Eye Makeup Tips for
Contact Lens Wearers
If you're a makeup lover, you know the satisfaction of getting every detail of your look just right, whether you’re getting ready for a night out or preparing for another day at the office. If you wear contacts, though, choosing the right makeup and application techniques becomes even more important. The wrong products or techniques can result in damaged lenses, irritation, and even eye infections. This is especially true if you’re wearing contact lenses for the first time!
To help, these 10 essential eye makeup tips for contact lens wearers offer everything you need to know about wearing makeup with contacts!
Eye Makeup for Contact Lens Wearers: Top 10 Tips
Don't stress about wearing both makeup and contact lenses! With a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can enjoy your favorite makeup looks without compromising your eye health.
Wash your hands before starting your makeup regimen
Always wash your hands before starting your makeup routine and putting in your contact lenses. Dirt, grime, or bacteria on your fingers can easily transfer to your lenses and makeup products. Take the time to properly wash and dry your hands to start your routine off right.
Set Your makeup with primer
Your makeup faces a lot throughout the day: morning meetings, afternoon coffee runs, and nights out with friends—all while you need to look put together and keep your contact lenses clean. Set your makeup with primer to prevent it from smearing or spreading into your eyes. Primers work to keep makeup particles in place, ensuring you look good and keeping your contact lenses clean.
Put in your contacts before applying makeup
If you’ve wondered whether you put in your contacts before or after makeup, here’s the must-follow rule: contact lenses first, mascara second. This order prevents makeup transfer, as putting your lenses in after you've applied eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara makes it easier for your lenses to get dirty and trap makeup particles in your eye. Plus, you don't want to smear your perfectly winged eyeliner!
Use makeup brushes instead of your fingers
The skin around your eyes is sensitive, so it’s important to apply makeup products gently. Using your finger can result in too much pressure applied to the eye and a higher chance of irritation. Instead, use brushes and applicators to apply eye makeup. These tools let you use less pressure and give you more control over the final look.
Choose oil-free products
Oil-based makeup may be fine for glasses wearers, but it is not the best choice in eye makeup for contact lens wearers. Makeup formulated with oil can spread around your face throughout the day and travel into the eye. If you get any oily makeup in your eye, it can get trapped on your contact lens and blur, clouding vision. Don't get caught with cloudy lenses and no solution! Instead, opt for oil-free makeup products.
Be extra careful when applying eyeliner
Eyeliner can be tricky to apply with contact lenses, so it’s important to know the best practices.
First, never put eyeliner on the eye's waterline, which can cause it to spread and get trapped underneath your contact lens. Plus, the edge of your eyelid is home to tear glands. Makeup can clog these glands and lead to dry eyes, infections, and styes.
Next, avoid pencil liners. Pencil liner requires increased pressure to apply, which risks irritation. Instead, try liquid liners that use a soft brush rather than a sharp point, meaning you don't have to apply as much pressure to get an impressive look.
Invest in non-clumping mascara
No one likes clumpy mascara, but it can be especially problematic if you wear contact lenses. Makeup clumps can fall from the lashes and into the eyes, getting trapped underneath contact lenses and resulting in irritation and scratches. Invest in non-clumping mascaras that focus on lengthening and volumizing rather than ones with clumpy fiber particles.
Use cream makeup instead of powder
Loose powder makeup can send a cloud of makeup particles straight into your eyes. These particles can get stuck to your contacts, damaging the lens and causing eye irritation. Instead, try creams—they give you more control during application and are less likely to get into your eyes. If you’re not a fan of creams, opt for pressed powder over loose powder makeup. Pressed powders are less likely to make a cloud of dust, get into the eyes, and damage contact lenses.
Always remove makeup before going to bed
Going to bed with eye makeup on can lead to much bigger problems than a dirty pillowcase. Sleeping in makeup can result in makeup getting into your eye and causing infections like styes. Remove your makeup before bed to keep your face clean and help keep your eyes healthy. When removing makeup, remember to take your contact lenses out first. Wiping off makeup can spread particles, posing a risk of them getting stuck on your lenses.
