Safe and fabulous: Tips for wearing contact lenses with makeup

Q: Can you wear makeup to a contact lens appointment?

Wearing some makeup is fine, but try not to overdo it for a contact lens appointment. More makeup means more of a chance that it may transfer into your eye and/or onto your contact lens.

Q: Is eyeshadow safe for contact lens wearers?

Certain types of eyeshadow are safer than others. Don’t use frosted, pearlized, glittery or shiny types of eye shadow, because these can flake and get into your eye. If you aren’t sure about your eyeshadow, ask your eye doctor.

Q: How do you put in contacts without ruining makeup?

Always put your contact lenses in before applying your makeup. This makes it less likely that you’ll get makeup on your contacts by transferring residue from your fingers, but also makes it so that by the time you’re applying your makeup, you won’t need to touch your eyelids and face and risk messing up your makeup.

Q: How to get makeup off contact lenses?

If you’re wearing daily disposable lenses, remove the contact lens with makeup on it, throw it away, and replace it. If you’re wearing reusable lenses, take the lens with makeup on it off of your eye and clean it thoroughly with a multipurpose solution. This removes many kinds of makeup residue. That said, certain types of makeup, like false eyelash glue, may damage your contact lens, requiring you to replace it, and when in doubt, you should throw your lens away and wear a fresh one.

Published on November 20, 2024

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5 minute read time

Tips for safer use of contacts and makeup

Shop with your eyes in mind

Be choosy about your makeup

Replace your makeup often

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For extra convenience, consider daily disposable lenses

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear makeup to a contact lens appointment?

Is eyeshadow safe for contact lens wearers?

How do you put in contacts without ruining makeup?

How to get makeup off contact lenses?