Dear LasF, I have just switched from glasses to contacts and have decided to invest in some sunglasses. I was wondering if you could tell me what are some good styles and what looks good on what face type.

Thanks,

Tegan K

Isaac Mizrahi, $19.99



Tegan, congratulations on your recent liberation from glasses! I recently acquired contacts as well and they have changed my life. I love my funky glasses, but MAN is it nice to be able to wear my hot sunglasses and still see!

There are a lot of issues to consider with buying new shades. They are a fashion statement, but they also function as a vital way to protect your peepers from dangers UV rays. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Mossimo, $16.99




Coach April Sunglasses, $168

Where sunglasses are concerned, the bigger the better! You want to have as much of your eye area covered as possible since sunglasses are supposed to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Wrap around sunglasses are a safe bet.


Check for UV protection. Do NOT
buy sunglasses without that UV sticker! Any pair of shades you're considering needs to have 99-100% UV protection. Don't settle for less. See this article on the negative effects that the sun can have on your eyes and how to counteract them.



Your eyes should not be visible through the shades. This rules out a lot of the trendy glasses, but it's worth it.

Last, but certainly not least, Wear your shades all year round. A cloudy day does not protect you from UV rays. You are getting exposed to them whether or not the sun is visible.

So where do you find fashionable shades? Well, my first question to you is: What is your price range? Personally, I never spend more than about $20 on a pair of peeper covers, but that's because I tend to lose them. And the bigger and more pressing question, really, is--what will look good on you?

Dolce and Gabbana, $114


The very best way to find a great pair of shades is to go looking for them. Frequent your usual clothing haunts--often the places that have clothes you like will also have shades you like. Be open-minded, though--don't be afraid to try styles that you think won't look good. You never know what's going to compliment your face until you try it on.

Make sure your hair is styled as you normally style it. If you're a ponytail gal, then wear a ponytail; if you generally let your locks flow, then keep them down. You want everything about your appearance to be as typical as possible.


Pick a style that matches your personality and typical fashion philosophy. If you're normally this type of dresser:




Then don't choose shades like this!



Hope this helps, Tegan!