What you need to consider when choosing your sunglasses

With summer just around the corner, it’s almost time to whip out your shorts and sunglasses. Why not upgrade your wardrobe and treat yourself to a new pair? Not only is it a great way of refreshing your favourite summer-friendly outfits, but they’ll protect your eyes from harmful UV rays cast by the sun. Before you pick up a pair, consider the following tips to get the best choice for your money.

Prescription or non-prescription
You shouldn’t have to choose between seeing properly and protecting your eyes. Luckily, there are plenty of options for those who need a prescription but don’t fancy wearing their regular pair under their sunnies. You can pick up prescription sunglasses that are equally as stylish and affordable as their non-prescription counterparts. As well as standard sunnies, you can also get a pair with photochromic lenses, which adapt to light conditions to turn from regular specs into sunglasses.

Ensure they’re effective
Some sunnies are better than others, which is why it’s important to check how effective they are before you wear them out for long periods of time. They should block around 75 to 90% of visible light, and you can check this by wearing them in front of a mirror. If you can clearly see your eyes through them, then you may want to consider picking up a more effective pair.

Face shape
When it comes to what will suit you, you’ll want to consider what face shape you have. This will help determine what frames look best on you, which is particularly helpful if you’re buying your sunglasses online. While you can always experiment if you wish, generally it’s thought that the following suit each face shape:

Round face - choose rectangle glasses, avoid oval or circle shapes.
Square face - choose aviator or oval glasses, avoid square frames.
Oval face - you’re lucky as you can get away with most styles, but try to avoid anything overly narrow.
Heart shape face - just as with those with an oval face, you look good with most styles. You should avoid anything overly wide, however,
Rectangle face - choose deep, thick frames such as a ‘nerd glasses’ style, avoid oval frames.
Triangle face - opt for cat-eye styles or glasses with a thick browline.

Knowing your face shape means you don’t have to worry about your new pair of sunglasses turning up only to not suit your features.

Colour
The undertones of your skin determine what colour flatters you, whether that be sunglasses, clothing or makeup. Those with pale skin with a pink undertone look great with blue, pink or light neutral shades, whereas those with pale but peachy skin and warm undertones suit dark browns, red, purple and warm neutrals. If you have dark skin and cool undertones, on the other hand, you’ll likely suit purple, marine blue, smoky grey tones and black. Those with dark skin and warm undertones should go for deep brown, mellalics like gold or green.

Overall, however, it’s important for you to feel confident and comfortable in your new sunglasses. Make sure you stay looking and feeling cool when it’s hot outside by picking a pair that is effective at blocking the sun and makes you feel great.