How to ensure your spectacle lenses always hit the right (colour) tones

They can be admired on many prominent faces and are real eye-catchers on international catwalks: spectacles 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, colored lenses are a trend that matches any personality and any complexion.

The most beautiful paintings are created using eye-catching colours – and ZEISS uses them to create its most captivating spectacle 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, as well as current stylistic shades.

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 pastel shades before reaching for bright orange or pink.

Spectacles with coloured lenses are not the entire look! They can also be harmonised with the face and style of the individual.

Whether you're extroverted or a quieter type, it makes no difference – perfect foundation complementing the skin tone may be applied to ensure an even complexion. This means a concealer is used to hide surface blemishes and dark circles under the eyes. 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. With darkly pigmented complexions, however, make-up should be used sparingly to ensure that it does not look artificial and unnatural. As dark-skinned women usually have lighter skin tones in the cheek area, it is advisable to mix two tones. Asians have a more sallow complexion and yellowish make-up products should therefore be selected. 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 makeup that are coated with powder to effectively reduce shine – highly recommended when attending glamorous parties.

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

It's often desirable for the eye makeup to be somewhat more pronounced than would be worn with spectacles without coloured lenses, but it should not overpower the lens colour. The question then arises of whether to choose higher-contrast makeup or the same colour as the spectacle lenses themselves. The answer is clear: eyes tend to quickly look drab in makeup that is the exact same colour as the spectacles. For instance, one could choose cobalt blue eyeshadow to go with green spectacle 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 spectacle lenses. With dark complexions, eyeshadow and eye pencil in ice-blue, violet or gold look fascinating – definitely with a metallic effect. As Asian women do not normally have a crease in their eyelids, only the lower part of the moving lid is highlighted. Apply light grey or brown eyeshadow up to the centre, and trace the upper rim of the lid with eyeliner.

A generous portion of black mascara is a must for all women who wear spectacles – 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  spectacle lenses that correct farsightedness; since they already make the eyes look larger, it's best to exercise restraint when applying eye makeup.

With or without spectacles, 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 shape the brow into an attractive shape. They can then be emphasised 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 spectacle lenses, the lenses and makeup should remain in the same colour family – warm or cool – so as to achieve a harmonious look.

Lip makeup is indispensable. The eyes and lips should always harmonise. 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 moisturising. Of course, trend-conscious spectacle wearers can use colour generously. The important thing is to ensure the makeup is applied carefully to the lips as brilliantly coloured spectacle lenses attract the gaze and draw attention to the face. Follow these steps for the perfect lip makeup: apply makeup 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 makeup and spectacle 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!