Eight expert tips on how to find your best sunglasses

Angelina Jolie wearing sunglasses

Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from sun rays and prevent eye wrinkles, but can also enhance your look and create instant style. Read on to find the best frames to flatter your face! 

Go big or go home

A typical rule of thumb is that the sunglasses should be at least 25 to 35 percent larger than your eyeglass frames. They should have a bit of a curve and should follow the shape of your eyebrows but should never be below them or you’ll get sunlight coming through. Glasses should also never sit on the cheeks or they’ll fog up and leave a red mark on your face.

We love: Women's Wire-Frame Peep-Lens Sunglasses, $13. Old Navy.

Best face forward

“Face shape does matter when it comes to choosing sunglasses,” says Amin Mamdani, vice president of operations for Josephson Opticians in Toronto. What to look for? “You want a pair that gives your eyes adequate coverage and brings out the best features of your face, rather than hiding behind your sunglasses,” he says.

We love: Jeremy Tarian 'L-Train' frame, $375. Josephson.

Round it out

You have a round face when the width and length are same proportions. “If you choose a frame that’s very round it’s going to make your face look even rounder,” says Mamdani. Look for frames that make your face appear longer and thinner — rectangular shapes or angular narrow shape are best for you.  Aim to have it sit high or mid-height at your temples to help to create a longer profile. Go for a clear bridge to widen your eyes and coloured frames that are wider than they are deep to add width.

We love: The “Amazing” Sunglasses, $540. Swarovski.

Outstanding oval

The oval face shape is the most ideal, says Mamdani. It has perfectly balanced proportions. The chin is slightly narrower than the forehead and the cheekbones are typically higher as well. Lucky gals — this face shape can wear basically anything.

We love: Oval Frame sunglasses, $13. Winners.

Be a square

A square face has a strong jaw line and broad forehead, wide chin and cheekbones. The width and length are normally proportional to one another. Choose frames that make the face appear longer and softer, says Mamdani. Frames should be more horizontal than vertical, wider than the widest part of the face and have weight on top. Gently curved narrow styles will minimize angles and give length as well.

We love: Sunglasses, $12. Reitmans.

So long oblong

An oblong face is longer than it is wide. Normally this face shape has a long straight cheek line and sometimes a longer nose. Choose frames that break up the length of the face, to help it appear shorter and wider. Look for oval or round-ish shapes along with a frame that is more deep than it is wide. Frames that feature strong horizontal lines, low-triangle shapes or ones that are round and deep are ideal. Decorative contrasting temples can add width to the face as well, Mamdani recommends.

We love: Attitude Classic sunglasses, $25. Sears.

Range of view

While face shape is always important, sometimes you have to go against the grain and try out the latest trend for fun. What’s hot this season? Oversized, gradient lenses with lots of vintage inspiration and retro plastics. Coloured tortoiseshells are also a big hit for summer. “Buy as many pairs as you see value in,” says Mamdani. Most people need more than one pair to fit their lifestyle — be it a pair of urban glasses with a gradient tint for driving on a cloudy day or a pair of sporty sunglasses you can wear out running.

We love: Oliver Goldsmith 'Goo Goo' frame, $525. Josephson.

Optical quality

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While we adore a fun pair of affordable sunglasses sometimes it’s best to invest if you can afford it. You want to look for optical quality lenses, says Mamdani, and ones that provide 100 percent UVA/UVB protection to help prevent cataracts, burning of the skin around the eyes and discomfort from the sun.

We love: Oakley Fives Square Polished White/Black Iridium Lens Sunglasses, $115. Sunglass Hut.