Tinted Glasses 101: How They Work, Color Choices, & Finding the Perfect Style

What do Elton John and Pharrell Williams have in common? Being leaders in tinted eyeglass trends. Tinted eyeglasses offer more than meets the eye. Protection from rays and even a brighter mood are possible. Let's break down how they work, how to choose colors/intensities, and examples of celebrities who rock them in style.

Did you know that, in addition to tints being protective for your eyes, there are scientific reasons to support how they could improve your mood? 

Some hues influence your visual-affective processing, so the saying “seeing through rose colored glasses” is more than an aphorism; it can be an added benefit of wearing tinted glasses.

Functionally, tinted lenses reduce glare, filter blue light, ease eye strain, and shield your eyes from UV rays. The level of tint determines how much light your lenses block: lighter shades allow more light through, while darker tints provide stronger protection. Playing with intensity, frame choice, and celebrity inspiration can significantly shape your overall look.

Sunglasses are more than just a stylish accessory to complete an outfit. They can protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, as they are specially designed for outdoor wear. 

According to the World Health Organization, Worldwide, about 15 million people are blind from cataracts, and an estimated 10% of these cases may be linked to UVR exposure. In this regard, wearing sunglasses can help prevent potentially avoidable eyesight degradation.

While sunglasses aren’t as useful indoors due to being too intense, most tinted glasses can also be comfortably used indoors for reading and using electronics.

Gradient tint eyeglasses transition from darker at the top to lighter at the bottom, giving you the best of both worlds. The darker top helps shield your eyes from overhead light, while the lighter bottom keeps your vision clear for reading or indoor use. They’re fashionable, versatile, and work in both prescription and non-prescription styles.

Tinted glasses are not only a chic choice for eyewear. They have a wide variety of benefits. For enhanced results, you should choose the lenses that best fit your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. Here are the main advantages of wearing tinted glasses:

Whether it’s the sharp fluorescent light, the glare coming from computer screens, or even the bounced light shining through a window, indoor lights can get really uncomfortable. If you have sensitive eyes, these specs will totally shield your eyes from the direct rays of the sun piercing indoors.

If you’re thinking that a pair of regular shades will do the proper protecting, well…not quite! Wearing regular sunglasses inside can actually prove detrimental to your eyes because that could actually worsen your light sensitivity. So, tinted glasses are the perfect trade-off for indoor use. They block certain types of “bad light” (such as blue and other artificial light) and act as a shield protecting your eyes from the wavelengths of light that can be perceived as painful.

People who suffer from serious medical problems, such as chronic sensitivity to light caused by migraines or traumatic brain injuries, will find comfort in knowing that tinted glasses are a very successful remedy for photophobia and photosensitivity.

Clinical research conducted by doctors Kathleen Degre and K. C. Brennan has proved that FL-41 glasses – rose-tinted glasses – provide significant relief for chronic photophobia, offering extensive protection against fluorescent and other types of artificial lighting, consequently reducing migraines and headaches, as well as dizziness, eye pain, and even seizures.

Tinted lenses offer complete UV protection, so you can confidently wear your tinted glasses outside when there’s a lot of natural light.

One important benefit of tinted glasses is that they enhance contrast sensitivity, which is particularly important for athletes , offering an extra edge of better vision. For example, when it comes to golf, tinted lenses can enhance the contrast between light and dark patterns of the grass on greens, enabling the player to up their game. Similar principles apply to other sports as well, such as softball, baseball, or cycling.

Specific colors, such as green, have been shown in studies to have a calming, generally positive effect on both the body and mind. This effect extends to tinted sunglasses. Because wearing them might help enhance and boost your mood, tinted glasses can help counter symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Research showed that when people see the color yellow, they tend to be more focused, especially under challenging conditions. Yellow-tinted eyeglass lenses also have a positive effect on a person’s attention level and ability to concentrate, hence people using them manage to stay focused while completing a task.

Placing a colored filter over a text can improve reading speed and reading ability. Some people find it easier to focus on a text (and they can do so for longer periods of time) if they have a colored background as opposed to a plain white background.

Some individuals with dyslexia, a learning disorder that involves reading difficulties, have used tinted glasses as an aid.

Visual stress is a condition that may cause reading difficulties, headaches and visual problems from exposure to patterns in text. Tinted lenses help people who suffer from visual stress by reducing glare from screens and pages, as well as alleviating fatigue when reading. The color of the glasses that works best is dependent on each individual.

The iconic Selena Gomez, currently the most followed woman on Instagram worldwide. She wore red/pink-tinted translucent glasses at events, which complemented her tone and darker hair well. The pop of color adds interest while being playful.

