Marilyn Answers Your Questions

Shauna writes,

I have just been told by my optometrist that I need to wear glasses full time. I have never paid attention to glass frames styles but now I am interested.

I need all the advice I can get about selecting frames and wearing glasses. Please advise.

Marilyn writes

Dear Shauna,

Thanks for your question. I, too am not very knowledgeable about how glasses can affect your image nor what your options are. My first thought would be that there are three things which would definitely contribute to your wearing glasses full time and your appearance. Hair, eye make-up and the kind of frames that you select.

I have consulted with three experts and now can answer your question. First, I spoke to Frank from Michael Kluthe` Salon in Toronto. He made it simple, strong frames, soft hair and bangs; light frames, hair can be off your face and higher tech looking if you like.

Secondly, make up artist Liz Johnson from Michael Kluthe` salon was in agreement with me that eyes are the focus of your face. Glasses are like the window to the view behind. Therefore, to keep the view one must use stronger eye make up (especially heavier shadow in the crease) to emphasize one’s eyes. If you have long lashes don’t use a lengthening mascara. Also since the glasses create a separation between your eyes and someone elses the stronger eye make up draws eye contact from others and makes the lenses secondary.

Lastly, I visited Bijan Minbashian at Hakim Optical’s head office to learn how to select glass frames and lens shapes. Here are a few guidelines:

A round face can be made to appear thinner and longer with angular narrow glasses.

A square face can be made to look longer and angles can be softened with narrow frame styles that are wider rather than deeper.

An oval face should try to maintain the natural balanced proportions with frames as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face.

A diamond shaped face needs to highlight the eyes and bring out the cheek bones with frames that have detailing or with distinctive brow lines or rimless frames and cat- eye shapes.

I hope this information will help you in your selection of glasses and how to deal with wearing them. All my experts offered to help any individual that wanted assistance. Do experiment and try on frames until you find a pair that flatters you and that makes you feel good.