7 Factors to Consider when Picking out New Sunglasses ...

I tend to stick to neutrals when picking out new sunglasses, but there are loads of colorful choices out there, so don’t be afraid to shake things up with a brightly hued pair. Colored frames are a fun way to make your hairstyle and outfit pop and give you the chance to inject some personality into your style. Choose a color that looks good against your skin tone and hair color.

You’ve probably seen all the sunglasses frame shapes out there. That includes circles, ovals and squares. But how do you know which one to choose? Try them on, of course! But, in general, if you have a square shaped face, round or oval frames will look better on your. Likewise, if you have a round face, square frames will complement it nicely. Obviously, your personal preference should also play a big role in the sunglasses you choose.

Sunglasses come in many styles. You can find neutral plain pairs or you can opt for a brightly colored pair with rhinestones and wings at the top. No matter what you choose, be sure you try them on first. You might have to head to a specialty store to find these fancy styles as most stores sell the most popular choices, which tend toward neutral. But, having a funky pair of sunglasses is a fun way to enjoy a day in the sunshine.

Just like frames, lenses come in a variety of colors. Part of your choice should take into account your personal preference. However, each color will reduce glare to a different degree so you may want to think about that before springing for a pair just for the color. Some lenses make the colors around you seem strange, so that’s another thing to think about. For example, brown lenses can distort colors and make things around you seem hazy.

I know it’s not as much fun as thinking about the color and style of your frames, but it’s a good idea to look for polarized lenses, no matter what color you decide to buy. That’s because they do a better job of reducing glare, which means you can see better. That’s pretty important when you’re wearing sunglasses to drive or bike. Most sunglasses will tell you on the tag if they’re polarized. If you can’t find that information, choose a different pair.

Looking beautiful might not be worth it if the sunglasses you choose aren’t comfortable. That’s why you should always try them on before buying. If they don’t feel good, put them back, no matter how cute they are. I usually go for sunglasses that don’t have screwed in nose pieces because they get stuck in my hair when I wear them on my head. Whatever your comfort level, your sunglasses shouldn’t challenge that.

No matter how awesome a pair of sunglasses is, they should never compromise your eye health. Be sure your sunglasses offer 100 percent UV protection. That blocks harmful rays from damaging your eyes and the skin around them. The good news - most sunglasses fit the bill.

How do you pick sunglasses? What’s your favorite pair? I hope these tips make buying sunglasses fun for you!