The living legend Elton John needs no introduction.Long known for bold eyewear, including deeply colored tinted lenses. Red, purple, and intensely colored glass often appear in his signature styles. Makes a dramatic, expressive statement.

Jennifer Lopez, a global superstar with decades of success on her resume.Has been photographed with tinted lenses, sometimes in brown or tinted sunglasses, especially when outdoors under bright light or in high-glam settings. The warm hues complement her warm undertones.

Kim Kardashian, one of the most influential women in the world. Depending on the lighting, she regularly uses warm brown/honey/golden tints that enhance her style. These shades often reflect or augment her warm tones.

Pharrell Williams, globally influential musician/producer and Creative Director of Louis Vuitton.Often seen with color-tinted lenses — amber, warm golds, or slightly darker frames.

Jamie Foxx, a multi-hyphenate superstar actor, comedian, and musician known worldwide. Frequently spotted in dark brown or deep blue lenses, his frames highlight his classic approach while also making a confident fashion statement.

Blue-tinted lenses are calming and versatile, reducing glare while adding a cool tone to your overall look. They work especially well with cooler undertones and pair nicely with neutral or black outfits.

Brown tints offer warmth and enhance contrast, making them excellent for both indoor and outdoor wear. They provide a natural, balanced look.

Purple adds a touch of creativity and flair. This tint is bold yet sophisticated, perfect for making a fashion statement. It complements deeper tones beautifully but also contrasts well with light tones when paired with stylish frames.

Yellow tints improve contrast and brighten low-light conditions, making them practical for indoor use and cloudy days. They enhance warmer undertones and give a retro vibe.

Green lenses provide a balanced, soothing effect by reducing glare while keeping colors looking natural. This shade suits all outfit tones and is especially popular for everyday wear.

Grey tints are classic and neutral, ideal for those who want versatile lenses that won’t alter natural colors. They are especially useful for bright sunlight and suit any outfit tone.

Pink lenses create a soft, rosy glow that flatters lighter and medium outfit tones. They add warmth to your look and are associated with a trendy, playful vibe.

When styling tinted glasses, the key is to treat them as both a fashion statement and a functional accessory. 

Start by considering the color of the tint—warmer hues like amber and brown create a vintage, relaxed vibe that pairs well with casual outfits, while cooler tones such as gray or blue feel sleek and modern for more polished looks. 

Match the tint with complementary clothing colors to create harmony, or use it as a contrast piece to add visual interest. Keep in mind the shape and size of the frames too, since bold frames with colored lenses can become the focal point of your look, while subtle frames allow the tint itself to shine. 

Ultimately, tinted glasses work best when styled with confidence—lean into the mood they set and let them elevate your overall aesthetic.

Tint strength and shade help you strike the perfect balance between practicality and personal style. Tint intensity determines how much light is filtered, making it essential to match your lenses to the setting—lighter tints for indoor or subtle style, medium tints for versatile everyday wear, and darker tints for strong outdoor protection. 

• Light intensity (~20-30%) tints are suitable for indoor use 
• Medium intensity (around 50%) balances style + protection; works well outdoors or in bright indoor lighting.
• Dark intensity (70-80% or more) provides more protection, making it better suited for outdoors or use under very bright light. 

Color, on the other hand, shapes the mood and effect of your look: rose and pink tones add softness, amber and yellow enhance contrast, blue and green bring a cooling balance, while red and purple create a bold, dramatic statement.

• For colors:
  • Rose / pink tints add warmth
  • Amber / yellow boosts contrast and can brighten shadows
  • Blue/green can cool down features, useful for cooler undertones 
  • Red / purple are more dramatic, making a statement in photos and on stage.

To keep your tinted prescription eyeglasses in top condition:

• Use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
• Store them in a case when not in use.
• Ask about anti-reflective coatings and UV protection to extend lens life.
• Clean regularly with lens-safe solutions (avoid harsh cleaners).

Select tinted shades that enhance your preferred style. You can also choose a celebrity whose style is similar, and keep in mind that lighting, editing, and aesthetics in photos are often what drives the look. 

Adapt your choices to your everyday environment, and whenever possible, try on glasses before buying, as even subtle differences in tint or intensity can dramatically affect how they appear on you.

Vint & York have thousands of tints and frames to choose from. If you would like to debut tinted glasses, try them online first.

Shop tinted eyeglasses at Vint & York to find your perfect match. With thousands of frames and tint options, plus an online try-on tool, you can find the look that suits your style.