FRAME FASHION
Spectacular AT EVERY AGE
On-point eyewear—plus a few bonus beauty tips delivered by beauty guru Bobbi Brown herself—for women in their 20s and 30s to women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond
BY AMY SPIEZIO
from millennials fresh out of college to baby boomers eager to continue their working years well into traditional retirement time, the U.S. currently has five generations in the workplace, all with varying design preferences and health needs.
With so many different demographic groups at work and play, there’s an ongoing demand for fashion and eyewear that look beautiful for every age.
Here, we look at the trends and looks that work for every generation with exclusive insights and advice from celebrated makeup artist and brand founder—plus Safilo eyewear brand driver—Bobbi Brown.
The 20s
THE MILLENNIALS are the focus of the world right now, and they are doing things very differently from previous generations. In addition to delaying marriage and home buying, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research notes that 57% of these shoppers compare prices in-store and that “millennials are turning to brands that can offer maximum convenience at the lowest cost.”
For this market, consider fast-fashion options at competitive prices. Healthwise, the first generation of digital natives faces eye strain from nearly constant screen exposure, and computer eyewear (along with blue light products) is buoyed by these consumers.
From top: Ogi Eyewear style 9216; OP Nissi Beach in pink tortoise from ClearVision Optical; Humphrey’s model 594009_50 from Tura
Bobbi Don’ts:
THE 20s
Not wearing enough sunscreen. “There are so many skin care products with built-in SPF, so it’s easy to wear it every day. In addition to your face, don’t forget areas like the back of your hands and décolletage that are also exposed to the sun.” —Bobbi Brown
The 30s
SPLIT DEMOGRAPHICALLY BETWEEN MILLENNIALS AND GENERATION X, today’s 30- to 40-year-olds are a mix of characteristics from financial conservatism to helicopter parenting. While bank accounts are getting fatter thanks to career development, the amount of body fat starts going up after age 30, too. Generally, however, the 30s are a decade of good health and ensuring that good habits are in place for a lifetime.
Establishing a habit of consistent sunglass wear for long-term eye protection is critical, and career chic eyewear is the driving fashion force.
From top: Geneviéve Boutique collection style Remarkable from Modern Optical International; ProDesign styles 1758-61; Fendi sunglass style 0136S from Safilo
Bobbi Don’ts:
THE 30s
Skipping out on skin care. “Your skin cells still turn over relatively rapidly in your thirties, so you want to make sure you’re making your skin as healthy as possible for the years to come.” —Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Do’s:
THE 20s & 30s
“Your twenties and thirties are a time for experimenting. Go for a bold pink lip, a smoky eye with lots of mascara, or a shimmering bronzed cheek.” —Bobbi Brown
The 40s
GENERATION X has transitioned over the years from grunge rock to helicopter parenting. The generation is best known for its pragmatism, and is cited by Newsweek as “The generation that dropped out without ever turning on the news or tuning in to the social issues around them.”
While in many ways people in their 40s are still ready to raise the roof, this is the period during which presbyopia typically kicks in, adding deeper B measurements to frame selection considerations.
Above: Gotti style Suse in olive translucent and purple translucent Below: Fysh UK style F-3536 in black cognac from Westgroupe
Bobbi Don’ts:
THE 40s
Trying to look younger as opposed to fresher. “Now is not the time to experiment with bold-colored eyeliner or mascara, but to settle into a routine that makes you look like the prettiest version of yourself.” —Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Do’s:
THE 40s & 50s
“My rule when it comes to color for women in their forties and fifties is to use brighter shades of blush and lipstick, but stick with medium or lighter-toned shades on the eyes. Since our natural coloring fades as we age, it’s important to wear more color, such as a brighter blush or lip color. It will help to brighten up your face.” —Bobbi Brown
The 50s
REPRESENTING THE TRANSITIONAL YEARS BETWEEN GENERATION X AND THE BABY BOOMERS, today’s 50-somethings are the youngest, coolest grannies and grandpas in history. Quinquagenarians are healthy and fit—think of Elle “The Body” Macpherson—but with all the AARP benefits. Presbyopia makes itself right at home with this age group, while floaters, dry eye, sensitivity to glare, and night vision all become more of a concern.
From top: Aspex Easy Clip style EC 361; Modern Art style A368 from Modern Optical International
The 60s
BABY BOOMERS are in their 60s and still expect the best from the world and themselves. They also make up a significant portion of the world’s population. HelpAge International notes that today almost 1 in 10 people are over 60 and by 2050, 1 in 5 people will be over age 60.
For eyewear, lighter-weight options get more important as skin becomes more fragile. Eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment increasingly become an issue.
Top to bottom: ProDesign style 5150; Robert Graham style Throwback from Evolution Eyewear
Bobbi Do’s:
THE 60s & 70s
“The sixties and seventies is not the time for being trendy—it’s about being classic. If you’re looking to change up your look or routine, play with a different shade of lip color. Choose a shade that is one or two shades lighter than the shade you normally wear, as it will give your complexion an instant lift.” —Bobbi Brown
The 70s+
THE “GREATEST GENERATION” brings its traditional values and loyalty to the table, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t like to have fun. In fact, one of this group’s favorite pastimes is shopping, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that seniors spend more time shopping than their younger counterparts do.
When it comes to eyecare, this segment of the market struggles with the most optical challenges, from macular degeneration to cataracts, and seeing fine details diminishes as nerve cells communicating with the brain diminish.
(Inset) Joan Collins style 9793 from New York Eye; Scojo New York Albany Street reading glasses from Ogi Eyewear
Bobbi Don’ts:
THE 70s+
Moisturizing is key. “Use a rich moisturizer, oil, or balm every day, even if you don’t wear any other makeup. On top of that, the next most important step is a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer, plus concealer if needed to even out the skin.” —Bobbi Brown
![]({"src":"/media/tqihc233/102015.jpg","focalPoint":null,"crops":[{"alias":"thumbnail","width":1110,"height":700,"coordinates":null}]})