The Importance of Wearing Makeup Under Your Glasses

That old saying "guys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses" is antiquated and lame. However, it's true that if you do wear glasses (and want guys to make passes), you need to remember to spend at least a few minutes on your eye makeup. If you don't, your eyes will all but disappear behind those Foster Grants.

I should know. Whenever my eyes are screaming for a break from contacts, I slip on my glasses and instantly notice a difference -- my eyes become invisible behind the specs and I need to tweak my makeup accordingly. Not a big deal at all, but it's a necessary one.

As seen on bespectacled celebrities and trendsetters, the tiniest bit of makeup can make a difference between geeky and gorgeous. (But, it's a happy medium -- you don't want to look like an oversexed librarian.) Consult the following looks for proper inspiration, along with tips on how to tailor your makeup to your frames.

The beauty of simplicity

Tina Fey and Lucy Liu don't always wear specs, but when they do, they look healthy, sexy, and sophisticated. Why? They're each wearing a full face of simple, neutral tones. To get the look, apply the basics (light foundation, concealer, black eyeliner, and mascara). Finish with a generous dose of peachy blush and sheer pink lip gloss.

Shades of ombré

When you're wearing shades of ombré, like designer Rachel Roy and actress Fivel Stewart, think of the darkest part as a layer of eyeliner and mascara on your top lid. To balance that out, try a dark smoky eye: Apply black eyeliner all the way around your eyes and smudge it outward, which makes your eyes look bigger. Then apply multiple coats of mascara.  Keep the rest of your makeup soft and neutral.

Bonus tip: Smoky eyes are especially great for the nearsighted, whose lenses tend to make their eyes look smaller.

Geek chic

In general, the thicker your glasses are, the less makeup you need. But when you go geek chic, you have room to make a bold statement -- especially for nights out. Actress Abigail Spencer pulls off a metallic smoky eye and long, lush lashes. Likewise, J.Crew President and Creative Director Jenna Lyons (left) demonstrates how a strong lip can balance out strong frames. (To get the lip, try Nars Lipstick in Jungle Red)

Bonus tip: Make sure that when you play up your lips, you downplay your eye makeup and vice versa.

Vintage charm

Meryl Streep's vintage frames sweep upward to highlight her cheekbones and make her look younger, while actress Alice Eve's round Mad-Men-inspired frames showcase her big blue eyes. But what do these flattering vintage looks have in common? Good use of eyeliner.

If you're in Meryl's age group, opt for a soft, smudgy liner around all but the inner corners of your eyes.  To get Alice Eve's look, apply a black liquid liner along your upper lashline. Draw a thin line if your frames are thin, and a thick line if your frames are thick. Finish with mascara.

Bonus tip: Farsighted? Your lenses will magnify your work so be precise and blend your makeup well.

Color play

Sandra Oh and Lisa Loeb like to wear vivid frames in shades of blue and lavender. If you're the same way, you don't need much color on the rest of your face. Just a simple coat of mascara, a tiny bit of liner, and a rosy lipstick will do.

Bonus tip: To keep your glasses from sliding off your face or denting your nose, set your foundation with a little powder first.

Barely there

Both Diane Lane and Kate Beckinsale prefer rimless glasses, which give them plenty of freedom to play up their eyes. But since these glasses don't frame the face as much, defined brows are a must.

To get them, fill in your natural arch with a brow pencil that's one or two shades lighter than your current hair color. Should you need help locating your natural arch, invest in a brow kit or see a seasoned brow pro. (The latter is one of the best things I've ever done for myself.)

All in all, there are no excuses not to look glam when going out in those specs.  It is really true what Alan Carr says, you CAN be a Spexy Beast.  Hehehe.  Hope you've all found this an easy guide to know what to do with your eyes and those specs.