They became our inseparable friends and it is already very difficult to go out without the protection –and also the style, it must be said– that sunglasses give us. In addition to protecting our eyesight from the damage caused by the sun’s rays (even when the clouds cover the sky), sunglasses are an essential accessory when it comes to completing a look and there is no fashion designer who ignores it. these days. After all, its power to quickly and completely transform our appearance is indisputable. And in such a simple way. This is exactly the objective of the latest collection of glasses by Juliana Paes for Alberto Oculista, created to help each woman express her personality and state of mind, using a single pair of glasses.
From the Eskimos to the catwalks
The truth is that the aesthetic component was one of the most recent to be valued in sunglasses and the evolution they have observed throughout history is curious. The first records of its use date back to prehistoric times, when the Inuit (an Eskimo people from the arctic region that encompasses Alaska, Greenland and part of Canada) used models made of walrus ivory with a slit in the front to prevent blindness. caused by reflections. of sunlight on snow. There are also sources that refer the use of sunglasses to Ancient Rome, mentioning that the emperor Nero watched the gladiatorial combats in the arena through an emerald, in order to protect his very clear eyes from the light. But although several historians question this information, the truth is that green lenses ended up being chosen, in the mid-eighteenth century, by a London optician to help treat certain vision problems.
Another of the functions that sunglasses end up having is to hide the eyes or the expression of the face (whoever has never used this trick to hide dark circles, cast the first stone), but this possibility was also discovered recently. Chinese used smoky quartz lenses in the 12th century to hide the facial expressions of judges. The truth is that it was only in 1929 when sunglasses, as we know them today, were invented, and we owe it to Sam Foster, who began mass-producing them, obtaining resounding success in Atlantic City, United States. . A few years later, the optical company Bausch & Lomb burst onto the scene with the famous American aviator sunglasses, which became an icon and a shape that is still a trend today.
How to choose the ideal sunglasses?
From the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld to Jackie Kennedy, going through the diva Audrey Hepburn or even Elton John, all these names ended up (also) associated with the sunglasses that each one wore and that became their brand image. But since not all of us are style geniuses or walk with a fashion consultant behind us, sometimes it becomes complex to choose the sunglasses that best suit our face shape, style or personality. So that you have no doubts when buying your next sunglasses, here is a guide with everything you should take into account:
1) The lenses must protect from the sun’s rays
This should be the first rule when the goal is to buy sunglasses, especially at a time when they are sold in various establishments, many of which are not even related to the world of optics. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the chosen lenses protect your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. All the sunglasses available in Alberto Oculista stores offer high protection, but if you have any doubts, ask the vision technicians, who are the professionals indicated to clarify any doubts about the quality of the lenses.
Juliana Paes, Rio de Janeiro S014 – €139
2) Take a good look at your face
Yes, before putting on your sunglasses it is important that you spend some time looking at your face, as its shape will dictate critical choices. If you have a round face, rectangular or square glasses will benefit you. But, if the intention is to tone down a more angular face (square or rectangular), then round or oval frames are the best option. Oval faces are versatile and fit well with most existing frames, while triangular faces are best favored with full-rim, round, oval or cat-eye frames. On the other hand, those who have very large faces have the possibility of opting for small frames and the opposite also happens, since the glasses help to harmonize the whole.
Tip: To be sure of your face shape, take a selfie and then draw the outline of your face on the photo using your phone’s photo editor.
3) Don’t forget your eyebrows
It is essential to pay attention to this detail, so often overlooked. Pay attention to the location of your eyebrows, as well as their shape, size and thickness, since the chosen frames can hide them completely, accompany them (it gives great harmony to the face) or leave them uncovered. It all depends on the result you want.
4) Can be graduated if necessary
There are those who need prescription sunglasses, which are especially useful for driving, for example. If this is your case, it is best to consult a vision technician, since the chosen mounts must be able to be used in this area.
5) Lens colors influence how you see
Contrary to what you might think, lens colors serve a much broader purpose, not just limited to fashion trends. Therefore, it is important to keep this fact in mind when making a decision. In fact, green lenses are very versatile and are well suited to everyday use, helping to reduce glare. As for black or gray lenses, they also reduce glare and keep colors close to life, making them very suitable for driving.
In turn, brown lenses allow a good contrast sensation, and can also be used for driving and outdoor activities. Among the colored lenses, you should know that the yellow ones reduce glare and adjust the contrast, making them suitable for cloudy days, and the pink ones improve the sensation of depth. As for blue or purple lenses, they reduce reflections, but they are not very effective in reducing glare.
Source: Observadora
