What type of Sunglasses You Choose?

Take a cue from celebs and fashion types who know that the right pair of sunglasses can add instant mystique, chic and polish to any look.

But also know that sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement: they are a necessity to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Protection

The color and degree of darkness of a lens doesn't tell you anything about sunglasses' ability to block UV rays which can harm your eyes, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology.

Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of harmful UV rays (check the label!).

Lens

A sunglass lens can be made of glass or plastic and can have special hi-tech treatments.

• Mirrored - Thin layer of metallic applied to lens that may reduce visible light to reach eyes, but not UV rays according to AAO.
• Gradient - A tinted lens that is darker on the top fading to no tint on the bottom
• Polarized - Cuts the glare from smooth surfaces such as water, snow or pavement.
• Photo chromic - These lenses are sun-sensitive and transition from light to dark shade according to light conditions.
• Tints - A color called neutral density gray will shade but not change your color perception, according to Dr. Bert Dubow on AllAboutVision.com.

Styles

Sunglass trends have taken their cue from runway and street fashion. Retro looks like aviators and oversized, "Jackie O" frames along with sleek, futuristic shield shapes compliment what's going on in fashion.

Trendy tints span the rainbow, so look for a hue that flatters your coloring.

• Wraps - Extending past the eye to the temple, this style "wraps" around the face.
• Shields - One-piece shields have a modern look and are often partially rimmed or rimless and come in a wide range of tints.
• Aviators - Shaped like a teardrop, metal-rimmed aviators have enjoyed waves of trendiness since WWII when pilots favored this style.
• Clip-ons - An easy way to convert prescription eyeglasses to sunwear, clip-on shades can attach with either clips or magnets.

Flatter Your Face

In general, you should choose a pair of shades in a shape that is the opposite of your face shape.

For example, round faces look best in anything but round shades. A rounder face can carry off geometric shapes, ovals, wraps and shields.

More angular or thin faces look better in rounder frames; oval faces can carry off almost any style.