Keep makeup and applicators clean
Remember to wash your brushes, close your palettes when not in use, and throw away old or expired makeup. Make sure to properly clean your contacts, too! Keeping your makeup and contacts clean helps to prevent eye irritation and infections.
If you have signs of an eye infection, don't apply makeup around the eyes or wear your contact lenses. Bacteria from the infection can easily spread to your makeup and lenses, posing a risk for reinfection. Instead, opt to go makeup-free and wear your glasses until you are sure that the infection has cleared up.
Touching Up Makeup Throughout the Day
Need to refresh your makeup midday? Touch-ups require extra care when you’re wearing contact lenses. Following the right steps can help protect your lenses and keep your eyes comfortable:
Always wash your hands first. Throughout the day, your hands accumulate oils, dirt, and bacteria that can easily transfer to your eyes during touch-ups. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and let it dry completely before touching your face.
Avoid touching the inner corners of your eyes where makeup is most likely to transfer onto your lenses. When applying additional eyeshadow or liner, work from the outer corner inward and stop before reaching the tear duct area.
Use a light hand when applying additional powder or eyeshadow. Instead of packing on more product, try blending what's already there or using a setting spray to refresh your existing makeup.
Consider carrying rewetting drops to refresh your lenses if they feel dry or irritated after touch-ups. A quick drop or two can restore moisture and help flush away any particles that may have settled on your lenses (Just make sure the artificial tears are approved for contact lenses).
If possible, use a mirror in good lighting to minimize the risk of accidentally poking your eye or disturbing your contact lenses. A well-lit mirror also helps you see if any makeup has already migrated toward your lash line or inner eye, allowing you to clean it up before it causes problems.
Special Situations for Contact Lenses and Makeup
While the tips above cover your daily routine, eye makeup for contact lens wearers can get trickier in special circumstances.
Heavy Makeup Days
Planning to wear dramatic eye makeup for a formal event or Halloween party? Consider switching to daily disposable contacts for these occasions. Daily lenses can be thrown away at the end of the night along with any makeup buildup, giving you a fresh start the next day without worrying about residue.
Dealing with Seasonal Allergies
If you experience seasonal allergies, combining contact lenses with eye makeup can increase irritation. Your eyes may already be sensitive and watery, making them more susceptible to makeup particles. During allergy season, stick to minimal eye makeup and consider using specific eye drops for contact lens wearers with allergies. You can also apply drops before inserting your lenses to create a protective moisture barrier.
What to Do If Makeup Gets in Your Eyes
If you do get makeup in your eyes while wearing contacts, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Remove your contact lenses immediately and rinse them with contact lens solution—never water.
- Gently rub the lens with fresh solution and rinse thoroughly.
- For your eyes, flush them with sterile saline solution or artificial tears to remove any remaining particles.
- If irritation persists, discard the lenses, wear your glasses in the meantime, and consult your eye doctor.
Can you wash your face with contacts in? While it’s possible, it’s best to remove your lenses first to avoid getting soap, water, or cleanser trapped underneath—water and contacts don’t mix. Water can introduce bacteria and other contaminants that may lead to serious eye infections.
Seasonal Weather and Eye Makeup
Seasonal changes can significantly impact how your eyes respond to the combination of contact lenses and makeup. During challenging weather, adjust your routine accordingly.
- In winter, consider using a humidifier in your home, applying rewetting drops throughout the day, and opting for lighter eye makeup applications.
- In summer, focus on long-wearing, waterproof make that resists heat and humidity.
Cream-based products work especially well in dry conditions since they’re less likely to flake off and irritate your lenses, while powder formulas may be better for humid climates where cream products might slip.
Still have questions about wearing makeup with contacts?
Choosing the best makeup can be challenging, especially when you have contact lenses to consider. Everyone’s eyes are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your specific lens type, prescription strength, and daily wear schedule can all influence how your eyes respond to makeup.
If you still have questions about eye makeup for contact lens wearers, talk to your eye doctor. Our Visionworks doctors are happy to help answer all your questions! Schedule your eye exam today to discuss your contact lens and makeup concerns with a trusted professional!
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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