How to Apply Makeup With Colored Contacts

Applying makeup with colored contacts is entirely possible and can enhance your look beautifully, but it requires a slightly modified routine to ensure both eye health and a flawless finish. The golden rule is to always insert your contact lenses before applying any makeup to prevent contamination and irritation. Once your lenses are comfortably in place, you can proceed with your makeup application, being mindful of product choices and techniques to keep your eyes feeling fresh and looking vibrant. For more on this, see our guide to Colored Contacts vs Eye Makeup for Changing Your Look.

The Golden Rule: Contacts First!

When it comes to combining your favorite makeup looks with the stunning impact of colored contacts, the absolute most important step is the order of operations. Always, and we mean always, insert your contact lenses before you start applying any makeup.

Why is this so crucial? Imagine tiny particles of foundation, eyeshadow dust, or even mascara flakes getting trapped under your lens. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, redness, and potentially more serious eye infections. By putting your lenses in first, you create a barrier, ensuring they are clean and settled before any cosmetic products enter the vicinity of your eyes. This simple habit dramatically reduces the risk of transferring makeup particles directly onto your lenses or into your eyes, keeping your vision clear and your eyes healthy. If you're weighing options, our roundup of How to Apply Colored Contacts Over Astigmatism Lenses is a good next read.

Remember, colored contacts are medical devices and require proper hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses. Once your lenses from MyEyeColors are comfortably in place, you’re ready to move on to creating your desired makeup look with peace of mind.

Prepping Your Eyes for a Flawless Look

Even before you reach for your makeup bag, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring comfort and longevity for both your contacts and your makeup. This stage is all about creating a clean, settled base.

• Clean Hands are Paramount: We can't stress this enough. Before touching your eyes or your contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial, oil-free soap and dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel. This prevents the transfer of germs, oils, or lint to your lenses or eyes.
• Insert Your Contacts Correctly: Follow your eye care professional's instructions for inserting your MyEyeColors lenses. Ensure they are the correct way up and fully hydrated. If you experience any discomfort upon insertion, remove the lens, rinse it with fresh solution (never tap water!), and reinsert. If discomfort persists, consult your eye care professional.
• Allow Your Eyes to Settle: Once your lenses are in, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust. Blink a few times to ensure the lenses are comfortably seated. This also helps any excess moisture or tearing to subside before you begin applying makeup.
• Hydrate if Necessary: If you sometimes experience dryness, a few drops of rewetting solution approved for contact lens wearers can be beneficial before makeup application. This creates a more comfortable canvas.

Makeup Product Choices: What to Use and What to Avoid

The types of makeup you choose can significantly impact your comfort and eye health when wearing colored contacts. Opting for certain formulations and avoiding others can make all the difference. You might also like our take on How to Apply Contacts When You're Squeamish.

Safe Makeup Choices for Contact Lens Wearers

• Hypoallergenic and Non-Comedogenic Products: These are formulated to minimize allergic reactions and not clog pores, which is beneficial for the delicate skin around your eyes and reduces the chance of irritation.
• Cream-Based Eyeshadows and Liners: Creams are less likely to flake or shed particles into your eyes compared to powders. They offer vibrant color without the fallout risk.
• Waterproof or Water-Resistant Mascara: This is your best friend. It prevents smudging and flaking, which can irritate your eyes and dirty your lenses. Look for formulas specifically designed for sensitive eyes.
• Oil-Free Foundations and Concealers: While not directly applied to the eye, oil-based products can migrate and create a film on your lenses, blurring your vision.
• Gel Eyeliner: These offer smooth application and tend to be more stable than pencils, reducing the chance of particles breaking off.

