Expert-Backed Tips for Wearing Eye Makeup With Glasses That Won’t Disappear Behind Your Frames

As someone who has spent their entire life in specs, I always felt like I couldn't wear eye makeup with glasses; I could either have 20/20 vision or great makeup, but not both. Thankfully, this is a completely false notion. Makeup with glasses is beautiful. Your glasses are an accessory and maybe even a part of your identity, and you shouldn't have to choose between one or the other on your big day. You can have your cake and eat it too, and knowing the right techniques can make all the difference.

Whether you're a bride-to-be who wants to do glam makeup with glasses or a wedding guest trying to nail the perfect cat eye makeup with glasses, there are a few expert-backed ways to enhance your eyes while wearing your gorgeous frames. To help you achieve a flawless look, I've tapped into the expertise of some of our top pro makeup artists from The Knot Marketplace who have extensive experience working with glasses-wearing clients.

Meet Our Experts:

• Natalie LaFace, Owner of Hair and Makeup by Natalie in Boston, Massachusetts
• Patricia LeJeune, Owner of LeJeune Artistry in Orlando, Florida

In this article:

• How to Wear Eye Makeup with Glasses
• FAQs About Wearing Eye Makeup with Glasses

How to Wear Eye Makeup with Glasses

I consider wearing makeup with glasses to be a true art form that takes lots of time and practice. If your eye makeup is too soft, it can easily get lost. On the other hand, if your eyeshadow is too dark, you risk having it clash with your frames. That's the last thing any of us want on our wedding day. Here are a few secrets from the experts on how to wear eye makeup with spectacles:

Opt for a Nude Eyeliner in the Waterline

To start, when it comes to applying liner to your lower lash line, LaFace suggests opting for a nude eyeliner on the waterline vs. a traditional black. "You want to keep it fresh and bright," LaFace explains. Use this technique with eyeliner pencils like the Tarte Fake Awake Eye Highlight or the Essence Extreme Lasting Eye Pencil, which will keep your eyes looking naturally vibrant without creating a dark and dramatic effect that could clash with your frames

Start With Minimal Concealer

When it comes to concealer application, LaFace advises starting with less product. She knows the struggles of keeping makeup intact when your glasses are resting on your nose and suggests a clever trick. "I often set the makeup with a setting spray and a fluffy brush mid-process so that it doesn't get too cakey. This is important around the nose, where the glasses rest, so if they are removed, the makeup doesn't shift," she shares. Don't forget to opt for waterproof mascara and makeup products to keep your look flawless all day long.

Less is More for Wearing Eyeshadow with Glasses

To help your eyes shine on your wedding day and not be overpowered, it could be helpful to go a bit softer with the eyeshadow. LaFace explains, "If a bride asks for a smokey look, I tend to go lighter because the glasses can sometimes reflect and create a darker hue around the eye regardless." So, embrace a softer and more natural approach that will enhance your eyes without overpowering your frames.

Don't Skip Your Hair and Makeup Trial

LaFace stresses the importance of doing a hair and makeup trial before the big day. This will allow you to perfect your eye makeup and ensure that you not only love the look but also feel comfortable wearing it with your glasses. "Bride must do a trial so she loves the look and also loves the way her lashes feel if she is opting for falsies day-of," LaFace advises.

FAQs About Wearing Eye Makeup with Glasses

What eyeliner style is best for glasses?

According to LeJeune, the perfect eyeliner style for glasses-wearing brides depends on the type of frames they have. "Brides with thicker frames should opt for a bold, dark eyeliner look, such as a winged liner or cat eye style, to prevent their eyes from getting lost behind the frames," she says. "On the other hand, brides with thinner frames should go for a more subtle eyeliner look, using a brown, thinner eyeliner." For those who desire a wing, LeJeune suggests opting for a softer, smudged-out look. Her favorite eyeliner? LeJeune recommends brides with glasses try the Mac Cosmetics Pro Longwear Fluidline eyeliner in blacktrack.

Should you wear mascara with glasses?

Yes, you can absolutely wear mascara with glasses. "I ensure all my clients have waterproof mascara applied on the wedding day," says LaFace. She does emphasize that brides should choose a waterproof formula to avoid any smudging or smearing throughout the day.

Can you wear false eyelashes with glasses?

The short answer is yes! False lashes are a great way to enhance your eyes, even while wearing glasses. However, LaFace suggests that if you're planning to wear false eyelashes with glasses, a makeup trial is a must. She explains, "I have to measure the false lashes to ensure they won't bump your lenses and are comfortable to wear all day." So, book that trial and let the experts find the perfect fit for you.

For glasses-wearing brides, LaFace recommends opting for a few lashes on the ends instead of a full strip. Individual lashes, like the Ardell Trios Combination False Lash Individuals or the Kiss Lash Couture Faux Lash Extensions, are a fantastic choice because they can be placed on the ends or halfway across your lash line. LaFace even has a trick for finding lashes that won't hit your lenses, saying, "I can also find sizes that are short so they do not hit your lenses." How cool is that?

How do you apply eyeliner with poor eyesight?

If you have poor eyesight and struggle with precise application, we've got some tricks up our sleeves. First, grab a magnifying mirror or add a magnifying attachment to your regular mirror for a clearer view. Secondly, swap your liquid liner for an eyeliner pencil, as they offer more control. You can also use an eyeliner stencil (I use the Beautyblender liner.designer on a daily basis.) Finally, take your time and work in small, gentle strokes to gradually build the liner look you desire. Remember, practice makes perfect.