O's Eyeglasses Intervention
The Oval Face
PAGE 3
FACIAL GEOMETRY
The oval may not be absolutely symmetrical—Luz Stella Kochiss, 44, mother of three and a Spanish teacher, has cheekbones slightly higher than the middle of her face, and her chin is a bit narrower than her forehead—but it's close. Frequently described as classical or harmonious, this shape looks good in almost any glasses.
THE BEFORE PAIR
Although oval types can do fine in subtly rounded frames, you don't want to go ultracircular. These grannyish glasses are aging, not to mention just plain boring. They are also too narrow for Luz; to set off her gorgeous bone structure, glasses should be at least as wide as the broadest part of her face. .
THE AFTER PAIR
Narrow glasses with upswept corners and vivid accents on top (Lafont, "Sarah," $330) produce what Lochli-McGrath calls the facelift effect, emphasizing cheekbones and making the jaw look slimmer and more angular. These frames are a departure for Luz: "They're definitely different," she says. "I like change. And glasses are important—they're the first thing I reach for when I get up in the morning." Makeup alert: A strong prescription like Luz's tends to magnify the eyes, so go easy with mascara and shadow.
THE RIGHT SUNGLASSES
Newly popular shields are genius for arming you against the sun, but you don't want to look as if you just schussed down a mountain. Edged with a metal rope motif—gold and bronze are magnificent with Luz's warm brunette coloring—these shades are more elegant than athletic (Escada, "SES 627," $255). Dark sunglasses are essential for ocular health, says Lochli-McGrath, who also recommends a variety of pairs because some lenses are better suited to certain light conditions than others.
Photos: Marc Royce