Products to Approach with Caution (or Avoid Entirely)

• Loose Glitter or Shimmery Powder Eyeshadows: These are the biggest culprits for getting into your eyes and under your lenses, causing severe irritation and discomfort. If you must use shimmer, opt for pressed cream formulas or glitter glues.
• Fiber Mascaras: While they offer dramatic length, the tiny fibers can easily detach and get into your eyes, leading to irritation. Stick to traditional waterproof formulas.
• Kohl or Kajal Eyeliner on the Waterline: Applying any product directly to the inner rim of your eyelid (waterline) can block tear ducts and transfer oils and pigments onto your lenses, increasing the risk of infection and discomfort.
• Powder-Heavy Products: While some pressed powder eyeshadows are fine, overly powdery formulas or those with significant fallout should be avoided. Always tap off excess product from your brush.
• Aerosol Sprays (Hair Spray, Setting Spray): If using these, apply them before your contacts are in, or with your eyes tightly closed and after applying your makeup. The fine mist can dry out or irritate your eyes.

Application Techniques for Contact Lens Wearers

Even with the right products, how you apply them matters. Adapting your technique can prevent common issues and ensure your colored contacts remain comfortable and your makeup stays put.

Eye Shadow Application

1. Prime Your Lids: Use an oil-free eyeshadow primer. This creates a smooth base, helps eyeshadow adhere better, and minimizes fallout.
2. Pat, Don't Swipe: When applying powder eyeshadow, gently pat the color onto your lid instead of sweeping or dragging the brush. This technique helps to press the pigment into place, reducing loose particles.
3. Tap Off Excess: Always tap your brush vigorously before applying eyeshadow to shed any loose powder.
4. Avoid the Inner Lash Line: Try to keep eyeshadow away from the very inner corner of your eye and the lower lash line, especially if it's a shimmery or glittery shade.
5. Clean Up Fallout: If any fallout occurs, gently remove it with a clean, soft brush or a cotton swab before proceeding with other eye makeup.

Eyeliner Application

• Stick to the Outer Lash Line: Apply eyeliner only to the outer lash line (above the upper lashes and below the lower lashes, away from the waterline).
• Gel or Liquid Preferred: Gel pot liners applied with a brush or liquid eyeliners tend to be more stable and less prone to flaking than pencil liners.
• Keep it Sharp: If you use a pencil, ensure it's freshly sharpened to prevent jagged edges from irritating your eye.

Mascara Application

• Waterproof is Key: As mentioned, waterproof mascara is crucial to prevent smudging and flaking.
• Apply from Mid-Lash to Tip: Start applying mascara from the middle of your lashes, working your way to the tips. Avoid getting too close to the roots, as this is where flakes are most likely to enter your eye.
• Avoid Inner Corner: Don't apply mascara to the tiny lashes in the inner corner of your eye.
• Replace Regularly: Mascara has a short shelf life (typically 3-6 months). Replace it frequently to prevent bacterial buildup that could lead to eye infections.

Foundation and Concealer

Be careful when applying foundation and concealer around the eye area. Use a sponge or brush to blend gently, making sure no product gets into your eyes. If you use a setting powder, apply it sparingly and with a large, fluffy brush, keeping your eyes closed.

Setting Spray

If you use a setting spray, apply it with your eyes tightly closed, holding the bottle at arm's length. Better yet, consider applying setting spray before you put your contacts in, if your routine allows. We break this down further in How to Apply Contacts With Long Nails.

Removing Makeup and Your Contacts Safely

The end of the day requires as much care as the beginning. Proper removal is vital for maintaining eye health and comfort.

1. Remove Your Contacts First: This is the second golden rule. Before you touch any makeup remover, carefully remove your colored contact lenses. This prevents makeup residue from getting onto your lenses or trapped beneath them during the removal process. Store them properly in fresh solution, as advised by your eye care professional.
2. Use a Gentle, Oil-Free Makeup Remover: Opt for an eye makeup remover that is specifically labeled as oil-free and suitable for sensitive eyes. Oil-based removers can leave a film on your skin that might irritate your eyes later or even transfer to your lenses if not thoroughly rinsed.
3. Be Gentle: The skin around your eyes is delicate. Use a soft cotton pad soaked in remover and gently press it against your closed eyelid for a few seconds to allow the makeup to dissolve. Then, wipe downwards and outwards without scrubbing.
4. Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly: After removing eye makeup, wash your entire face with your regular cleanser to ensure all traces of makeup and remover are gone.
5. Hydrate: Finish with your usual skincare routine, including an eye cream, to keep the skin around your eyes moisturized.

