Unlike a new pair of shoes, glasses are intrinsically much more noticeable; they're out there in front and can make an enormous impact on how you look, how you are perceived and also for your confidence.
It is therefore important you take note of the factors that influence your look. These are your face shape and features, your hair, your skin tone and your skin colour. If you are only purchasing one pair of glasses, choose a versatile frame that will look good in many different situations.
There are 6 basic face shapes – but do remember that most face shapes are different and people tend to have a mixture of the face shape categories shown below.
To find your face shape, remove your hair from your face and study its shape in front of a mirror and refer to the 6 sections below. If after studying your face in the mirror you are still not sure then click here - Still not Sure??
The oval face is considered to be the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. To keep the oval's natural balance, look for glass frames that are as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face. Many frames look good on an oval face, so go on be adventurous
For the round face choose styles with high set sides, and those with colour and/or decoration on the temples. Avoid small, round frames that will make your face look rounder and frames with colour or decoration on the lower rim. To make the face appear longer and thinner, try angular narrow frames to lengthen the face, such as a rectangular shape and a clear bridge to help widen the look of the eyes.
Long face features include high cheekbones and a deep forehead. To create a balance, try wider frames with a strong top line. A large, square frame will help to hide a long, oval face. Frames should cover as much of the centre of the face as possible in order to minimize the length.
Square faces have a broad forehead, a wide jaw line and a square chin. Round and oval style frames may help to soften the jaw line. Try to avoid thin angular and square frames, as these will exaggerate square features. The top of the frames should sit high enough on the face to downplay the jaw line.
A heart shaped face has a broad forehead curving down to a small chin and mouth. Choose smaller frames without decoration on the temples. You could try rounded, slender or square styles with lower sides. Try and avoid styles that are wide at the top of the frames.
This shape face has a narrow forehead and broadens around the eyes before narrowing towards the jaw line and chin. Try bold, strong and wide shapes whilst avoiding small, narrow frames.
If you want to balance some of your stronger facial features, try the following tips.
A coloured bridge will make your eyes seem closer together.
A clear or thin bridge adds width between your eyes.
Frames with high sidebars that draw attention upward toward the temples and away from the nose are a good choice. A double or low set bridge helps a nose appear shorter.
Large oversized frames are recommended for balance. Small frames will accentuate the nose.
A high bridge in a light colour lengthens a short nose or a nose that is small in proportion to the rest of the face.
Enhanced by delicate shapes, rimless frames and translucent colours.
Choose a frame that follows your hairline. Classic small frames are advisable.
Geometric frames, or rounder frames look best.
Bold colours and designs, as well as decorative styles.
Try the frames with both your hair up and down, as the change in style may alter the look of the frames.
The three most used factors to determine your skin tone are : 1) that all people have either a warm (yellow-based) or cool (blue-based) colouring. 2) that everyone looks best in his or her own colour base. 3) that eyewear colour should complement personal colouring.
All complexions, regardless of race or colour, will fall into one of two colour bases. A cool complexion has blue or pink undertones, and a warm complexion has a "peaches and cream" or yellow cast. Olive skin is considered to be a “cool” base because it is a mixture of blue and yellow.
If you are unsure of your basic colouring try on a few colours to see how they affect your appearance. Use the following warm and cool colours for your tests.
| Warm | Ivory | Yellow/Green | Bright Orange | Dark Orange | Dark Brown |
| Cool | Pure White | Blue Green | Bright Pink | Burgundy | Black |
Ask yourself the following questions about each colour. 1) Does my skin glow ?
2) Does the colour cause skin imperfections or wrinkles to be less noticeable ? 3) Does the colour bring out the highlights in my hair ? 4) Do my eyes sparkle with this colour ?Generally the colours from one group will be more flattering and indicates your complexion is more warm or cool. Once you have determined if you are "warm" or "cool", then you can find the eyeglass frame colours that will suit you the best.
| Warm | Camel | Khaki | Gold | Copper | Peach | Bright Red |
| Orange | Coral | Off-White | Warm Blue | Lighter Tortoise | ||
| Cool | Black | Rose-Brown | Blue-Grey | Plum | Magenta | Pink |
| Jade | Blue | Darker Tortoise |
