ABOUT FACEChoosing glasses is a tough task, so get some advice from an expert
I'M GIVING IN. I'm squinting in vain to read my novel in bed if the bedside lamp isn't angled "just so". Getting lost in foreign places because I cannot read the map. Having to telephone the cinema to check the starting time, as I can't make out the tiny size of type printed in the newspaper. And as for ingredients, well, I've long stopped caring what the fat content is in the items I buy in the supermarket. As long as I can make out the words "chocolate" and "biscuits", sure it's grand.
Oh, but it's not grand at all. Glasses will be one more thing I have to find before I leave the house, along with keys, phone, wallet swipe card and God knows what else.
Choosing the frames will be a nightmare. I veer from choosing a safe, understated frame to wanting to fly to Paris to have Alain Mikli of Ugly Bettyfame find my perfect pair, while all the time hoping for the news that laser eye surgery is available for eyes that are just getting on a bit. But I can't wait any longer as it's getting to the dangerous stage, and squinting is not good for the fine lines around the eye area.
Never mind the glasses, getting the make-up balance right when you wear them can be difficult, so I took the opportunity to get the lowdown from Leonard Daly. "You don't change your personality just because you wear glasses - for example a shy, retiring type will probably end up with a rimless or neutral-coloured frame. On the other hand if you are an extrovert, your personality will come out in frames that make a statement."
Daly's advice is to be careful about colour placement and to match your level of "statement" to your glasses. For instance, rimless glasses require no change to your usual style of eye make-up, whereas a bold frame will need more thoughtful make-up application. Don't forget that a strong eye frame can be balanced by a bold brow (very on-trend), defined cheekbones or a statement lipstick.
Remember that glasses magnify, so they will heighten the impact of any shadow or liner you wear. Neutral shades are best, and be careful with liner, as every blip will show. Pencil or powder is more forgiving, and easier to smudge.
Go easy on shimmery shadow, except maybe a little highlighter under the brow. Finally, mascara is important, but no clumps please, comb them out with a lash brush. Be careful with lengthening mascaras as you don't want your lashes flapping against the glass like trapped insects. Brows become even more important when you wear glasses, as they frame the face and give definition. If your brows are thin or weak, your glasses will dominate your face, instead of fitting in with your look.
It's worth going to a specialist when choosing your glasses, as they not only know which styles suit different shaped faces, but they will probably suggest a frame that you would never have thought of picking for yourself.
Colourwise, either go for a neutral that will match your hair or eye colouring, or push the boat out with something totally OTT. The latter is a good choice only if you wear glasses occasionally, as in when reading or driving. Finally, remember that one of the benefits of wearing glasses is that they can emphasise your best facial areas and minimise those you're not particularly fond of.
Leonard Daly at Queen Beauty Emporium, tel 01-4789633
Alain Mikli at www.mikli.com