Makeup readers serve many purposes. They are great for fine print, browsing the web, cooking new recipes, and completing daily tasks.

However, when it comes to applying makeup, many women would say they rely on magnified vanity mirrors versus reading glasses. This is understandable since standard reading glasses can get in the way.

While vanity mirrors are a great option for applying makeup at home, what about when you’re traveling or at the office? We suggest opting for a pair of makeup reading glasses. Yes, you read that right, glasses specifically designed for applying makeup!

How to Use Makeup Readers

When shopping for makeup reading glasses you will come across a few different designs. A common design for a pair of makeup readers is a frame with a swiveling lens allowing you to see clearly while you apply your makeup. When using this design simply swivel the lens to the eye you are not working on while you apply makeup to the opposite eye.

Like traditional reading glasses, makeup readers are designed to fit your lifestyle and eliminate struggle. So as you begin your search for the perfect pair of makeup readers it is important to find frames that you are comfortable using.

Types of Makeup Reading Glasses

The Carrie Makeup Reader

The Carrie Makeup Reader is designed to allow you to use your reading magnification while simultaneously applying makeup in a mirror. Simply switch the swiveling lens when you need to do the other eye! The lens is fully magnified in powers up to +3.00.

The Kellyn Makeup Reader

The Kellyn Makeup Reader features a swivel lens that allows you to apply makeup to one eye while seeing with clear vision from the other eye! Available in powers +1.00 to +3.50* and three tortoise colors.

Makeup readers will enhance your beauty routine in no time! You may even find yourself storing multiple pairs around your house, office, purse, and car. No judgment here! Use our helpful guide on wearing makeup with glasses for more expert tips.

Determining Your Power for a Makeup Reader

The standard reading distance is 12-18 inches. With this in mind, you should consider how close you typically stand to the mirror when applying your makeup. The further away you stand from the mirror the lower your power should be, and the closer you stand to the mirror the higher your power should be.

Never bought reading glasses before? No problem! You can easily find your reading glasses power by using our free Power Finder tool.

Shop Makeup Readers ›

Fast-forward to 1286 when Italian monks developed the first visual aid. The glasses were made of two framed glass or crystal stones, and were held up to the eyes using a handle. By the end of the 14th century, thousands of eyeglasses were being exported to all of Europe. Florence, Italy became a leader in production, sale and innovation of eyeglasses in the mid-1400s. After the realization that vision slowly declines with age, glass makers in the area began to create eyeglasses in various strengths. Eyeglasses were graded with strengths progressing for every five years of age.

In 1665 The London Press delivered the first newspaper, sparking a demand for eyeglasses. It was around this time that people who wore glasses were viewed as intelligent and of high status. Eyewear began to evolve once again when France introduced the “pince-nez” (translation: “to pinch the nose.) These spectacles are known for their uncomfortable design as they were made of wire or horn, sometimes leather, and sat at the bridge of the nose without temples. It was Teddy Roosevelt who is tributed for making the pince-nez a popular style in the United States.

The round lens look continued to be the style choice through the 1920s and 1930s but were made from sturdier metal and celluloid. To enhance the look of these metal glasses new materials were introduced: real silver, 12k-gold plating, and tortoise shell. Tortoise shell became a very popular material due to its detailed markings, but was also considered uncomfortable since it was a heavier material.

As men and women began to desire more variety in their eyewear, trends in lenses shifted to the browline and cat eye styles in the 1940s and 1950s. These new styles combined both metal and plastic. It was common to see plastic at the top of the lens. This look became so popular that after World War II it was noted that the browline and cat eye styles made up 50 percent of eyewear sales. This decade was also the beginning of bold colors and decorations being incorporated into glasses.

John Lennon, Janis Joplin, Jackie Kennedy, and Elton John were a few of the people who influenced the looks in eyewear during the 1960s and 1970s. During this decade oversized, bug-eyed glasses were all the rage. The oversized white plastic frames became the signature look throughout the 1960s, as well as round colorful lenses, influenced by the hippie styles.

The 1980s saw a comeback in vintage clothes and accessories which also translated into trends in eyewear. Popular styles during this decade consisted of rhinestone bedazzled cat-eye glasses, Rockabilly metal frames form the ‘50s, and unique mod shaped frames from the ‘60s. Transitioning from the ‘80s to the ‘90s, styles in eyewear took a 180 degree turn by moving towards simple black shades and sporty shapes with a minimal/serious look.

Glasses in the 21st century reflect many of the styles seen throughout previous decades. Eyewear in the 2000s do not lean towards one signature look, but instead caters to personal style. As fashion magazines are no longer the major influencer in fashion that they once were, street style has become a key influencer in trends today. Social media, bloggers, and photographers are a few of the top influencers driving trends in the 21st century. Name brand designers are putting more money towards their eyewear lines resulting in glasses making regular appearances on the red carpet. Glasses now have their own space in the fashion world as they have become a desirable accessory.