Reading Glasses Depot

There are a variety of face shapes, and regardless of what you’d like, you have what you have, be it round, heart, oblong, square, oval, or triangular.  Truth be told, all face shapes are equal in that there isn’t one that is better than the other.  They all have positives and negatives, or things people like and dislike, like most features or traits.  In fact, embracing your face shape and maximizing its strengths is the best thing you can do, especially when choosing your reading glasses.

Today’ we’re focusing on the triangular face shape.  As the name implies, this face is narrow at the top and wider at the bottom. It is characterized by a narrow forehead and eye line that widens at the cheeks and the chin.  As you’re choosing your frames, be sure to avoid anything that draws attention to the cheeks or chin by being too wide or out of proportion.

Instead, try semi-rimless frames that accentuate the narrower upper face.

Envied

Another option is to wear top-heavy styles that add some balance to the wider jawline.

Cindy

Finally, you can opt for frames whose bottoms that angle inward.

Chatty

Do you have a heart-shaped face?  Rather than being oblong, diamond, square, oval, round, or triangle, your face would be characterized by an almost heart shape: a wider forehead and high cheekbones with a narrow chin.  There is nothing “right” or “wrong” about any face shape.  In fact, every face type has many celebs that wear it well.  For the heart-shaped face, Madonna is a perfect example.

While romantic in nature and very feminine, like Madonna and every other person with a heart-shaped face, you still have to be careful to maximize your best features without over-emphasizing others.  The main things to consider are proportions since your face is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.  Thus, you want to try to achieve balance- try frames that add width to the bottom of your face but not the top.  That might manifest in the form of a bottom-heavy pair of glasses or some with low-set temples.  You can also experiment with round or oval frames that soften the face.  Above all, avoid overly decorative frames, especially around the temples that will draw the eye to the wider forehead rather than the cheekbones or narrow chin.

“X’Quisite“- a great example of Bottom-heavy frames that draw the eye downward.  Plus, who doesn’t love tortoise shell?

“Jelly Bean“- with this delicious pair, you get the best of both worlds: low-set frames and bottom-heavy rims.

I will never forget the humiliation of my first glasses. As a teenager, every emotion is magnified, but this was legitimate. My father picked out these terrible round owlish frames that were way too big for my face. Then to make matters worse, they had a silly little dip on each side — you know, like the ones the high school librarian from the 50′s  had that attached to a chain around her neck. Oh, man…not stylish, in any way. I remember hiding my face in my locker every morning just so I wouldn’t have to face anyone before class. I’m still so scarred that I wear contacts around the clock just to avoid the embarrassment of glasses.

No more! This is the year for putting glasses frames demons to rest! I have found the cure — there are dozens of trendy and stylish frames options out there. Take a look at these, for example:

The "Trendies"in burgundy.

Or how about these sassy frames:

The sassy "SocialLite" in red.

Or even these for a cute look:

The darling "Harmony" in red.

Seriously, glasses frames can say a lot about who you are or who yo want to be. Choose carefully, but have a fun! Be a little daring, and treat yourself to a gift for the holidays that will make a strong statement in the New Year.

So you have a heart shaped face, hmmm? Lucky you!  Think, Paula Abdul, Kim Kardashian, Brooke Mueller,  and tell me they are not lovely faces. And after all, hearts are good things, right? Love, romance, happily ever after…hearts are good. But there definitely can be too much of a good thing. With a heart shaped face, you can’t be careless about choosing reading glasses, or that loveable heart will become an angry jab. No drugstore glasses for you, friend!

Luckily, you can keep your heart shaped face sweet as can be with attention to a couple small details.

• With a wide forehead and a narrow chin, find a frame that is wider at the bottom to balance your shape. Something like the Jelly Bean, perhaps.

• And you might think about choosing something in a light colored or even rimless. Reading glasses like these Gels would be a fashionable choice.

There are plenty of reading glasses frame options out there to flatter your heart shaped face. Now, here’s hoping your heart shaped face will translate to a heart filled life!

Diamond faces can be described as just that: diamond-shaped.  I’ll expound.  The forehead and jawline are thin and narrow, while the rest of the features are angular and the cheekbones are dramatic.  Honestly, it is a lovely face- check out the celebrities with diamond-shaped faces: Elizabeth Hurley, Halle Berry, and Reese Witherspoon.

As beautiful as a diamond face can be, you still have to be wise in how you choose your reading glasses.  Most importantly, do not wear narrow frames that will only emphasize a narrow eye line.  Rather, focus on your awesome cheekbones and frames that will highlight them.  Some good styles might be oval shapes, cat-eye shapes, or even rimless frames.  All these shapes will break up the angles and add a softer look.

“Twist“- a twist on the normal rounder frames with a slight tilt upwards at the temples.

“Alice“- slightly cat-eye but a little less round.  A safe way to try a new shape without adding too many angles to your face.

“Chit Chat“- a vibrant, modern scalloped reader.

“Gels“- choose one of 8 beautiful colors for a rimless look that will highlight your cheekbones.

While you may just think of chubby or thin, square or round, there are a lot of different face shapes out there.

Men or women can have an oblong face {think of Gwyneth Paltrow or Leo DiCaprio}- it just means that proportionately, the length is longer than the width of the face.  Thus, it’s  a narrow face and usually has angular features with high cheekbones, a longer nose, and a tall forehead.  Because of the length of the face, it’s important to wear tall frames that take up some space to create a shorter face.  Another tip is to try to add width by wearing broader glasses with an accented top rim or decorative temple.  This may all seem trivial, but little details are what make a look, even for celebs.

