How to put in colored contacts: a beginner-friendly guide
Thinking about trying colored contacts for the first time?
Whether you're looking for a subtle eye color change or a dramatic new look, it's important to remember that colored contact lenses aren't just fashion accessories. They're medical devices that sit directly on your eyes, which means wearing them safely matters just as much as choosing the right color.
Before you put in your first pair, here's what you need to know about inserting, wearing, and caring for colored contacts.
Start with a quick safety check
Before a colored contact lens goes anywhere near your eye, take a moment to make sure you're starting safely.
Quick pre-wear checklist
Before wearing colored contacts, make sure that:
- The lenses aren't expired
- The lenses aren't torn or damaged
- Your eyes aren't red, irritated, or painful
- You can wear contact lenses comfortably
- You're using the lenses exactly as directed
- You're not planning to wear colored contacts over another pair of contacts
If you answered "no" to any of these, it's worth addressing the issue before putting the lenses in.
How to put in colored contacts
The good news is that colored contacts go in almost exactly the same way as regular soft contact lenses.
Once you learn the process, it becomes much easier.
Step 1: Prep your hands, lens, and mirror
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Then:
- Dry your hands completely
- Use a lint-free towel if possible
- Set up in front of a clean, well-lit mirror
- Check that the lens isn't damaged
If your lenses come in a blister pack, inspect them before wearing them.
Do colored contacts need to be soaked first?
Some reusable colored contacts may require soaking before first wear, while others are ready to use immediately.
Always follow the instructions that came with your specific lenses rather than guessing.
Step 2: Make sure the lens isn't inside out
Place the lens on the pad of your index finger.
A correctly oriented contact lens should look like a bowl.
The edges should curve upward evenly.
If the edges flare outward, the lens may be inside out.
A quick check now can save a lot of discomfort later.
Step 3: Hold your eyelids open
Using one hand:
- Lift your upper eyelid gently near the lashes
Using the middle finger of your other hand:
- Pull down the lower eyelid
Holding both lids helps prevent blinking while you place the lens.
Step 4: Place the lens on your eye
Looking straight ahead or slightly upward:
- Bring the lens toward your eye slowly.
- Gently touch the lens to your eye.
- Release it carefully.
- Slowly let go of your eyelids.
There's no need to push hard. The lens should naturally settle onto the surface of the eye.
Step 5: Blink and let it center
Blink a few times slowly.
The lens should move into position and begin feeling comfortable.
A properly positioned colored contact lens should:
- Feel comfortable
- Stay centered
- Provide clear vision
- Move naturally with your eye
“How To Put In Your Contact Lenses” is the first video in a three part series aimed to help you learn the ins and outs of contact lens wear.
Don’t forget to also check out “How To Take Out Your Contact Lenses” and “How To Clean Your Contact Lenses.”
What is the easiest way to put in colored contacts?
For most beginners, the easiest approach is:
- Sit in front of a mirror
- Hold both eyelids open
- Look slightly upward
- Move slowly
- Place the lens gently
- Blink a few times afterward
The biggest mistake beginners make is rushing.
Slowing down usually makes insertion much easier.
Do colored contacts hurt to put in?
They shouldn't.
Most people notice the lens briefly when it first goes in, but it should not cause sharp pain.
If a lens hurts when inserted:
- Remove it
- Inspect it for damage
- Make sure it's right-side out
- Clean or rinse it if appropriate
- Try again
Never force yourself to keep wearing a lens that feels painful.
What if the lens feels weird, moves, or won't go in?
A few common things may be happening.
The lens keeps folding
Try:
- Drying your fingertips
- Repositioning the lens
- Moving more slowly
The lens stings
Try:
- Removing it
- Inspecting it for debris
- Rinsing according to lens instructions
- Reinserting it
The lens won't stay in place
Try:
- Checking whether it's inside out
- Making sure the lens hasn't dried out
- Confirming you're wearing the correct lens in the correct eye
If discomfort continues, stop wearing the lens and investigate further.
