How To Wear Makeup With Glasses & Not Smear Mascara On Your Lenses PHOTOS

June 2024 · 4 minute read

With holiday parties, dinners, and events popping up on the calendar left and right, you might be starting to think about which makeup looks to try out. Even if you don't wear much makeup in everyday life, parties, and especially holiday parties, are the perfect time to experiment with bolder makeup styles and colors. While red lipstick and rosy blush are simple enough, eye makeup can be a little more troublesome for those who wear glasses. But no worries, because we've got some makeup tips for glasses-wearers that will make holiday party makeup as easy as all the slices of pie we're going to eat.

I wear contacts and I struggle enough with eye makeup (for some reason, my cat-eye always turns out less feline, and more giant racoon eye), so figuring out the best way to do your makeup if you wear glasses can be difficult, particularly because you want your eyes to pop and standout, not disappear behind your glasses. But this is the season where you're going to rock a statement eye, because I spoke with celebrity makeup artist Amber Dreadon to find out the best makeup tips for people who wear glasses. Bring on the holiday parties.

1. Use A Reflecting Shadow

Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadow, $29, Sephora

"By using a light reflecting eyeshadow on the eyelid, you’ll be able to add more dimension to the eye. Try a finely milled metallic like Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer shadow and save your more matte eyeshadows to add smokiness to the outer corners and to frame under the eye. If you’re using a dark shadow under the eye, be sure to keep the lines soft and not too thin as a soft blurred line will make the eyes look bigger but a thin line can close them in," Dreadon said.

2. Use Eyeliner Conservatively

Estee Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner, $24, Neiman Marcus

Eyeliner definitely pops your eye, but don't be too heavy-handed with it. "Keep liner for the top lash line only — if you use it all around the eye it can make the eye look smaller behind frames," Dreadon said.

3. Choose Your Mascara Wisely

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, $28, Sephora

According to Dreadon, use a mascara for volume rather than length if you wear glasses. She added, "Choose a waterproof mascara so that you can avoid any transfer and always curl lashes before applying mascara so that your lashes are heading upward rather than straight toward the glasses."

4. Your Eyes Shouldn't Be The Only Statement

NARS Red Lizard, $28, Sephora

It might sound counterintuitive, but if you want your eyes to pop and you wear glasses, definitely emphasize another feature, too, like a bold, red lip.

5. Be Careful With Falsies

Acuvue, $33 per box, Walgreens

False lashes can definitely create a more dramatic eye, but use them with caution. Dreadon said, "If you're heading out to a holiday party and want to wear a full eye makeup look with false lashes, I suggest swapping out your frames for ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses so you can really draw attention to the eyes." However, if you’re new to wearing contacts, go to an eye doctor to find the lens that’s right for you.

6. Groom Your Brows

Anastasia Brow Gel, $22, Sephora

You might be focused on your eyes, but don't forget your brows. "Focus on the basics making sure your brows are combed up using a brow gel," Dreadon said.

7. Be Mindful Of Sensitive Eyes

Nars Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner, $26, Sephora

If your eyes are sensitive, make sure you choose your products carefully. "Look for are products that don't move around and won't get in your eye as the night goes on. I always use a long wearing cream eyeshadow before applying any eyeshadow; it can be used alone as well. A great one to try is Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise Cream Shadow in Mona Lisa which looks amazing paired with just mascara. For eyeliner, try a slightly waxy texture eye kohl that will blend out easily but will dry and stay in place," Dreadon said.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Shadow in Mona Lisa, $32, Net-A-Porter

Images: Nordstrom; Walgreens

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