For many of us, glasses aren’t just a functional necessity; they’re an essential part of our look. As a transgender woman who has worn glasses all my life, I know how tricky it can be to find makeup tips that complement them. When I recently treated myself to a new pair of bold frames, I found myself grappling with the same old fears: Will long lashes hit the lenses? How do I keep my eye makeup from disappearing behind the frames? Will my foundation stay put where the glasses sit on my nose and cheeks?
So I started researching and testing techniques to make my eyes stand out and my makeup stay fresh all day long. This article is here to share what I learned with you. Whether you’re rocking a brand-new pair of statement specs or you’ve had glasses for years, here’s how to enhance your eyes, keep everything in place, and let your inner light shine through.
Understanding How Glasses Change Your Look
When it comes to makeup, many of us think about our skin tone, eye color, or even the weather. But if you’re someone who wears glasses, especially as a transgender woman navigating your relationship with makeup and presentation, there’s an extra factor in play: your frames. Glasses are more than a practical accessory; they change how your entire face is perceived and how your makeup interacts with your features.
- Frames add structure: They draw attention to the center of your face, so your eye makeup is especially important for balance.
- Lenses change perception: If you’re nearsighted, your lenses make your eyes look smaller. If you’re farsighted, your lenses can magnify your eyes.
- Bold frames demand attention: Thick, colorful frames can overshadow subtle makeup, so finding a balance is key.
Understanding these basic effects will help you make smarter, more intentional choices as you move on to eye makeup, complexion work, and even lipstick. With your frames as both a challenge and an opportunity, you’re about to create a look that’s as unforgettable as you are. Let’s jump in!
RELATED: Selecting the Perfect Frame Shape for Glasses: A Guide for Trans Individuals
Step 1: Prepping Your Canvas
Like any art, makeup starts with a solid base:
- Moisturizer: Glasses can rub against dry skin, so make sure your skin is well-hydrated.
- Primer: Use a mattifying primer around the nose and cheeks where your frames sit to help grip your foundation and prevent it from sliding off.
- Lightweight foundation: Heavy foundation tends to cake up or shift where your glasses rest. Opt for a lightweight formula and use a damp sponge to press it in for a skin-like finish.
- Set with powder: Focus powder application on the bridge of your nose and tops of your cheeks, anywhere your glasses touch, to reduce transfer.
- Setting spray: A final mist of setting spray helps lock in your work and keeps it fresh longer.
Step 2: Correct and Conceal
Glasses can cast shadows under your eyes, especially if you wear darker frames. Here’s how to brighten up:
- Color correct: Use a peach or orange-toned corrector to neutralize blue or purple tones under the eyes.
- Concealer: Apply a thin layer of concealer over the corrector and gently blend. Choose a creamy formula that won’t crease.
- Set with powder: Lightly dust with translucent powder to prevent creasing and to keep your under-eye area bright and smooth.
Step 3: Enhance Your Eyes
Now, for the fun part! Let’s create a look that pops behind your frames:
Tailor to Your Frames
- Bold frames: If your frames are colorful or thick, let them be the star. Go for a neutral eye, think soft browns, beiges, or gentle shimmers to keep your look harmonious.
- Minimal frames: If your frames are thin or clear, you can play with bolder eyeshadow colors or liner for a striking look.
Shape and Define
- Use matte shadows in the crease: This helps define your eye shape and keep your lids from looking too reflective behind the lenses.
- Add a shimmer or satin finish on the lid: A little glow catches the light and makes your eyes sparkle.
Liner Tricks
- Upper lash line: A tight line of eyeliner (liquid, gel, or pencil) right at the base of your lashes adds definition without competing with your frames.
- Wing it (if you want!): A small flick can elongate your eyes, but be mindful of how it looks with your frames, sometimes shorter wings work best.
- Avoid thick lines: Heavy liner can make your eyes disappear behind glasses. Keep it clean and crisp for the best effect.
Lashes—Keep it Clean
Here’s where I used to panic: Will my lashes hit my lenses?
- Curl your lashes well: This helps them point up and away from the lens.
