, or plum lips. |
| MYKITA | Sleek metal and acetate blends, often in matte or translucent finishes | Dewy skin, soft browns or peach eyeshadow, and natural brows work best. These frames elevate a fresh, editorial look. |
| FACE A FACE | Artistic, statement eyewear in high-contrast colours | Use frames as your makeup focal point. Go for a clean base and pair with eyeliner flicks or bold lipstick. |
| UNDOSTRIAL | Industrial-chic, raw titanium styles | Embrace soft grunge or monochrome makeup. Think taupe shadow, smudged liner, and mauve lips. |
👁🗨 Styling Tip from Our Optometrists:
During your eyewear styling consultation at Malaya Optical, we’ll help you choose frame colours that complement your skin tone, makeup preferences, and wardrobe so your specs enhance your aesthetic, not just your sight.
Expert Tip: Don’t Forget the Right Lenses
Some makeup-related discomfort actually comes from poorly fitted glasses. Whether it’s slipping frames, misaligned pupillary distance, or uncoated lenses that distort your eye look, the right prescription setup makes a big difference.
At Malaya Optical, we offer:
- ZEISS SmartLife™ lenses for digital comfort
- ESSILOR Crizal Sapphire™ coatings for lens clarity and minimal reflections
- Anti-fog, blue light blocking, and photochromic options tailored to your lifestyle
Pair your makeup mastery with progressive lenses, photochromic tints, or lens shape consultations,. All available at our centres in Damansara Uptown, Subang Jaya, and Jalan Imbi.
Discover Boutique Eye Care at Malaya Optical
Since 1957, we’ve been more than just a place to get glasses. We’re Malaysia’s eyewear styling hub, combining clinical trust with a premium, personalized touch.
Book your eye styling and consultation with our professional optometrists today:
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Final Thought: Beauty Begins with Vision
Makeup is art, and your glasses are the frame. When both are thoughtfully matched, your face becomes the canvas of confidence.