The Shades That Suit You Best

Stay Stylish & Safe In The Sun

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement - they’re your first line of defence against the sun’s harmful rays. With prolonged UV exposure linked to everything from premature wrinkles to serious eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration, wearing proper eye protection is a must. But choosing the right pair isn’t just about safety - it’s also about finding a style that flatters your face and reflects your personality.

Why Eye Protection Matters

The skin around our eyes is thinner and more delicate, making it particularly vulnerable to sun damage. UV-blocking sunglasses help shield not just your eyes, but the surrounding skin too. Look for lenses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and consider polarised options for added clarity and reduced glare - especially if you're by the water or driving.

How To Choose Sunglasses That Flatter Your Face

With so many shapes, sizes, and colours on the market, finding your perfect pair can feel overwhelming. But understanding your face shape is a great place to start.

Round Face

If your face has soft curves, full cheeks, and a rounded jawline with a similar width and height, you're working with a round face shape. The aim here is to create contrast and structure.

Go for angular styles - think rectangular, square, or geometric frames - that help sharpen and elongate your features. Wayfarers are a go-to classic, while cat-eye frames add a touch of vintage drama and elegance. Avoid round frames, which can exaggerate the softness rather than balance it out.

Oval Face

Considered the most versatile face shape, oval faces are gently curved with balanced proportions. Your forehead may be slightly wider than your chin, and your features are naturally symmetrical. The good news? You can pull off nearly any frame style. Oversized sunglasses look effortlessly glam, aviators are forever chic, and bold geometric shapes can add edge to your look. Just be careful with extremely large frames that may overwhelm your natural balance.

Square Face

A square face typically has a broad forehead, strong jawline, and minimal curves. Your goal is to soften those striking angles. Round, oval, or even slightly curved butterfly-style frames can work wonders here. Think soft silhouettes and thinner rims to bring contrast and flow to your face. Avoid sharp, boxy styles that echo your natural structure too closely - they can look harsh instead of harmonious.

Heart-Shaped Face

Heart-shaped faces are widest at the forehead and taper down to a narrow chin, sometimes with prominent cheekbones. The trick is to balance out the proportions by drawing attention downward. Bottom-heavy frames, teardrop-shaped aviators, or round styles can all help shift focus and create visual balance. Rimless or light-coloured frames can also work well if you want to soften the forehead area without overpowering your face.

Long Or Rectangular Face

Long faces are defined by greater length than width, often with high cheekbones and a long straight cheek line. To bring proportion, look for frames that add width and break up the vertical line. Oversized sunglasses are your best friend - they bring drama and dimension. Wraparound styles, chunky wayfarers, and bold rectangular frames all help to widen your face visually. Steer clear of small or narrow frames - they can elongate your face further and feel out of proportion.

Material Matters

While style and shape take the spotlight, the material of your sunglasses can make all the difference in how they feel, wear, and last. Choosing the right frame material is just as important as finding the perfect fit.

Acetate is a popular choice for fashion-forward frames. It’s lightweight, hypoallergenic, and allows for rich, vibrant colours and patterns - think tortoiseshell, marble, and translucent shades. Acetate frames are not only durable but also comfortable enough for all-day wear, making them a top pick for both style and substance.

Metal frames, on the other hand, offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that works especially well for aviator or rimless styles. They’re typically thinner and lighter in appearance, giving a more delicate, refined look. Options like stainless steel and titanium are also strong, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for those who want understated luxury with lasting wear.

Lens finishes can elevate your look even further. Gradient lenses - which fade from dark to light - are effortlessly elegant and great for reading or driving, while still offering UV protection. If you're after something bolder, mirrored lenses reflect light away and create a striking, fashion-forward finish that's especially flattering in bright sun or beach settings.

Whether you're drawn to bold acetate cat-eyes or classic gold aviators, remember: the right material isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about how your sunglasses feel on your face, how they perform under the sun, and how well they age over time.

Whether you're beach-bound or just brunching al fresco, make sure your sunnies are doing more than just looking good - because the best sunglasses protect and perfect. Shop Shush London's full range of sunglasses.