If you have high cheekbones, your glasses likely brush against them when you smile, causing the frame to lift off the bridge of your nose. The fix is choosing frames with the right depth, temple angle, and nose-pad height — not just the right shape. The tips below help you find eyewear that sits flush, stays put, and flatters your bone structure at the same time.
Why High Cheekbones Cause Frames to Lift
Your cheekbones act as a shelf. When the lower rim of a frame rests on that shelf instead of floating just above it, any smile or facial movement pushes the frame upward. Frames that are too deep (tall lens height), too curved, or set with nose pads too low are the most common culprits. Understanding this makes it much easier to shop intentionally.
Which Frame Shapes Work Best?
Not every silhouette causes the same problem. Some shapes naturally clear the cheekbone, while others dig straight into it.
Round and oval frames — Shallower lens depth means less chance of contact with the cheek. A great default for most high-cheekbone faces.
Browline and semi-rimless frames — Weight sits at the top, reducing pressure on the cheekbone area entirely.
Cat-eye frames — The upswept corners angle the lower rim away from the cheek. Works particularly well for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Rectangular frames with low lens depth — Safe when the vertical height stays under 38 mm. Avoid oversized rectangles that extend far down the face.
Frame Shapes to Approach with Caution
Oversized round or square frames — Deep lens height increases the risk of cheekbone contact dramatically.
Wrap-around styles — The curved temple and front sit close to the face, pressing on prominent cheeks during any expression.
Bottom-heavy or aviator-style frames — The wide lower rim lands right at cheekbone level on most faces.
Fit Adjustments That Make a Real Difference
Even a well-chosen frame may need fine-tuning. These adjustments can be done at any optical store or by a trained optician at the time of purchase.
Raise the nose pads — Lifting the frame a few millimetres off the nose moves the lower rim away from the cheek. This is the single most effective fix.
Adjust the temple angle — Flattening the temples slightly reduces how far the frame is pushed forward onto the face.
Check the pantoscopic tilt — A tilt of around 8–12 degrees angles the lower rim away from the cheek without affecting your optical prescription zone.
Try silicone nose pads — They grip better than plastic pads, reducing the micro-sliding that happens with facial expressions.
Sunglasses for High Cheekbones: Key Considerations
Sunglasses for outdoor use sit under additional stress from heat and movement. Choose lightweight acetate or TR-90 frames with adjustable nose pads wherever possible. Shield-style lenses look bold but almost always press on high cheekbones — opt for classic wayfarers or slim square sunnies with a shallow lens depth instead. A UV400 lens in a well-fitted frame beats any trendy silhouette that shifts every time you glance down.
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
Lens depth under 40 mm for everyday frames, under 38 mm for a safer margin
Adjustable nose pads (metal frames nearly always have them; look for the same in acetate)
Try smiling naturally in-store — the frame should not lift at all
Lightweight materials (titanium, TR-90, thin acetate) reduce downward slide that triggers lifting
Ask your optician to check fit after lenses are fitted — added lens weight can shift the balance point
