Wearing Glasses Over 50? 7 Make-Up Tips and How to Find Your Perfect Frames

Do glasses really make us look older, or is it simply society’s perception of women who wear them? Whatever the answer, finding the right pair of glasses after 50 can feel surprisingly challenging. And it’s not just about choosing frames that flatter your face. Knowing how to wear make-up with glasses can make all the difference, too.

That’s why we’ve asked make-up expert Deborah Williams, founder of Grace Make Up For Midlife to share her professional advice and show us how to make the most of our features when wearing specs. From choosing the most flattering frames for your face shape to mastering make-up tricks that enhance your eyes, complement your lenses and brighten your complexion, she’s got plenty of inspiration to help you refr, esh your look.

Because the right specs, paired with the right make-up, can be a fabulous style statement at any age.

Wearing glasses has always been a fashion statement for me. They are the perfect example of form meeting fashion, and I’ve loved them for as long as I can remember.

For 40 years, I’ve had a signature pair of black frames in my wardrobe. They’ve become part of my personal look. And because I enjoy wearing glasses so much, I’ve built up quite a collection!

However, when you have a bold, signature pair of frames, it’s really necessary to have a second pair that makes less of a statement and complements whatever you’re beautiful face and what you are wearing.

Choosing the right eyeglasses when over 50

Most of the time we forget that rather than choosing frames that make us look younger we should opt for those that match our face’s shape, skin tone and personality making us feel confident. Glasses are, in fact, an incredible opportunity to express our personal style, as well as enhance our features rather than obscuring them.

Let’s take for example Brooke Shields, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, and Demi Moore.  All over 50, they make wearing glasses look like second nature, whether they’re choosing bold, black-rimmed square frames or timeless Wayfarers. And they certainly don’t save their favourite pairs for off-duty moments.

Then there’s Meryl Streep, bringing cat-eye frames to The Devil Wears Prada 2 press tour; Jamie Lee Curtis, giving aviators a red-carpet twist; and Joan Collins, looking every inch the style icon in her sunglasses at the M&S 2026 fashion show.

Different women, different frames, but one thing in common: they prove that glasses can be a fabulous style signature at any age. The trick is getting your make-up to work with your frames, rather than against them. So how do you keep your foundation in place, your eyes defined and your look fresh? Here are the expert tips.

How to Choose Glasses for Your Face Shape

The most flattering glasses are those that complement your face shape, enhance your best features and bring balance to your overall look.

As a rule of thumb, stylists often suggest the counterbalancing method: opting for a frame that is the opposite of your face shape and that can help to soften your features, creating a more vibrant look.

For instance, if you want to balance a long face shape, you should try a slightly larger frame that has more of a structured square shape. In this way, the bigger proportion will help add width and balance to your face. In case you have a square face, instead, looking for frames with rounded edges to soften your look might be the winning choice.

In particular, according to stylists, if you aim to achieve a fresh look, you should opt for bold, thick eyeglass frames that can draw attention away from your nose to your eyes. On the other hand, cool eyeglasses with larger frames can also hide crow’s feet. And what about the classic cat-eye glasses (or frames that subtly turn up at the edges)? They can have the effect of an instant eye lift (no Botox required!) and make you look younger.

Where to start when choosing the right glasses

Finding frames that really suit you involves more than following trends or picking a style you happen to like. Start by looking at your personal colouring. Are you warm or cool? Do you shine in bright, muted, bold or pastel shades? The right frame colour should complement your complexion, bring out your eyes and work with your personal style. After all, glasses sit right at the centre of your face, so their colour can make a surprising difference to your overall appearance.

Next, consider your face shape. The aim isn’t to follow rigid rules, but to find frames that create balance and highlight your natural features. For instance, if you have a round face, perfectly round frames may emphasise its curves, whereas more angular styles can add definition.

Not sure which shapes to try? Here’s a quick guide to finding frames that flatter your face.

Glasses styles for round faces

If you have a round face, you should choose glasses that can make your face appear longer and slimmer. Square or rectangular frames would be an excellent option for you as they can add structure and definition.

When choosing glasses for round faces, avoid round or oval frames as they can make your face appear even rounder. Additionally, small frames or frames with round lenses can make your face look disproportionate.

A great option for round faces is the classic Wayfarer style. These glasses have a rectangular shape with angled corners, making them an evergreen option. 

Glasses styles for square faces

If you have a square face, you should choose glasses that can soften your features and make your face appear more rounded. Round or oval frames can help to balance out your face and create a more youthful appearance. Also, those frames with curved edges or soft lines can help to add a touch of femininity to a square-shaped face.

Avoid angular or boxy frames as they can make your face look harsh and angular. It’s better to opt for cat-eye frames, which have a slight curve on the top that can help to add a touch of glamour to your look.

Glasses styles for heart-shaped faces

Frames that are wider at the bottom than the top can help to add balance to a heart-shaped face. Opt for curved edges or oval lines as they can help to soften your angular features and avoid frames that are too heavy, too thick or narrow.

A great option for heart-shaped faces is the classic aviator style. These glasses have a teardrop shape that is wider at the bottom than the top, making them perfect for balancing out a heart-shaped face. They are also a timeless style that can make you look even more stylish.

Glasses styles for oval faces

If you have an oval face, you’re in luck! Oval faces are versatile and can wear almost any glasses style. However, there are some frames that can enhance your features more than others. For instance, glasses with a strong brow line can help to highlight your eyes and add definition to your face as well as those with geometric shapes.

