Approximately 50% of Australians need eyeglasses and because of competition between retailers, a complete pair of glasses can cost as little as $50. However, while there are major savings to be made there is also a confusing range of options to choose from.

While an optometrist will prepare a script for the required lenses, the choices the consumer makes will affect the final cost of their spectacles. Often the low advertised prices are for the more basic product. However, when it comes to eyeglasses and frames every individual is different.

Some of the choices that will affect the final price are whether to get anti-reflective coating on lenses, frame selection and the thickness of the lenses.

Consumers should check for a warranty on the frame and lenses – one or two years is the norm. You should also feel comfortable with whoever you are dealing with, and not feel pressured or rushed.

If you are not too fashion conscious and your prescription only requires single-vision lenses then you can definitely capitalise on the current market to buy dome seriously cheap specs. Most of the cheap advertised eyeglasses are made with standard plastic lenses suitable for single-vision prescriptions. However multi-focal lenses which correct near and long distance vision cost considerably more.

It is good to shop around for the best price on eyeglasses, but it can be difficult to compare because they are a technical product and a medical device. However the time spent comparing proces with several retailers will not be wasted.

Remember, buying a good pair of eyeglasses is in investment in your vision and your eye health.

Sunglasses are everywhere, just like the sun, sand and the sea in Australia. Most of us don’t venture out into the sunlight without them. These days sunglasses are not only fashion accessories, but also they are status symbols. However, are we just paying for the brand or are all sunglasses basically the same?

While the only major difference between cheap and expensive sunglasses is price, the chances of having optically correct lenses is greater with more expensive glasses. There are two main types of sunglass lenses – acrylic and polycarbonate.
Acrylic lenses are surface dyed by dipping them in a dye bath, while polycarbonate lenses have the dye included when they are moulded.

Neither type is superior to the other. Any difference in costs is due to the quality of the moulds used in the lense manfacturing process, which determines the optical quality. Other differences are in the quality of the frame, finish and the designer brand name.

There are very few sunglasses that lack adequate UV light protection. This is because Australia has standards, including a minimum UV standard, which classifies sunglasses based on the amount of UV radiaition that passes through lenses and defines safety requirements for lenses and frames. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) administers these standards through the Trade Practices Act and recalls any brands not meeting the standards. The ACCC monitors companies much more than street vendors, so it is advisable to buy sunglasses from an organisation that has a reputation to protect.

Here are some key things to look for when buying a pair of sunglasses:

• Only buy glasses that have a sticker stating that they conform to Australian standards.
• To check for lense imperfections hold the glasses at arm’s length and look through them at a straight line in the distance, such as the edge of a door. Slowly move the lense across the line. If the straight edge distorts, moves or curves then the lense is flawed.
• Polarised lenses cut reflected glare (when sunlight bounces off surfaces such as the pavement or water) and can be helpful when driving, at the beach or in the snow.
• If using sunglasses for water or snow sports (eg sailing, skiing), look for double gradient lenses (dark at the top and bottom and lighter in the middle), as light reflects up off the water or snow.

Choosing the right shape and colour for your face
A round face is better suited to darker coloured frames and straight angled frames that are rectangular or square. Thin metal frames are also an option.

A square face will be better balanced with rounded frames. Rectangular frames will only accentuate the squareness of your face shape.

If you have a triangle face, aim to downplay the width at the top of your face with thinner rims.

An oval face has more options. but stay away from frames that are too narrow because they will make your gace look longer.

Compliment your hair colour – blondes suit frames in earthy tones. Those with dark hair have a wide scope – go for warmer tones such as bronze and gold for winter, and a coller tone such as silver in summer. Redheads should avoid silver and gold and go for warmer tones such as tortoiseshell. Guys with grey are safe with pewter and metal frames.

The easiest way to research and compare brands and prices of sunglasses is to visit online retailers – be careful include any shipping costs in the total price.

Lingerie is an ideal gift idea for all occasions including anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

Leading brands of women’s underwear and lingerie include Bassoni, Crystelle, Bonds, Bendon, Lovable, Berlei, Fayreform, Elle MacPherson Intimates, Kayser, Kissed, Fine Lines and Formfit. These brands are available at the big department stores as well as many specialty lingerie shops.

The following alphabetic listing details some of the many types of lingerie available:

Bras
Varieties include strapless, convertible, sports, push-up, padded, minimiser, underwire and balconette.

Briefs
Lacy, sheer, g-string.

Babydolls
Short, sleeveless loose fitting nightgown or negligee.

Bodysuits
Leotard-like garment that often has snaps at the crotch which undo.

Bustiers
A bustier pushes up the bust and gently shapes the waist, using panels or occasionally synthetic boning for support.

Camisoles
Sleeveless and tight fitting, sometimes cropped to show the midriff, or else covering the entire top.

Chemise
Loose-fitting, sleeveless, shirt-like undergarment (similar to babydoll).

Corsets or Shapewear
A garment designed to meld to the wearer’s torso, producing a more fashionable figure.

Matching Sets
Bra and brief sets that match.

Nightwear
Including seductive nightdresses (very brief to full length), silky pyjamas (skimpy or long leg styles).

Robes & Gowns
Cosy warm or soft and silky dressing gowns, worn over nightwear such as pyjamas or nightdresses.

Slips (petticoats)
Slips can be full (from the shoulders) or half slips (from the waist) and of various lengths, from very short to full length.

Suspenders & Hosiery
Stockings and undergarments designed to hold stockings up.

Teddies
Similar to a bodysuit, but looser, and is taken off by slipping off from the shoulders.

Torsolettes
A short, strapless corset with half-cups for the bust and long garters.

There are also specialised varieties of lingerie, for example:

Specialist Bras
Training Bras – special small cup bras for developing teens.
Maternity Bras or Nursing Bras – bras with flaps that open, wider straps and extra cup room for pregnant and nursing mothers.
Mastectomy Bras – designed for women who have lost one or both breasts. They can hold a prosthesis in place to give a natural look.

Bridal Lingerie, Wedding Lingerie, Honeymoon Lingerie
There is a large amount of bridal lingerie, from more demure to exotic and skimpy, made to suit any type of bride-to-be.

Full Figure Lingerie, Plus Size Lingerie
Lingerie manufacturers have realised that women with a fuller, curvier figure love to buy and wear sexy lingerie, so many of the different kinds of lingerie are available in plus sizes.

Swimwear
Many lingerie shops also sell swimwear – from full one piece to bikinis and everything in between. Many shops also sell beach wraps, sarongs and beach dresses.

Lingerie Parties
An increasingly popular and fun idea is to hold a lingerie party. Various companies run parties where a representative comes into a home and allows a group to try a whole range of lingerie. Party goers can then buy whatever takes their fancy. The party host is usually rewarded with a commission on sales, discounted prices or free gift.

Lingerie can often be bought at discount prices from online suppliers and the internet provides an discreet way of looking for lingerie in the comfort of your own home.

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