How to Ensure Your Eyeglass Lenses Always Hit the Right (Colour) Tones

They can be admired on many prominent faces and are real eye-catchers on international catwalks: eyeglasses with colourful lenses. But you don't have to be a star or model to have an attractive appearance with such an accessory. Together with the appropriate make-up, coloured lenses are a trend that matches any personality and any complexion.

The most beautiful paintings are created using these colours – and ZEISS uses them to create its most captivating eyeglass lenses: black, brown, grey, grey-green, blue and rosé for single colour lenses; black, brown, grey, grey-green, blue and grey-blue for graduated tints; and pistachio, cinnamon, stone and jeans for the bicolour lenses.

The new ZEISS range of coloured lenses has something for all ages. Trend-conscious individuals are generally not afraid of strong colours, whilst those who prefer a more conservative look tend to choose more subtle tones. Those whose preference is somewhere in between do well to try nuanced pastel shades before reaching for bright orange or pink.

Eyeglasses with coloured lenses aren't the whole look, however. They need make-up to form an overall look that harmonizes with the face and hairstyle.

Whether you're extroverted or a quieter type, it makes no difference – perfect foundation complementing the skin tone must be applied to ensure an even complexion. This means a concealer is used to hide surface irregularities, pimples and dark eye circles. It's best to use a special sponge to work the foundation into the skin, then to fix and finish it with a touch of transparent powder. Coloured lenses also make crows' feet appear in a wonderfully forgiving light. You should check your complexion several times throughout the day and touch up any problem areas as needed. Several brands make blotter tissues for make-up that are coated with powder to effectively reduce shine – highly recommended when attending glamorous parties.

Next we turn to the make-up products that can add some colour. This should complement the colour of the eyeglass lenses, of course, as well as the skin tone, especially for intense colours. As a general rule, brilliant colours look best against light skin tones.

It's often desirable for the eye make-up to be somewhat more pronounced than would be worn with glasses without coloured lenses, but it should not overpower the lens colour. The question then arises of whether to choose higher-contrast make-up or the same colour as the eyeglass lenses themselves. The answer is clear: Eyes tend to quickly look drab in make-up that is the exact same colour as the glasses. For instance, one could choose cobalt blue eyeshadow to go with green eyeglass lenses, provided this works with your skin type or look. This combination produces incredibly attractive effects. A clean line along the eyelashes on the upper eyelid and a line under the eyelashes on the lower lid frame the eyes ideally and prevent them from being visually overwhelmed by the eyeglass lenses. 

A generous portion of black mascara is a must for all women who wear eyeglasses – it helps to make eyes look more open. Another trick to make your eyes look larger is to apply a line of white or skin-colour kohl along the inner side of the lower eyelid.

The only exception is eyeglass lenses that correct farsightedness; since they already make the eyes look larger, it's best to exercise restraint when applying eye make-up.

With or without glasses, eyebrows need some attention as they significantly influence facial expression. They should always be accented – yet not too much or too little. The current trend favours a more natural look for eyebrows. This means they shouldn't be ultra-thin, but somewhat wider instead – yet always have a defined shape. Stencils are available that can be used to pluck the hairs into an attractive shape. They can then be emphasized or filled more modestly using an eyebrow pencil or powder.

A soft blush lends the face freshness and helps define its contours. But it must be applied correctly – applying it too liberally is taboo. Powdered blush is best applied onto the foundation and faded out up to the temples using the brush. A golden rule applies here too: when wearing brilliantly coloured eyeglass lenses, the lenses and make-up should remain in the same colour family – warm or cool – so as to achieve a harmonious look.

Lipstick is indispensable. The eyes and lips should always harmonize. In short, if the eyes are lightly accented, the lips should likewise have a modest amount of colour. A shiny lip balm can be useful here as it shows off the natural skin tone to great effect whilst also moisturizing. Of course, trend-conscious eyeglass wearers can use colour generously. The important thing is to ensure the make-up is applied carefully to the lips as brilliantly coloured eyeglass lenses attract the gaze and draw attention to the face. Follow these steps for the perfect lip make-up: Apply make-up to the lips as a foundation; trace the lip contours using lip liner; then apply the colour precisely using a small brush. Next, press the lips against a facial tissue and apply a second coat of colour, but take care that it never exceeds the natural contour of the lips. Finally, apply a dab of clear gloss to the lips if desired.

Distinct from a subtle or very colourful effect, it's also possible to achieve an elegant look with coloured lenses – perfect for business or evening events. For a highly distinguished effect, combine gold and blue eye make-up and eyeglass lenses with apricot lipstick. Emerald and gold, or camel and gold looks great when worn with a neutral lipstick.

Coloured lenses can be used to create a wide range of styles. Discover the fun of playing with colour – and your own personal, favourite look!