Are colored contacts safe?
Yes, when they're used properly.
Colored contacts are regulated as medical devices because they sit directly on the surface of the eye. Just like clear contacts, they need to fit correctly and be handled properly.
Colored contacts can generally be worn safely when you:
- Follow wear instructions
- Keep lenses clean
- Replace lenses on schedule
- Wash your hands before handling them
- Stop wearing them if they cause discomfort
Problems are more likely to occur when lenses are shared, worn too long, cleaned improperly, or purchased from questionable sources.
Who should pause before wearing colored contacts?
Even if you've worn colored contacts before, there are times when it's better to wait.
Consider skipping contact lens wear if you have:
- Active eye redness
- Eye pain
- A recent eye infection
- Significant allergy symptoms affecting your eyes
- Severe dryness
- A torn or damaged lens
- Blurry vision that hasn't been evaluated
If your eyes are already irritated, adding a contact lens can make the situation worse.
How to wear colored contacts comfortably
The first few hours of wear can tell you a lot about how your eyes respond to colored contacts.
Helpful habits during wear
Do:
- Blink normally
- Follow the recommended wear schedule
- Pay attention to comfort
- Remove lenses if irritation develops
Don't:
- Sleep in your lenses unless specifically approved
- Share lenses with anyone
- Swim or shower while wearing them
- Use old solution
- Wear them longer than directed
What are the downsides of wearing colored contacts?
Most people wear colored contacts successfully, but they aren't completely hassle-free.
Potential downsides include:
- Dryness
- Reduced comfort in some lens designs
- Additional cleaning requirements
- Increased infection risk if handled improperly
- Extra maintenance compared to glasses
For many people, these tradeoffs are manageable with proper care.
How to remove colored contacts
Removing colored contacts is similar to removing regular soft contact lenses.
Beginner-friendly removal method
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Look upward.
- Use your fingertip to slide the lens downward.
- Gently pinch the lens between your finger pads.
- Remove the lens.
Try to stay relaxed.
Most people find that removal becomes significantly easier after a few days of practice.
Clean and store colored contacts the right way
If your colored contacts are reusable:
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the lens.
- Clean it according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Store it in a clean case.
- Use fresh contact lens solution every time.
Never top off yesterday's solution with new solution.
If your lenses are daily disposables, throw them away after use and open a fresh pair next time.
What about the "3:1:1 rule" for contacts?
You may see various contact lens tips online, but the most reliable guidance is always the care instructions that came with your specific lenses.
Different lenses have different wear and care requirements, so follow the manufacturer's directions rather than internet shortcuts.
When should you stop wearing colored contacts?
Remove your lenses and contact an eye doctor if you experience:
- Eye pain
- Significant redness
- Blurry vision
- Unusual discharge
- Light sensitivity
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
These symptoms aren't normal and shouldn't be ignored.
The bottom line
Colored contacts can be a fun way to change your look, but they're still contact lenses and should be treated like medical devices.
The safest approach is simple:
- Start with healthy eyes
- Use the correct lens
- Never layer contacts
- Follow a consistent insertion routine
- Clean and store lenses properly
- Stop wearing them if they become uncomfortable
- A little extra care goes a long way toward helping your colored contacts look good and feel good throughout the day.
And maybe most importantly, always get your colored contacts from a trusted source. Many wearers can qualify for prescription colored contacts from their eye care provider. And with the largest contacts inventory, 1-800 Contacts can get them delivered free, just in time for your big event.
Did you know you can order contacts online?
Skip the extra trips and get what you need when you need it. With 1-800 Contacts, you can order your lenses in just a few clicks and have them delivered right to your door. Need to renew your prescription? Our online vision exam makes it easy to do from home. New customers save on their first order.
Original publish date: 3/12/2024
Updated date: 10/6/2026