Makeup tips for contact lens wearers
If you’ve worn contacts and makeup for a while, you know that makeup can be a frenemy.
You have learned to be careful with certain makeup application processes and stay far away from eye shadows with chunks of glitter (ouch!). If you’re just getting into wearing contacts, you might not be aware of the pain involved in getting a piece of mascara in your eye, or worse under your lens.
We worked with a makeup expert to develop makeup tips for those that wear contacts. They don’t only apply to contact lens wearers though.
These tips work for people with sensitive eye issues of all kinds!
Kirsis B. – Professional makeup artist
Runny liner? Runny mascara? Kirsis sees tons of clients who have issues with their liner running. She recommends topping the liner with black eye shadow. Another issue her clients run into is the dreaded mascara smudge under the lower lid. Use a waterproof mascara to help with that. The final issue is winged eyeliner staying put. There is no answer here other than finding a good waterproof liner that works for you.
More tips for wearing contacts and makeup
The most important aspect of comfortably wearing makeup with contacts is hygiene. Keeping the cleanest possible applicators, makeup kit, contacts, and hands will go a long way in protecting your peepers. Before applying your makeup or putting in contacts, always wash your hands and double check your contact is clean if you wear bi-weekly or monthly lenses.
Alternatively, daily contacts are a great option when you wear makeup consistently. There will be much less time spent staring at a lens trying to figure out if there’s glitter still on it or if it’s just the light. Instead, you can just pop open a fresh pair of contacts every day and toss them when you take off your makeup. Dailies even fit so neatly into a nightly skincare routine, what’s not to love?
Eyeliner
One of the biggest problems people have applying makeup is with eyeliner. Apply it too close to your eyes and you could get it stuck on your lenses, which can be uncomfortable and unsanitary.
Avoid applying eyeliner to the inside of the lash line. Instead, apply it directly above or directly below. The best eyeliner for contact lens wearers will be waterproof and long-lasting, which should mitigate most of the smudging or running.
Eye Shadow
Next, if you use a powdered eye shadow, make sure to apply a primer first. The primer will help the eye shadow better adhere to your eyelids. And when applying, make sure to use a clean brush to avoid getting debris in your eyes.
You might also find pressed pigments to be less problematic than cream shadows. With oil-based cream shadows you run the risk of the oil running into your eyes. While this won’t cause any irritation, it may cause long-lasting blurred vision due to your contacts retaining the oil.
Mascara and eyelashes
With mascara, just like with eyeliner, you don’t want to apply too close to your eyes. Start in the middle of the lash, and apply directly upward and downward. And when it comes to fake lashes, you’ll want to avoid them altogether because the glue can get stuck on your contact lenses and irritate your eyes.
If you can’t live without your falsies (we get it), you may want to investigate eyelash extensions. They are more expensive and require an appointment, but they use medical grade adhesive which is less irritating and long lasting. You’ll still get those luscious lashes, just with less eye touching.
Original published date: 1/24/2020
Updated: 12/19/2022