Makeup tips for contact lens wearers

The 29th annual Eurolens Research survey revealed that most new contact lens fittings in 2024 were for female patients. A total of 75% were prescribed for full-time use. This same segment has dominated the most significant portion of the UK makeup market. The good news is vision correction will not stop you from enjoying both simple and complex looks. Still, there are essential tips to keep in mind, so you can avoid contamination, discomfort, and potential eye damage.

Put contact lenses on before applying makeup

The first rule is that contacts should always be put on before starting any makeup application or preparation. It’s important to avoid getting product on the lenses, as this can distort vision and increase the risk of irritation and infection. When purchasing contact lenses, selecting products with extra moisture is advisable to prevent discomfort that might tempt individuals to fiddle with their lenses during the makeup application process.

It may also be better to stick to daily disposables, as this requires the use of a fresh pair each time before applying makeup. Reusables can be contaminated over multiple uses and require careful storage and cleaning in case of a mishap that necessitates redoing makeup or removing them. There are different manufacturers at one’s disposal, with options like 1-Day Acuvue Moist, Dailies AquaComfort Plus, or Clariti 1-day for maximum comfort.

Avoid handling lenses while or after putting on makeup 

Pronoun fixer completed: Once makeup application has begun, this should be the time to remind oneself not to handle or adjust lenses at all. Should there be a necessity to handle lenses for adjustment or replacement, it is crucial to thoroughly wash and dry hands before touching the eyes. Even with a clean and organised makeup process, there may still be product residue on the hands.

When debris or foreign material gets stuck in lenses, this increases the risk of an eye infection or corneal abrasion. Even without the complication of lenses, getting makeup in the eye can lead to pink eye due to allergic reactions or bacteria.

Skip the waterline and be careful around the eyes

Many makeup looks involve adding liner and shadow to the waterline, but this technique should be ditched once one starts wearing contact lenses. The waterline’s proximity to the eye and its role in maintaining eye lubrication make it the biggest avenue for transferring makeup products directly to the tear film and lenses.

Pronoun fixer completed: It is also essential to properly prime the eyelids and any surrounding areas to avoid transference and potential flakes getting into the eyes. To further prevent that risk, get an eyeshadow palette an eyeshadow palette like Nars’s Summer 2023 collection, which utilises a formula that won’t cake up or become chalky and dry, is advisable. This same principle applies to mascara, as it can result in debris entering the eye.

Stick to water over oil-based products 

Most contact lenses today use materials that, in providing more breathability, make them magnets for oil. As such, you should use water-based makeup instead. If you stick to oil-based products, there’s a tendency for this to slowly make its way to your pupils and stay on the contact lenses. When this happens, it creates a film over the pupil, making it harder to see and can cause pain and irritation.

If you have oil-based makeup that you can’t remove from your routine, be ready with eye drops to keep your eyes clean and lubricated. Just make sure you use drops formulated for your specific contacts and that you still check the lenses throughout the day to prevent build-up.

Remove your contacts before your makeup 

When ending up with makeup on lenses during removal and they are reusable variants, it is essential to rinse them in contact lens solution before storage. Of course, individuals put on reusable contacts have more than triple the risk of preventable rare eye infections. This type of coral infection can threaten eyesight, serving as another reason to opt for disposables for regular makeup users.

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