Avoid frames that are too large or too small as they can make your features appear disproportionate and stay away from eyeglasses that are too round or too square as this style can clash with the natural shape of an oval face.

A great option for you would be the classic rectangular frames. These glasses have a strong brow line that can help to highlight your eyes and add definition to your features. 

Classic eyeglasses style options

Whether you wear glasses every day, reach for them only on occasion, or just throw a pair on sometimes for a little extra fun, the frames you choose can ultimately dictate the way the world sees you — and more importantly, how you see yourself.

Women over 50 should go for translucent acetate frames, which have a more contemporary feel – stylists often advice-. Or try ombre eyewear frames, in which a darker tone on top fades to a lighter tone on the bottom to draw attention away from under-eye circles.

You can’t go wrong with the following classic style options.

• Rimless Glasses

A rimless pair of glasses is ideal for those women over 50 who like to display a minimalist look. Because of its simple lines and design, it goes with any look and also compliments any skin tone and features because of its neutral colour. When you are in doubt, choosing this frame can ease all the stress that you are having: they help by not attracting attention to your eyes while making clothes and other accessories pop out and dazzling those around you.

• Oversized Glasses

If you want to make a statement with your outfit, oversized frames like those ones Jennifer Lopez like wearing, are the best choice. Thanks to their versatility, not only these can accentuate features like a sharp jaw or a soft face, but they also give you a youthful appearance by placing focus on the eyes — not the signs of ageing that surround them.

• Thick Rimmed Glasses

Using a bold frame when looking for glasses is a must-have if you want to stand out from the crowd. Red, oranges, browns and burgundies, are usually considered by stylists more youthful than blue, grey and steel frames, which can make you look older than you are. On the other hand, bold black frames are considered to give a modern touch to any occasion and are a popular choice among women with grey hair, as the colours combine perfectly to create a unique look. Of course, this style is for someone that is not afraid to appear interesting and daring.

Makeup for Women Over 50 Wearing Glasses

Wearing glasses doesn’t mean changing your entire make-up routine, but it does mean knowing a few clever tricks to make your features stand out. The right techniques can help brighten your eyes, define your lashes, balance your frames and give your complexion a fresh, flattering finish. And no, you don’t need layers of make-up to make an impact!

Here are some of my favourite professional tips to help you make your glasses and make-up work beautifully together.

1.  Give your eyebrows some attention

Your eyebrows frame your eyes, just as your glasses frame your face. Keep them groomed and use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas. If your brows are naturally light, a little definition can help them stand out behind your frames.

2.  Concealer is your friend

Glasses can sometimes cast shadows beneath your eyes, making dark circles appear more noticeable. A light-reflecting concealer, applied sparingly and blended well, can brighten the under-eye area. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone rather than one that is too light.

3.  Define your eyes with the right eyeliner

If you wear bold, dark frames, you may already have plenty of definition around your eyes. A softer eyeliner or a neutral eyeshadow may be all you need. With lighter or finer frames, a little more definition along the lash line can help your eyes stand out.

A useful tip is to keep eyeliner thinner for smaller frames and experiment with a little more definition if your frames are larger. The key is to create balance rather than compete with your glasses.

4.  Choose your mascara carefully

If your lashes touch your lenses, try a lengthening or defining mascara rather than one that adds too much volume. Waterproof or smudge-resistant formulas may also help prevent mascara from transferring onto your lenses.

5.  Consider your lenses when choosing eye makeup

Depending on your prescription, your lenses can change how your eyes appear. Some lenses make eyes look smaller, while others can make them look larger.

If your lenses make your eyes appear smaller, try a light, neutral eyeshadow and a little extra definition along the lash line. If your lenses magnify your eyes avoid light coloured frosts , blend eyeshadow carefully and keep highlight on the eye lid and brow bone to a minimum.

6.  Let your undertone guide colour choices

You don’t need to match your makeup to your frames. I think a neutral contour in your undertone as a day look is always a good choice and for the evening add some sparkle a deeper colour of eyeshadow to build a stronger contour or keep your eyes neutral and build a strong lip.

7.  Don’t forget the rest of your face

Your glasses might be the focal point, but the rest of your make-up deserves a little attention too. Think about how your lip colour, blush and eye make-up work with your frames. If you’re wearing bold, thick-rimmed glasses, you might prefer a softer lip colour and a touch of fresh blush to keep the overall look balanced. Alternatively, a statement red or berry lip can look fantastic with strong frames, creating a confident, polished finish.

The trick is to avoid letting your glasses and make-up compete for attention. Instead, use them to complement each other. A little definition on the cheeks, a flattering lipstick and well-groomed brows can make all the difference. After all, your frames are an accessory, not the whole picture!

There are no hard-and-fast rules. It’s about experimenting and discovering what makes you feel your best.

Make Your Glasses Part of Your Signature Style

Your frames can also influence how you approach your makeup. Their shape, size and colour, as well as whether your lenses are tinted, can all play a role in deciding which features you want to emphasize.

Above all, before buying your next frames, make time for a comprehensive eye exam and find out what your true visual needs are. These days there are plenty of options when it’s time to choose the right for you: you can count not only on single, anti-glare, bifocals and progressive lenses but also those that can assist your vision concentration when going from one screen to another, such as from your desktop to your cell phone. Bye bye coke bottle lenses!

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