- Choose length over volume: A defining mascara (rather than a super-volumizing one) can help avoid smudging.
- Avoid overly long falsies: If you love fake lashes, go for natural-looking ones with a soft curl that won’t brush against your glasses.
Step 4: Balance Your Brows
Your glasses frame your eyes, but your brows frame your glasses! Keep them looking tidy and defined:
- Brush and fill: Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas. Follow the natural shape of your brows to avoid making them look too blocky.
- Set with gel: A clear or tinted brow gel keeps everything in place.
- Keep it natural: If your frames are bold, a slightly softer brow can help avoid an overly “heavy” look.
Step 5: Cheeks and Lips—Finishing Touches
While your eyes take center stage, your cheeks and lips tie the look together.
- Blush: A soft flush on the cheeks keeps your face from looking flat behind your frames.
- Highlighter: Dab a little on the tops of your cheekbones and down your nose to bring dimension and glow.
- Lip color: Go as bold or as neutral as you want! Just remember that if your frames and eyes are bold, a more neutral lip can balance the look.
Dealing with Glasses Smudges and Makeup Transfer
Here’s the part we’ve all dealt with: the dreaded glasses makeup smudge, those red marks on the nose and those foundation streaks near the arms of the frames.
Here’s how to battle it:
Strategic Priming and Powder
- Prime those areas: Use an oil-control or gripping primer specifically on the nose and sides of your face where glasses sit.
- Layer your powder: After applying foundation, press a bit more translucent powder on those hot spots.
Adjust Your Application
- Thin layers: Less product means less to transfer! Use thin, buildable layers rather than a heavy coat.
- Dab, don’t swipe: If you need to touch up, dab with a beauty sponge to re-set the product.
Clean as You Go
- Carry lens wipes or tissues: If you notice smudging during the day, gently lift and blot with a tissue to avoid disturbing your base.
Tips for Trans Women: Glasses and Gender Euphoria
For many trans women, wearing glasses can come with mixed feelings. Maybe they’re part of your feminine aesthetic, like the librarian chic or the classic cat-eye frames that ooze vintage femme energy. Or maybe you believe they add a layer of gender ambiguity that can be either exciting or stressful.
In my opinion, your glasses serve as an extension of your individuality. They’re as much a part of your gender expression as your makeup, your clothes, or your haircut. So embrace them! Here are a few affirming ways to think about glasses as part of your feminine journey:
- Choose frames that feel like you: Whether it’s flirty cat-eyes, sleek modern wire frames, or playful bright colors, make it an expression of your style.
- Use glasses to enhance your features: Glasses can highlight your cheekbones, bring attention to your lips, and draw focus to your eyes.
- See it as another tool in your femme toolbox: Just like a favorite lipstick or a killer pair of heels, glasses can be part of your gender euphoria toolkit, especially when paired with makeup that makes you feel radiant.
Common Questions—Answered!
Q: My glasses always slip down my nose because of my makeup. Help!
A: Try using matte, oil-absorbing primer on the bridge of your nose and setting powder to create a grip. If you’re up for it, there are even little adhesive nose pads you can buy to stick to your frames for extra stability.
Q: My eyes disappear behind my thick lenses—what can I do?
A: Open up your eyes with lighter, shimmery shadows on the lid and inner corner. Avoid dark liner on the waterline (like black kohl) that can close off your eyes.
Q: Can I wear bold lip color if I’m also doing a bold eye?
A: Absolutely, if that makes you feel amazing! Just be mindful of balance: if you have bold frames, bold eyes, and bold lips, you might want to keep your cheeks more natural.
The Bottom Line
Glasses and makeup don’t have to compete; they can work together to create a look that’s uniquely yours. As a trans woman who’s spent years feeling both shy and excited about how glasses change my face, I can tell you there’s something powerful in learning how to make it work for you.
Play with color. Try different lash lengths. Practice balancing your frames and your brows until it feels natural. And above all, do what feels right for your expression and your euphoria.
Your eyes are yours to reveal. Let them shine!
