As Oscar de la Renta famously said, “A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories,” and he’s absolutely right. Accessories can complete a look, adding a touch of personal flair. Among these, sunglasses are a favourite choice for women year-round. The variety of sunglasses available for women is vast, offering endless options to match any style. However, the most crucial feature to look for in sunglasses is UV protection.
The Importance of Choosing UV-Filtering Sunglasses
It’s essential to choose sunglasses that offer protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV light is a significant factor in the progression of several eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Therefore, wearing sunglasses with high UV protection is vital for maintaining the health of your eyes. When searching for the right lenses, opt for ones that offer both UVA and UVB protection. These lenses shield your eyes from the first and second longest wavelengths of UV light, which can penetrate the outer skin layer and eyes.
Polarised or Non-Polarised?
When selecting stylish and protective female sunglasses, it’s important to understand the difference between polarised and non-polarised lenses. Polarised lenses are not the same as UV400 lenses. UV400 sunglasses provide the highest level of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Polarised lenses, on the other hand, are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or snow. They filter reflected light and help reduce eye strain, maintaining clearer vision. This feature is especially beneficial for activities such as driving, skiing, and boating.
Fortunately, you can find UV400 protective lenses that are either polarised or non-polarised. This flexibility allows you to invest in multiple pairs of sunglasses to stay protected and stylish in various situations.
Light or Dark Tint?
A common misconception is that dark-tinted lenses provide better eye protection. While dark lenses do reduce visible light, they don’t necessarily offer UV protection. In fact, ordinary dark lenses can cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful UV light to enter the eyes.
The key takeaway is to choose sunglasses with UV400 protection, regardless of the tint. The colour and darkness of the lenses are more about personal preference and style. Even the lightest tinted lenses can offer excellent UV protection if they are properly coated.
When choosing between polarised, non-polarised, darker, or lighter tinted lenses, also consider scratch resistance. Scratch-resistant lenses maintain their appearance and prevent UV rays from entering through scratches, thus reducing the risk of eye strain and damage.
How Do I Choose Flattering Sunglasses?
Selecting the most flattering sunglasses involves considering your face shape. This approach ensures you’ll be satisfied with your choice and feel confident wearing them.
Heart-Shaped Face
A heart-shaped face has a wider forehead and cheekbones with a narrower chin. Women with this face shape should opt for cat-eye or round sunglasses and avoid overly embellished models.
Oblong – Long Shaped Face
An oblong face is characterised by a longer length with a narrower chin and cheeks. Oversized or wraparound sunglasses are the best options, while narrow or skinny sunglasses are less flattering.
Oval Shaped Face
This is maybe the most wanted type of face by women because everything is balanced from the forehead to the cheekbones and jaw. That being said, all sunglasses shapes can look great on oval faces.
Square Shaped Face
The square-shaped face is characterised by its broad forehead and square jawline. The best shape for women with such face are round, oval and cat-eye, while sunglasses with sharp and geometric shapes can look extremely bad on it.
Round Shaped Face
The round face is characterised by its full cheeks, narrower forehead and jaw, and the best models of shades for such a face are wider and more rectangular frames. By any means, women with round faces should stay away from shades with rounder frames and coloured lenses.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pair of sunglasses is about more than just fashion; it’s about protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Whether you prefer polarised or non-polarised lenses, dark or light tints, ensure your sunglasses offer UV400 protection. Additionally, consider your face shape to find the most flattering style. By paying attention to these factors and ensuring proper maintenance, you can enjoy stylish, comfortable, and protective eyewear all year round.
Sunglasses are not just an accessory; they are an essential tool for protecting your eyes. Investing in a quality pair that suits your style and face shape can enhance your overall look while providing the necessary protection against harmful UV rays. So, the next time you’re shopping for female sunglasses, remember to prioritise UV protection and choose a pair that complements your unique face shape and style preferences. Your eyes will thank you for it!
