Tips to help you choose perfect eyeglasses

Today, wearing of eyeglasses has become a fashion statement. Whether for vision correction or sun protection, people go to great lengths to select eyeglasses that suit them and compliment their wardrobe. There is a wide selection of eyeglasses, from utility wear to designer collections, and it can be a difficult task choosing a pair. Whether you are shopping for vision correction eyeglasses or sunglasses, it is important to choose a style that suits you. You should also try as much as possible to choose glasses that do not clash with your outfits. Subtle colours like black and brown are a good choice as they go with most outfits, unless you can afford different glasses to go with your wardrobe. The following tips will help you choose frames that suit you:

Your face shape, your guide

You should choose your frames according to the shape of your face. The rule of the thumb is to choose frames that contrast with your face shape. Frames should accentuate your best facial features. They should be in scale with the size of your face – not too big and not too small. Faces come in different shapes and it’s important for you to identify your shape so you are able to buy a suitable pair of eyeglasses.

Round: This type of face has a rounded, curved forehead and chin. People with this face shape require geometric or angular narrow eyeglass frames to make their faces appear longer and thinner. The frames also need to have a clear bridge that widens the eyes.

Oval: This is considered the ideal face shape because of its balanced proportions. It is also one of the most common face shapes. Frames with strong horizontal lines to make the face look shorter are most suitable for this shape. The frames should not be too deep or too narrow.

Oblong: This face shape is longer than it is wide and has long, straight cheek lines, and at times a long nose. Frames that have more depth than width make this face type seem shorter and more balanced. A low bridge also shortens the nose.

Base-down triangle: This face shape is characterised by a narrow forehead that widens at the cheek and chin areas. Frames heavily accented with colour and detailing on the top half or cat-eye shaped are ideal for this face shape as they add width and emphasise the narrow upper part of the face.

Base-up triangle: This face shape has a very wide top and small bottom. Frames of light colour and material such as rimless styles are ideal for this shape as they minimise the width of the top of the face. Diamond: Just like the actual diamond shape, these faces are narrow at the eye line and jaw line, and have broad cheekbones that may be high and exaggerated. It is not a common face shape. Rimless frames or oval cat-eye shapes are most suitable to soften the cheekbones and highlight the eyes.

Square: Square faces have a broad forehead and broad jaw line, with the length and width in equal proportions. Narrow frame styles with more width than depth that make the square face shape appear longer and soften the angles are suitable.

Once you have identified your face shape, there are other things to consider so you have the perfect pair of eyeglasses. The following tips will help you:

The top of the frame should never cover the eyelashes, and the bottom should sit right above the cheekbone. .The top of the frames should be no higher than the line of your eyebrows. .The lower edge of frames should not sit on your cheeks.
Close-set eyes need frames that are not too strong at the bridge and have colour that is concentrated at the outside of the frame.
Wide-set eyes can benefit from more symmetrical shapes.
Women and older people who arelooking for more lift to their faces should choose frames that are softer on the bottom and have angles at the top of the frame.|
Frames that match the arch of the eyebrow are also flattering to your face. To minimise a large nose, choose glasses with a low bridge and to maximise small noses, choose glasses with a high bridge. .Choose a size of frame that is in proportion to your face – if you have a small face, don’t choose large glasses.
The frames should not be wider than the overall width of your face at the temples.

Other factors to consider in choosing sunglasses include:

Material: The most common materials for glass frames are plastic and metal. What material you select for your frames will largely depend on your budget, personal style and the suitability to your face type. However, factors like allergies may come into play, as there are people who are allergic to some metals.

Colour: There are a large variety of colours available for eyeglass frames. Remember your frames should compliment, not contrast with your skin tone. Dark skinned people are better off with black or dark coloured frames. Lighter skinned people can get away with lighter colours. Avoid flashy colours that make you look out of place, unless you are going to a Halloween party.

Personality: It is also necessary to consider your personality. Most shy people are more likely to wear conservative and wireless rims, while people with more outgoing personalities are likely to choose bold, wide, plastic frames. Generally, it may be safer to stick to neutral shades like black or brown, especially if you work in a conservative environment. Nonetheless, if your work allows, you can be more adventurous and opt for coloured frames but ensure they match your skin tone.