How To Choose the Best Glasses for Your Face Shape and Skin Tone

Looks matter too, and there are certain guidelines that can help you find the most flattering frames that are suitable for you.

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While we wear glasses for the vision assistance they provide, aesthetics do matter--as they do with anything else we wear on a regular basis. You want your glasses to compliment yourself, not draw the wrong sort of attention by looking out of place.

These days there is no shortage of styles and colors for your glasses. While this means that there is sure to be something for you, having just so much variety can make the task of finding that right one feel overwhelming at times.

The Important Criteria

While a lot of what makes a pair of glasses look good on you, to you, comes down to personal opinion, there are colors and frame shapes that most people would agree are the best fit for your face. To explore that, we’ll look at the two main aspects of your face that can impact what looks best on you: skin tone and face shape.

Finding Colors That Match Your Skin Tone

More so than your hair or eye color (though these play a part as well), your skin tone should harmonize well with the color of your glasses. You will want to select a shade that is close to your skin tone and which will enhance your natural complexion and make you look vibrant and healthy. Frames that clash with your complexion can stand out more than they should, and even make you look sickly.

While the precise shade that suits you best can only be determined by looking at various options yourself, there are some general observations that can help guide you.

Warm Skin Tones

Warm skin tones are those that can be described as having a yellow, bronze, or golden cast to them. For these skin tones, you are best off avoiding contrasting colors like pastels, along with black and white. Better color options would be things like various shades of brown, gold, honey, beige, or olive green.

Cool Skin Tones

Cool skin tones are generally considered to have blue or pink undertones. You will want to avoid colors that will wash you out and choose colors like black, silver, pink, blue, or gray.

When purchasing glasses in our physical store, our optician will be able to make additional suggestions (the color suggestions listed above are not the only options for either warm or cool skin tones), and when purchasing online sites will likely have at least general color suggestions for you. (Some will also allow you to upload a picture of yourself to better get a sense of how various glasses options will look on you.)

However, bear in mind that everyone is different, and that general suggestions are not rules. What’s most important is that you’re happy with how you look in your new glasses.

Face Shape

Face shape is something we don’t often think about, but it very much plays a role in how a pair of glasses looks on your face.

To start to get a sense of your face shape you can pull your hair away from your face as you look into a mirror. Pay attention to the shape and contours of your face and head.

Ideally, you want your frame style to compliment your features. For example; angular frames can balance the features of rounder faces, while rounder frames can soften your appearance if you have more angular facial features.

Below is a quick overview of several primary face shapes and some recommendations of frame types that will look best/should be avoided for each. Generally speaking, frames should have balanced proportions in relation to the face, so you will want frames that are at least as wide as the broadest part of your face.

Oval Face: Oval faces have balanced proportions, so you will want frames which are at least as wide as the broadest part of your face. Frames that are too deep or narrow can throw off your natural facial symmetry.
Round Face: Round faces are just about as wide as they are long, without angles. Angular frames will make your face appear longer and thinner. They should be slightly wider than they are deep. By contrast, small, round frames will only accentuate the roundness of your face, so are not a great choice.
Diamond Face: People with diamond-shaped faces have a narrower forehead and jawline, along with dramatic, high cheekbones. You’ll want to draw more attention to your eyes and soften your sharper features with either rimless frames or frames with a cat-eye shape. Avoid overpowering boxy, narrow frames.
Square Face: People with square faces have a broad forehead and a strong jawline, along with equal width and length proportions. If you have this facial shape, you can soften your angles and make your face appear longer by choosing narrow frames that are wider than they are deep. Avoid frames which are angular or boxy, as they can make your face seem bulky.
Heart-shaped Face: Faces with this shape are wider at the top and in the middle, narrowing at the chin (hence the name). For a more balanced appearance, you should go with frames which are wider or heavier at the bottom. Other good options are thin or rimless frames, while frames with a heavier browline or decorative temples (which will draw more attention to your forehead) are best avoided.

Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb here is that opposites attract. You will want frames that will contrast with your facial contours to make your look more balanced and symmetrical.

Face Shape

With so many aspects of glasses style and fit to consider, it can both be a relief to have a professional help with your selection. Additionally, trained professionals know how to tell whether a particular pair of glasses is a proper fit from a comfort perspective, and having a second set of eyes is extremely helpful in determining if the color or shape is a good fit for your face. For these reasons, seeking professional assistance in making a selection is highly recommended.

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Eye Care You Can Trust - Choose an Amplify EyeCare Optometrist Today

Amplify EyeCare is a team of a passionate and experienced optometrists practicing eye care at the cutting edge of technology and vision science. We are growing with new locations coming across the US.

Visit a Optical optometrist at an Amplify EyeCare practice near you:

Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita in Santa Clarita, California
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American Family Vision Clinic in Olympia, Washington

Common Questions

What color frames suite darker skin?

The great thing about style and fashion is it's a matter of preference. There are no wrong answers. With darker skin tones you can pick a shade that is similar to the skin which will offer a slight contrast and that could be appealing. You could go darker for a bolder look. You could also go to the other end of the spectrum with something very bright and light to have a high level of contrast. It's really about the persons personality as much as aesthetics and what they enjoy and feel like they can pull off.

What is the best way to select a pair of glasses?

The best way to select a frame is in person and with an experienced optical sales person. As helpful as pictures are, nothing will give a clear perspective like actually trying on a frame. Aside from that, an experienced optical professional will know the other factors to consider to get you into the right frame such as: age, complexion, gender, style, etc.

How do I store my glasses so they don't get scratched?

The best way to store our glasses when they are not in use is in their case. Keeping it in the case while sleeping, or not in use, will increase the odds that we don't end up with unseemly scratches on the lenses. Another way to reduce scratches is daily and preventative care. What this means is using a proper cloth and cleaning solution daily and properly storing it will keep our lenses in mint condition.

How often should I have my glasses prescription checked?

Barring any circumstance or diagnosis that would warrant frequent check-ups the general rule of thumb is yearly. At your annual eye exam you should have your prescription checked alongside the medical portion of the exam.

Summary

While eyeglasses are, primarily, medical devices, as something you may be wearing often, how they look on your face matters too. However, with many factors to consider, it can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, we’re here to help. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our opticians would be more than happy to help you pick out glasses that both fit well and look great.