Maintaining Eye Health While Wearing Makeup and Contacts

Wearing colored contacts from MyEyeColors and makeup simultaneously is a fantastic way to express yourself, but it comes with the responsibility of diligent eye care. Your eye health should always be your top priority. It pairs well with what we cover in How to Apply and Care for Your Colored Contact Lenses.

• Always Follow Lens Care Instructions: Adhere strictly to the cleaning, disinfecting, and storage instructions provided by your eye care professional and the lens manufacturer. Never use tap water to rinse your lenses or case.
• Replace Lenses as Directed: Do not over-wear your lenses beyond their recommended replacement schedule (daily, bi-weekly, monthly).
• Never Share Lenses: Colored contacts are personal medical devices. Sharing them can transfer serious eye infections.
• Regular Eye Exams: Continue to see your eye care professional regularly for check-ups and to ensure your prescription and lens fit are still appropriate. Even if you want to explore the vibrant selection of colored contacts at MyEyeColors, always consult with your eye care professional first to get a proper fitting and prescription.
• Replace Makeup Regularly: Mascara, liquid eyeliner, and cream products should be replaced every 3-6 months to prevent bacterial growth. Powder products typically last longer, but if they start to smell or change texture, toss them.
• Don't Sleep in Makeup or Contacts: Always remove both before going to bed. Sleeping in contacts (unless specifically prescribed for extended wear) can lead to serious complications.
• Listen to Your Eyes: If your eyes feel irritated, red, dry, or itchy, remove your contacts immediately. If symptoms persist, consult your eye care professional. Don't try to "power through" discomfort.

Key Takeaways

• Always insert contacts before applying makeup and remove them before makeup removal.
• Prioritize hygiene: clean hands, clean lenses, and clean brushes.
• Opt for hypoallergenic, oil-free, and waterproof makeup products.
• Avoid loose powders, glitter, and applying makeup to the waterline.
• Be gentle during application and removal to prevent irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to wear makeup with contacts?

Yes, it is generally safe to wear makeup with contacts, provided you follow proper hygiene practices, choose suitable makeup products, and use correct application and removal techniques. Always prioritize eye health and consult your eye care professional with any concerns.

What kind of mascara is best for contact lens wearers?

Waterproof or water-resistant mascara is highly recommended for contact lens wearers. These formulas are less likely to smudge, flake, or transfer into your eyes, which can cause irritation and discomfort. Look for hypoallergenic formulas designed for sensitive eyes.

Can I use setting spray with my colored contacts in?

It's best to apply setting spray before inserting your contacts. If you must use it with your contacts in, ensure your eyes are tightly closed and hold the bottle at arm's length to minimize direct contact with your eyes and lenses. The fine mist can sometimes dry out or irritate your eyes.

Should I remove my contacts before taking off my eye makeup?

Absolutely. Always remove your contact lenses before you begin removing any eye makeup. This prevents makeup residue from getting trapped under your lenses or onto the lens surface during the removal process, which can lead to irritation or contamination.

Can MyEyeColors contacts be worn with any makeup look?

Yes, MyEyeColors offers a wide range of colored contacts that can beautifully complement any makeup look you desire. From subtle enhancements to dramatic transformations, our lenses are designed for comfort and style. Just remember to follow the safety and application tips outlined here to ensure your eyes stay healthy and your look stays flawless. Browse our collection at browse our colored contacts to find your perfect shade, and always consult with your eye care professional for a proper fitting and prescription.