Let’s check out some broad, decorative-rimmed frames.

“Face Off“- these are colorful, broad frames that definitely add width to the oblong face.

“Accomplice“- what gorgeous, ultra-mod frames!

Here are some options for men.

“Atlantic Ave“- check out the cool decorative details at the temples.

“Geek“- the geek chic is still out there and definitely a contender for broad frames.

If you have an oval face, you are definitely the genetic lottery winner, at least in terms of reading glasses!  You can wear a lot of different frames and experiment with what you like.  Before we get to that, though, let’s make sure we all know what we’re talking about with regard to an “oval” face.

An oval face shape usually indicates proportional length and width, but high cheekbones with a slightly narrower chin.  Think of Julia Roberts and Jessica Alba.

Oval Face Shape

Okay, now you know if you have an oval face.  Check.  The next thing to discuss is how to flatter it with the best reading frames out there.  Like previously mentioned, you are super-lucky because you can get away with practically everything.  Yea you!  If anything, though, look for angular and geometric shapes that might add some dimension to softer curves and that accent your lovely cheekbones.  That said, let’s have some fun!

“Drop“- a super-fun pink and black roundish shaped frame your friends will envy!

“Ellery St“- these fab frames can’t help but draw attention to high cheekbones!

“Mary Ann“- You just can’t go wrong with tortoise and blue!  Just be ready to make an impression!

While men may love having a square jawline and/or face, many women struggle to feel feminine.  This is nonsense, of course, as having a square face is a matter of genetics and will not make or break you, especially if you know how to work with it!  Just look at Sandra Bullock or Jackie O, and you’ll see classic beauty from every angle, or line in this case.

Jackie O- a classically beautiful example of a square face

Like all face shapes, the key is to accessorize well to make the most of your assets.  If you have a square face, you have roughly proportional length and width, a broader forehead, and a square chin.  Thus, unlike a round face, you must avoid square, rectangular, or geometric shapes that will only square you off more.  Instead, go for round or oval frames that will add a new shape to your face.  Additionally, look for arm hinges at the top or middle of the frame, rather than at the bottom, for best effect.  Essentially, your goal is to draw attention upwards and away from the chin; thus, anything that draws attention downwards {be it a lower hinge point or even colors on the bottom of the frame} is not for you.

Check out these sleek options that fit the bill and you more attractively:

“Envied“- these frames have the triumverate: they are round, they are hinged at the top of the frame, and they boast their color upwards as well.

“Gossip“- these are an ultra-mod, yet vintage option for square faces.  A fun break for all the squares in the room!

Frames for Round Faces

Having a “round” face does not mean you are fat or unattractive.  Rather, it indicates that the width and height of your face are roughly equal.  There is nothing wrong with that.  I repeat, there is nothing wrong with a round face!  In fact, check out these fabulous celeb faces that are round, including Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Salma Hayek.

As those celebs know well, part of maximizing a round face is not making it appear rounder than it is and unintentionally thickening yourself up.  Thus, it’s important to accessorize your face well and purposefully, from hair style to frame shape and size.  Usually, the goal is to lengthen the look of the face with well-chosen frames.

Look for frames that contrast with your face shape, such as angular or geometric shapes {versus round}.  Thin, squarish or rectangular shapes work well.  Avoid too-small frames or overly round frames which will only accentuate facial  roundness instead of downplaying it.  Also, look for long frames rather than short frames.

Some great options are:

“Accomplished“- a cool geometric shape that will suit a round face.

“Tattle-Tale“- a cool and sleek geometric shape that has the added bonus of high-hinged arms {meaning at the temple rather than lower} that will draw attention upwards on the face.

The power of accessorizing

There is a certain desire for most people for trendiness.  I firmly believe it is rooted in more than keeping up with the styles for vanity’s sake.  Sure, you want to look good, but you also want make an impression, and the right impression at that.  I know that through fluctuating sizes, pregnancies, seasons, and just being a woman, I usually feel better if I put a little effort in.  Many of us do change size or even just preferences over time, so constantly changing our wardrobes is not exactly an option budget-wise.  However, one of the easiest ways to switch things up is through accessorizing.

Accessories

Jewelry is a really fun way to try new things and not spend a fortune.  Stores like Forever 21, Target, and Claire’s have tons of great jewelry for very affordable prices.  You can also hit sales at your favorite haunts and score some deals.  I find that I like to wear smaller earrings when my hair is down and fuller.  On the flip side, when it’s back, I love to wear bigger, more audacious earrings.  Have fun with your shoes and handbags, too, just like with your jewelry- remember, nothing has to match these days!

Some other fun accessories are your reading glasses.  Just like jewelry, they don’t draw attention to worry areas, but to your more flattering features, such as your face and eyes.  Thus, you get a lot of bang for your buck.  While you’re at it, the next step is to accessorize your reading glasses!  Once you’ve chosen the perfect pair for you, it’s fun to have cute accessories to accentuate them, such as Little Button or a a reading glasses-friendly necklace, such as Citrus.  There’s nothing I love more than functional jewelry.  You know you need your readers off and on all day- why not hang them on something easily accessible?  And while you’re at it, make it pretty!