Keke Palmer x Zenni Review: Why we’re obsessed with the latest drop

Written by Anthony Palliparambil, Jr.

Updated September 1, 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Zenni just dropped a second collection of stylish, budget-friendly eyewear made in collaboration with Emmy award-winning actress, musician, and style icon, Keke Palmer. The Nope superstar already worked with our favorite prescription sunglasses retailer on a drop of sun-ready styles earlier this summer named “Summer Love.” This second collection, “Board Certified,” is filled with styles that feature a dressed-up and ready-for-business vibe.

Zenni sent me a few pieces from both drops, and I haven’t been able to stop wearing these fashionable shades for weeks. The “Summer Love” line was the perfect pop of color for the hot and sunny summer months, while the more subdued “Board Certified” collection is the ideal style companion as the seasons begin to shift. See what I think about the line below, and then shop our top picks.

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What is the Keke Palmer x Zenni “Board Certified” collection?

A close-up photograph of actress Keke Palmer on the phone, wearing a pair of black glasses. There is also an image of a pair of clubmaster style glasses on a desk. — Credit: Reviewed / Zenni Optical

Curated in partnership with Keke Palmer, the “Find Your Frame of Mind” campaign offers styles that are inspired by Palmer’s unique and exuberant sense of style. The collection features sunglasses and reading glasses in various sizes and styles, including colorful, bold statement pieces.

“I have always loved having fun with style and accessories,” Palmer told us. “I have also always needed to wear glasses and view it as a privilege! I love to let the looks I choose represent different parts of my personality and because Zenni offers such a fantastic variety, they really allow me to do just that.”

Sure enough, variety has been the name of the game with these first two brand activations. The “Summer Love” line launched in July with a collection of glasses accented with touches of green. For the second drop, Zenni announced the “Board Certified” collection, which features sleek and sharp styles that are designed to take you from the office to a night out. Like all of Zenni’s styles, prices range between $7 and $50 per pair.

This isn’t the first time Zenni has partnered with notable style icons and trendsetters. In addition to this collection, Zenni has also worked with figures including Iris Apfel, Cynthia Rowley, David Ortiz, and more.

What we like about the Keke Palmer x Zenni collaboration

The author wearing a light green pair of readers, and two additional pairs of sunglasses hanging off of a fence. — Credit: Reviewed / Ashy Palliparambil

There are plenty of stylish designs to choose from

Zenni sent me four pairs of sunglasses and four readers for this review. The samples ranged in styles from classic aviators to traditional clubmasters to semi-rimless cat eyes, and more. There was even a pair of sunglasses with funky geometric, octagonal lenses unlike anything I’d worn before. Truth be told, there is a style for everyone with this collaboration.

If you’re a fashion maximalist who never shies away from color, you’ll adore pieces from the fun and bold “Summer Love” collection, all of which have a touch of green (and additional colorways) that are tasteful and elegant. If you prefer things a bit more serious, shop the “Board Certified” line for more classic styles in a muted color palette.

You get to add a bit of Keke Palmer’s iconic style to your wardrobe without spending much

Keke Palmer is nothing if not an absolute fashion force to be reckoned with right now. Last year, I relished watching her Password reboot on NBC each week, not just because I loved her quips and witty comebacks, but because her wardrobe on the show was second to none on TV. Palmer isn’t afraid of color, isn’t afraid to have a fashion moment, and knows how to wear current and retro styles with panache.

“I don’t take myself too seriously when it comes to fashion,” says Palmer. “And glasses are such a fab accessory because you can immediately reflect whatever you are feeling just by changing them out…whether it’s boldness or sophistication or fun.“

Her collaboration with Zenni makes perfect sense, as it makes her stellar style attainable to all of her eager fans (myself included). I'd always wanted to try out some of her most outrageous styles, and now, I can. Best of all, the entire line is affordably priced, with almost every pair coming in under $40. Add in a basic prescription lens for free, and you can stock up on an entire collection of eyewear for much less than it would cost elsewhere.

What we don’t like about the Keke Palmer x Zenni collaboration

An image of the author wearing a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses, and an image of a pair of sunglasses on a table. — Credit: Reviewed / Zenni Optical / Ashy Palliparambil

Honestly, not much

To be transparent, I’m obsessed with sunglasses, and have been highly suspect of brands that offer a good thing at too good of a cost. I was shocked to find that the sunglasses and readers that Zenni sent me not only fit well and look chic—they genuinely feel well-made. The only pair that felt lighter and less durable than the others was a pair of black Square Glasses, though others might prefer this lightweight style, especially if they have to wear glasses all day.

My only other criticism of the brand is that certain styles, like the Aviator Glasses, are susceptible to smudges more easily, thanks to the highly reflective green lenses that they come with. However, this was absolutely my favorite style of the bunch, so I made sure to just clean them off with the included cleaning cloths whenever I wanted to wear them.

Is the Keke Palmer x Zenni collaboration worth it?

Photographs of a pair of glasses on a desk, and also an image of actress Keke Palmer sitting in a chair with her legs crossed. She wears a black suit, white pumps, and a pair of tortoiseshell glasses. — Credit: Reviewed / Zenni Optical

Absolutely!

I adored wearing pieces from the Keke Palmer x Zenni collection. These frames aren’t just fun, they’re comfortable to wear, protective, and seriously stylish. Most importantly, they add a touch of Keke Palmer’s effervescent and lively style to any outfit. The “Find Your Frame of Mind” campaign will continue later this year with additional product drops, so be sure to follow us for updates. For now, you can shop our favorite pieces from the line below.

Shop Keke Palmer x Zenni